Gemstone profile and identification guide
Elbaite
Elbaite is the lithium-rich tourmaline species that includes many prized gem tourmaline colors.
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Overview
Elbaite is the lithium-rich tourmaline species that includes many prized gem tourmaline colors.
Did you know? Many famous trade varieties (rubellite, indicolite, and others) are elbaite compositions.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Elbaite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Tourmaline Group: Elbaite)
Hardness: 7.5 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Trigonal
Primary colour: Multicolor
Secondary colour: Green
Colour family: Multi
Tourmaline constants, pleochroism, and lithium species context support elbaite identification.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name entries include conservative composition/treatment disclosures where needed.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Sodium lithium aluminum borosilicate [Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4]
Crystal system: Trigonal
Common locations: Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Madagascar
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Lithium tourmaline species showing broad color range, including bicolor and tricolor crystals.
Optical effects: Pleochroism
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Elbaite
Mineral group: Tourmaline group
Chemical formula: Sodium lithium aluminum borosilicate [Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4]
Mohs hardness: 7.5
Crystal system: Trigonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Indistinct
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.0-3.1
Refractive index: 1.61-1.65
Optical phenomena: Pleochroism
Colour range: Pink, red, green, blue, yellow, multicolor
Common inclusions: Tubes, liquid inclusions, growth zoning
Geological environment: Lithium-rich pegmatites
Principal mining regions: Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Madagascar
Important commercial sources: Gem-quality elbaite is sourced from major pegmatite provinces worldwide
Historical significance: Core species in modern colored gemstone trade.
Common treatments: Heat treatment common in some colors.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic spinel imitations exist.
Common look-alikes: Topaz, spodumene, beryl
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted gems, cabochons, and high-end collector stones.
Care recommendations: Durable for jewelry; protect from impact on included stones.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Elbaite.
Formation
Forms in lithium-bearing granitic pegmatites and related hydrothermal systems.
Origin
Gem-quality elbaite is sourced from major pegmatite provinces worldwide
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted gems, cabochons, and high-end collector stones.
Ideal uses: Fine jewelry and collector-quality faceting.
Care
Durable for jewelry; protect from impact on included stones.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Elbaite FAQ
How can I identify Elbaite?
Compare hardness (7.5 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Elbaite appear in?
Lithium tourmaline species showing broad color range, including bicolor and tricolor crystals.
Where is Elbaite commonly used?
Fine jewelry and collector-quality faceting.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.