Natural Blue Cap Tourmaline with Cleavelandite from Paprok, Afghanistan – 774 Gram Elbaite Specimen
Natural Blue Cap Tourmaline with Cleavelandite from Paprok, Afghanistan – 774 Gram Elbaite Specimen
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SKU:PR27/1
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Description
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Shippinig and Return
A Blue Cap Tourmaline from the World's Most Famous Tourmaline Locality
Among mineral collectors, Paprok in Nuristan, Afghanistan, doesn't need much introduction. It's one of the most recognized and documented tourmaline localities on Earth — cited repeatedly by specialist dealers and mineral databases as the source of the most iconic tourmaline-on-cleavelandite combination specimens in existence. This 774-gram piece brings exactly that combination: a terminated, damage-free tourmaline crystal with a unique blue and green color in the termination cap, set beautifully against white cleavelandite albite.
What Is a Blue Cap Tourmaline?
"Blue cap" refers to the distinctive color zoning found in certain tourmaline crystals where the termination (the top, or "cap") shows a blue or blue-green hue distinct from the body of the crystal below. Technically, this variety is called elbaite — the multicolored lithium-bearing member of the tourmaline group — and the specific development of a colored cap is the result of changing chemical conditions in the pegmatite pocket during crystal growth. This kind of capped, multicolored elbaite is recognized as a collector specialty piece from specific pockets in the Paprok region. Adamsminerals
The cleavelandite (also spelled cleavlandite) on this specimen is a platy, white variety of albite feldspar — the classic, naturally occurring matrix companion for Paprok tourmaline, and one that immediately identifies the locality to experienced collectors.
Why This Specimen Stands Out
Visual impact. The blue and green color in the termination cap contrasts with the body of the tourmaline and the bright white cleavelandite matrix, creating genuine visual drama in a single piece.
Locality prestige. Paprok tourmaline on cleavelandite is described by leading specialist dealers as "the most stereotypic form of tourmaline for this region" — a combination so characteristic of this locality that it's immediately recognizable to any experienced collector. GIA
Collector rarity. True blue cap coloration — where the termination zone distinctly differs in hue from the crystal body — is less common than green-capped Paprok tourmaline and commands specific collector attention.
Properties & Details
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Stone | Elbaite Tourmaline (blue cap variety) |
| Color | Unique blue and green in termination cap |
| Associated Mineral | Cleavelandite (Albite Feldspar) |
| Origin | Paprok, Nuristan, Afghanistan |
| Treatment | Natural — no enhancement |
| Weight | 774 grams |
| Dimensions | 115 × 101 × 63 mm |
| Termination | Terminated, damage-free |
| SKU | BC-35 / PR27/1 |
| Shipping | Express Free Shipping included |
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Blue Cap Tourmaline Specimen
When evaluating any blue cap tourmaline, here's what genuinely matters:
- Distinctness of the cap color. The clearest blue cap specimens show an obvious, well-defined color zone at the termination that's visually distinct from the crystal body below — not a subtle or barely-there tint.
- Termination condition. Because the cap is the defining feature, an undamaged termination is essential. This crystal is fully terminated and damage-free.
- Cleavelandite quality. The white albite matrix is part of what makes a Paprok tourmaline specimen distinctively Paprok — bright, clean cleavelandite is a sign of a well-preserved piece from a good pocket.
- Crystal completeness. A complete, undamaged crystal is worth significantly more than a fragmented or contacted one, especially at this size.
- Locality documentation. "Paprok" is a specific, internationally recognized named locality — not a generic "Afghanistan" attribution. The locality name on the specimen adds documented provenance and long-term collection value.
Authenticity You Can Trust
This specimen is 100% natural with no treatment of any kind. What's shown in the listing photos is the actual piece you'll receive — not a stock image or representative sample. We source directly from mining regions in Afghanistan, keeping the chain from miner to collector short and transparent.
How to Use This Specimen
- Display & collection. A strong centerpiece for a tourmaline collection or an "Afghan locality" shelf — particularly meaningful for collectors building around named sources.
- Gifting. A genuinely impressive gift for a collector who understands the significance of Paprok and appreciates the rarity of blue cap color zoning.
- Education. An excellent reference specimen for understanding color zoning in elbaite tourmaline and how pegmatite chemistry creates distinct cap colors during crystal growth.
Care Instructions
- Clean gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth — avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Tourmaline is relatively hard (7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale) but can still chip if knocked; handle with care.
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight storage to protect color.
- Handle by the matrix base rather than the termination to preserve the cap.
Why Buy From Minerals Paradise
We work directly with mining regions in Afghanistan, giving us tighter quality control and fairer pricing than most resellers. Every listing shows real photos of the actual specimen you're buying, not stock imagery. We ship worldwide with Express Free Shipping, back every order with a return policy, and offer flexible payment plans for collector-level pieces.
Explore our Paprok tourmaline collection: browse our full Tourmaline Crystal Collection for our other blue cap and multicolored Paprok specimens, or see related Morganite Crystals and Kunzite Crystals from the same Afghan pegmatite region. To learn more about tourmaline's meaning and properties, visit our Healing Crystals blog.
5. FAQ SECTION (AEO Optimized)
Q: What is a blue cap tourmaline?
A: A blue cap tourmaline is a tourmaline crystal that shows a distinct blue or blue-green color zone at its termination (the top of the crystal), different from the color of the body below. This color zoning occurs naturally during crystal growth as the chemical conditions in the pegmatite pocket change over time.
Q: Is this tourmaline natural?
A: Yes. This specimen is 100% natural with no treatment or enhancement of any kind.
Q: What makes Paprok tourmaline special?
A: Paprok in Nuristan, Afghanistan, is one of the world's most recognized tourmaline localities. It's specifically known for producing tourmaline on cleavelandite matrix — a combination so characteristic of the region that specialist dealers describe it as the most iconic tourmaline form from Afghanistan.
Q: What is cleavelandite, and why is it on this specimen?
A: Cleavelandite is a platy, white variety of albite feldspar that commonly forms alongside tourmaline in Afghan pegmatite deposits. Its presence on this specimen is both visually striking and a natural indicator of the Paprok locality.
Q: What variety of tourmaline is this?
A: This is elbaite — the lithium-bearing, multicolored variety of tourmaline responsible for the distinctive blue cap coloring at the termination.
Q: How do I care for a tourmaline specimen?
A: Clean with a soft, dry cloth, avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, and handle by the matrix base rather than the termination to protect the cap.
Q: Do you ship this specimen worldwide?
A: Yes, we ship worldwide with Express Free Shipping, and orders are processed within 24–48 hours of payment confirmation.
Returns Policy
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.
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