Green Tourmaline Dorothea Quarry Wales Genuine Crystal Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Genuine Green Tourmaline – Dorothea Quarry (Whitemoor), Wales

This Green Tourmaline specimen from Dorothea Quarry (Whitemoor), Wales, is a genuine British crystal carefully selected for its colour, crystal structure and locality significance. The photograph provided shows the exact specimen you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing details and accurate scale.

This crystal includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming its genuine origin and mineral identification.

Mineral & Geological Classification – Tourmaline Supergroup

Green Tourmaline is typically a member of the Tourmaline Supergroup, most commonly classified as Elbaite when lithium-rich. Tourmaline is a complex boron silicate mineral with a variable chemical composition. A simplified general formula for elbaite is Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄, though substitutions of iron, magnesium and other elements are common.

Mineral Group: Tourmaline Supergroup
Common Species: Elbaite or related tourmaline species
Crystal System: Trigonal
Hardness: 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale
Lustre: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

The green colour is typically caused by trace elements such as iron or chromium within the crystal lattice. Tourmaline crystals are well known for their elongated prismatic growth and distinct vertical striations along the crystal faces.

Dorothea Quarry Locality – North Wales Geology

Dorothea Quarry, located in the Nantlle Valley of North Wales, is historically known for slate extraction and is situated within a region influenced by complex igneous and metamorphic processes. The geological framework includes Ordovician volcanic rocks and intrusive bodies that contributed to mineral formation within fractures and veins.

Tourmaline in this region forms in association with granitic or pegmatitic intrusions and hydrothermal systems. Mineral-rich fluids circulating through fractures allowed boron-bearing solutions to crystallise tourmaline within cavities and veins. These geological processes are linked to regional tectonic events and magmatic activity.

Associated minerals in similar Welsh environments may include quartz, feldspar and mica, depending on host rock composition and fluid chemistry.

Crystal Characteristics & Notable Features

Green tourmaline commonly develops as elongated prismatic crystals with triangular or rounded cross-sections. Key visible traits may include:

• Prominent vertical striations along crystal faces

• Deep green to lighter emerald or olive tones

• Transparent to translucent crystal sections

• Vitreous, glass-like surface lustre

Natural inclusions, growth zoning and minor contact marks are part of the crystal’s geological formation and confirm its authenticity. Some specimens may display subtle colour zoning where trace element concentrations varied during growth.

Tourmaline can also exhibit pleochroism, meaning the shade of green may appear slightly different when viewed from different angles under light.

Geological Importance & Collectibility

Welsh mineral specimens are highly valued by collectors due to the region’s rich geological history and historic quarrying heritage. Dorothea Quarry adds locality importance, making this specimen desirable for collectors of British minerals.

Tourmaline’s durability, colour and prismatic habit make it a standout display mineral in any collection. Its trigonal symmetry and distinctive growth patterns are of interest to both mineral enthusiasts and geology students.

Because this is a genuine natural specimen, each crystal displays unique structural and visual characteristics. The photograph shows the exact piece you will receive.

Authenticity & Presentation

This Green Tourmaline specimen from Dorothea Quarry has been carefully chosen for quality, colour and presentation. Included with your purchase is a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming its genuine origin from Wales.

Combining Welsh geological heritage with the classic prismatic form of tourmaline, this Green Tourmaline specimen offers mineral authenticity, locality significance and collector appeal in one carefully selected crystal.