Tourmaline (var. Indicolite)

This is a gorgeous, richly saturated teal-blue gem tourmaline crystal from the classic pegmatites of Otjua, Namibia. Indicolite of this colour and quality is distinctly uncommon from the locality and has long been highly sought after by collectors. The specimen has a complete termination and fully crystallized all around, with only a very minor wear that does not detract from its overall presentation. Based on style and association, this piece likely dates from the productive collecting period of the 1970s–1980s, when many of the finest Otjua tourmalines were recovered.

An original label accompanying the specimen identifies it as foitite; however, this attribution is considered doubtful. Foitite typically does not exhibit this degree of colour saturation or this crystal habit, and the specimen is far more consistent with gem-quality indicolite.

A beautiful and classic tourmaline specimen from one of Namibia’s most important pegmatite localities, combining rarity of colour and  gemminess.