Lithium-rich tourmaline and the most colorful tourmaline species. Includes rubellite pink , indicolite blue , and watermelon tourmaline. Color: Pink, blue, green, watermelon pink+green. Luster: Vitreous. Streak: White. Cleavage: None. Hardness: 7-7.5. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal. Chemical formula: Na Li,Al ₃Al₆ BO₃ ₃Si₆O₁₈ OH ₄. Specific gravity: 3.05-3.11. Formation: Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, often with lepidolite and spodumene. Common geological settings: Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, USA Maine, California ; found in granitic pegmatites. Common look-alikes and related entries: Beryl, Spodumene, Topaz.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:45.296997+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Lithium-rich tourmaline and the most colorful tourmaline species. Includes rubellite pink , indicolite blue , and watermelon tourmaline.
How can you identify Elbaite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Pink, blue, green, watermelon pink+green; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 7-7.5; cleavage: None; crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Elbaite form?
Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, often with lepidolite and spodumene.
Where is Elbaite commonly found?
Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, USA Maine, California ; found in granitic pegmatites.
What is Elbaite commonly confused with?
Elbaite may be confused with Beryl, Spodumene, Topaz. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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