Where is Indicolite found?
Indicolite (Elbaite variety)
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Open the appIndicolite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Indicolite
Minas Gerais, Brazil
A world-renowned source for high-quality Indicolite, particularly from pegmatite mines in areas like Governador Valadares and Teófilo Otoni.
Pala, San Diego County, California, USA
Historically significant for various tourmaline varieties, including Indicolite, found in pegmatite dikes.
Afghanistan
Known for producing fine gem-quality tourmalines, including Indicolite, often from pegmatite deposits in regions like Nuristan.
Pakistan
Similar to Afghanistan, pegmatite occurrences yield various tourmaline colors, including blue Indicolite.
Nigeria
Emerging as a significant source of gem-quality tourmalines, including Indicolite, from pegmatite fields.
Madagascar
Produces a wide range of tourmaline colors, with Indicolite found in its numerous pegmatite districts.
Collecting tips
- Target Pegmatite Outcrops. Focus your search on areas known for granitic pegmatites. Look for coarse-grained igneous rocks with large crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica, as these are common associates of tourmaline.
- Look for Associated Minerals. Indicolite often occurs with other pegmatite minerals such as lepidolite, spodumene, beryl, and various phosphates. The presence of these minerals can indicate a favorable environment for tourmaline.
- Examine Weathered Zones. Tourmaline is relatively resistant to weathering. Look for tourmaline crystals that have weathered out of the host rock and accumulated in stream beds or alluvial deposits downstream from pegmatite outcrops.
- Check for Striations and Crystal Habit. Identify tourmaline by its characteristic prismatic crystal habit, often with prominent vertical striations on its crystal faces and a roughly triangular cross-section.
- Observe Pleochroism. If you find a blue crystal, rotate it to observe if its color changes intensity or hue when viewed from different angles. Strong pleochroism is a key indicator for tourmaline, especially Indicolite, and helps distinguish it from other blue minerals.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Blue (light to deep, sometimes greenish or violet)
- Luster:
- Vitreous to resinous
- Streak:
- White
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