RocksdayElbaite vs Tourmaline
To tell Elbaite from Tourmaline: Elbaite is the lithium species of the tourmaline group.
The lithium tourmaline behind most green, pink and multicolored gem tourmaline, including watermelon crystals.
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0
A boron-bearing silicate found in more colors than almost any other gem. Black schorl is the most common form.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
Key differences
- Elbaite is the lithium species of the tourmaline group.
Side by side
| Property | Elbaite | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 7–7.5 | 7–7.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Green, Pink, Red, Blue, Yellow | Black, Green, Pink |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | Trigonal |
| Specific gravity | 3–3.1 | 3–3.3 |
| Formula | Na(Li₁.₅Al₁.₅)Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄ | Complex borosilicate |
| Found in | Minas Gerais, Brazil; San Diego County, California | Mount Mica, Maine; San Diego County, California |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify elbaite
- Long prisms, often green, pink or both, with lengthwise striations.
- Rounded-triangle cross-section.
- Hardness 7–7.5.
Crystal system: Trigonal
Full Elbaite guide →How to identify tourmaline
- Long prisms with lengthwise grooves (striations).
- Rounded-triangle cross-section when broken across.
- Hard — scratches glass.
- Gem crystals can change color from end to end ('watermelon').
Crystal system: Trigonal
Full Tourmaline guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between elbaite and tourmaline?
Elbaite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7–7.5 and a vitreous luster, usually green, pink, red, blue or yellow. Tourmaline is a mineral (Complex borosilicate) with a Mohs hardness of 7–7.5 and a vitreous luster, usually black, green or pink.
How can you tell elbaite from tourmaline?
Elbaite is the lithium species of the tourmaline group.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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