Grade A Green Cap Tourmaline with Quartz and Albite Skardu Pakistan Crystal

Genuine Grade A Green Cap Tourmaline with Quartz and Albite – Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

This Grade A Clear Green Cap Tourmaline with Quartz and Albite natural crystal specimen comes from the renowned pegmatite fields of Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The photograph provided shows the exact specimen you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing and scale details.

This crystal includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming its genuine identity and documented Pakistani provenance.

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Mineral Species & Scientific Classification

The primary mineral in this specimen is Tourmaline, most commonly the lithium-rich species Elbaite when displaying green coloration and colour zoning.

Primary Mineral: Elbaite (Tourmaline Supergroup)
General Formula: Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄
Mineral Group: Cyclosilicate (Borosilicate)
Crystal System: Trigonal
Hardness: 7–7.5 Mohs
Lustre: Vitreous

Associated Minerals:
Quartz – SiO₂, trigonal crystal system
Albite – NaAlSi₃O₈, triclinic crystal system, feldspar group

Tourmaline crystals are characteristically elongated and prismatic with strong vertical striations along their length. “Green cap” tourmaline refers to crystals that display distinct colour zoning, often with a transparent to translucent green termination contrasting with a lighter or differently coloured core.

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Geological Formation – Himalayan Pegmatite Environment

The Skardu region lies within the Karakoram and western Himalayan orogenic belt, a globally recognised source of exceptional pegmatite minerals. These pegmatites formed from granitic magmas enriched in volatile components such as boron, lithium and fluorine.

Formation process:

• Slow cooling of granitic pegmatitic melts

• Concentration of boron-rich fluids

• Crystallisation of tourmaline within quartz and feldspar matrix

• Development of colour zoning during late-stage growth

Green cap zoning occurs when chemical conditions within the pegmatite shift during crystal growth, introducing trace elements such as iron, chromium or vanadium that alter colour at the termination.

Quartz and albite typically crystallise alongside tourmaline in pegmatitic cavities, forming classic mineral associations valued by collectors.

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Crystal Habit, Colour & Natural Features

This Grade A specimen displays natural multi-mineral growth with clear green-capped tourmaline crystals rising from a quartz and albite matrix.

Notable features may include:

• Elongated prismatic tourmaline crystals

• Transparent to translucent green terminations

• Distinct colour zoning between core and cap

• Clear or milky quartz crystals

• Pale albite feldspar matrix

• Vertical striations on tourmaline prism faces

The green caps may appear vibrant under natural light, while the contrasting white albite and glassy quartz enhance visual balance and structure.

No artificial treatments or enhancements are implied. The colour zoning is a natural geological feature formed during crystal growth.

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Collectibility & Mineralogical Appeal

Green cap tourmaline from Skardu is highly regarded among mineral collectors for its:

• Recognised Himalayan pegmatite locality

• Natural colour zoning

• Association with quartz and albite

• Well-defined trigonal crystal habit

Specimens combining multiple minerals in balanced composition are especially desirable for display cabinets and advanced collections.

Tourmaline has been traditionally associated in various cultures with balance in a spiritual sense, though this listing focuses entirely on its geological formation and mineralogical characteristics.

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Authenticity & Presentation

This Green Cap Tourmaline with Quartz and Albite specimen has been carefully chosen for crystal definition, colour contrast and locality significance. The image shown is of the exact specimen you will receive.

Included with your purchase is a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming this is a genuine specimen from Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.

A classic example of Himalayan pegmatite mineralisation, this Grade A crystal combination offers striking colour zoning, strong mineral association and documented provenance in one authentic collector’s piece.