Vayrynenite on Tourmaline, Nuristan, Afghanistan

This beautiful tourmaline (variety elbaite) specimen also hosts a small companion: vayrynenite. This is a very rare manganese and beryllium phosphate that occurs in pegmatites. Our example is hiding in plain sight - look towards the base of the main (most vertical) tourmaline and you will see the light pink, lathe-like vayrynenite crystal. The colouration is due to its manganese content; a common chromophore in pink minerals. The tourmalines are very gemmy, showing some colour-zoning in various shades of green. The main tourmaline is terminated but the others do show damage or contact points. Both the vayrynenite and tourmaline are perched upon a stacking of doubly-terminated quartz crystals. There is a partial coating of micaceous material on the quartz and tourmaline. Mounted on an acrylic base. Ex Steve Potvin collection. From Nuristan province, Afghanistan. Dimensions: 2.5 cm x 3 cm x 4 cm