Class : Silicates
    Subclass : Cyclosilicates
    Crystal system : Trigonal
    Chemistry : Na(Al,Li)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄
    Rarity : Uncommon

Verdelite is a green gem variety of elbaite or liddicoatite, two minerals of the tourmaline group ; verdelite is the most common variety of elbaite. Elbaite is a sodium and lithium tourmaline specific to sodolithic pegmatites where it coexists with lepidolite, and sometimes beryl and topaz. Its name comes from the Latin viridis (green), in allusion to its color. Like the majority of minerals of the tourmaline group, elbaite is almost always well crystallized. The crystals are usually elongated prisms, strongly striated along the elongation, often broken and cemented by quartz, showing the triangular section with curved edges and the pyramidal terminations typical of tourmalines. The crystals are commonly associated in parallel or radiate groupings. It is a valued stone in jewelry.

Main photo : Verdelite from Arqueana Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil

No twinning known for this mineral species.

No fakes listed for this mineral species.