{"product_id":"blue-cap-tourmaline-cleavelandite-paprok-afghanistan-774g","title":"Natural Blue Cap Tourmaline with Cleavelandite from Paprok, Afghanistan – 774 Gram Elbaite Specimen","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eA Blue Cap Tourmaline from the World's Most Famous Tourmaline Locality\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eAmong 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eWhat Is a Blue Cap Tourmaline?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\"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. \u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.adamsminerals.com\/Pakistan-Aquamarine-specimen_p_2710.html\" class=\"group\/tag relative h-[18px] rounded-full inline-flex items-center overflow-hidden -translate-y-px cursor-pointer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative transition-colors h-full max-w-[180px] overflow-hidden px-1.5 inline-flex items-center font-small rounded-full border-0.5 border-border-300 bg-bg-200 group-hover\/tag:bg-accent-900 group-hover\/tag:border-accent-100\/60\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"text-nowrap text-text-300 break-all truncate font-normal group-hover\/tag:text-text-200\"\u003eAdamsminerals\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"transition-all opacity-[0%] h-[17px] absolute right-[0.5px] rounded-r-full flex items-center px-1.5 bg-gradient-to-r from-accent-900\/0 via-accent-900\/100 via-30% to-accent-900\/100 group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%]\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" class=\"transition-all group-hover\/tag:ease-out duration-[500ms] ease-in text-accent-100 group-hover\/tag:scale-[100%] scale-[80%] group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%] opacity-[0%] -mr-[2px]\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M200,64V168a8,8,0,0,1-16,0V83.31L69.66,197.66a8,8,0,0,1-11.32-11.32L172.69,72H88a8,8,0,0,1,0-16H192A8,8,0,0,1,200,64Z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eWhy This Specimen Stands Out\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisual impact.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocality prestige.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. \u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.gia.edu\/gems-gemology\/spring-2018-gemnews-aquamarine-from-pakistan\" class=\"group\/tag relative h-[18px] rounded-full inline-flex items-center overflow-hidden -translate-y-px cursor-pointer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative transition-colors h-full max-w-[180px] overflow-hidden px-1.5 inline-flex items-center font-small rounded-full border-0.5 border-border-300 bg-bg-200 group-hover\/tag:bg-accent-900 group-hover\/tag:border-accent-100\/60\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"text-nowrap text-text-300 break-all truncate font-normal group-hover\/tag:text-text-200\"\u003eGIA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"transition-all opacity-[0%] h-[17px] absolute right-[0.5px] rounded-r-full flex items-center px-1.5 bg-gradient-to-r from-accent-900\/0 via-accent-900\/100 via-30% to-accent-900\/100 group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%]\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" class=\"transition-all group-hover\/tag:ease-out duration-[500ms] ease-in text-accent-100 group-hover\/tag:scale-[100%] scale-[80%] group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%] opacity-[0%] -mr-[2px]\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M200,64V168a8,8,0,0,1-16,0V83.31L69.66,197.66a8,8,0,0,1-11.32-11.32L172.69,72H88a8,8,0,0,1,0-16H192A8,8,0,0,1,200,64Z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollector rarity.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eProperties \u0026amp; Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cthead class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eElbaite Tourmaline (blue cap variety)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eUnique blue and green in termination cap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Mineral\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eCleavelandite (Albite Feldspar)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003ePaprok, Nuristan, Afghanistan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTreatment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eNatural — no enhancement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e774 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e115 × 101 × 63 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTermination\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eTerminated, damage-free\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSKU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eBC-35 \/ PR27\/1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eExpress Free Shipping included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eBuying Guide: What to Look For in a Blue Cap Tourmaline Specimen\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eWhen evaluating any blue cap tourmaline, here's what genuinely matters:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistinctness of the cap color.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTermination condition.\u003c\/strong\u003e Because the cap is the defining feature, an undamaged termination is essential. This crystal is fully terminated and damage-free.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCleavelandite quality.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal completeness.\u003c\/strong\u003e A complete, undamaged crystal is worth significantly more than a fragmented or contacted one, especially at this size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocality documentation.\u003c\/strong\u003e \"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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eAuthenticity You Can Trust\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThis specimen is \u003cstrong\u003e100% natural with no treatment of any kind.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eHow to Use This Specimen\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay \u0026amp; collection.\u003c\/strong\u003e A strong centerpiece for a tourmaline collection or an \"Afghan locality\" shelf — particularly meaningful for collectors building around named sources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGifting.\u003c\/strong\u003e A genuinely impressive gift for a collector who understands the significance of Paprok and appreciates the rarity of blue cap color zoning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEducation.\u003c\/strong\u003e An excellent reference specimen for understanding color zoning in elbaite tourmaline and how pegmatite chemistry creates distinct cap colors during crystal growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClean gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth — avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTourmaline is relatively hard (7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale) but can still chip if knocked; handle with care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAvoid prolonged direct sunlight storage to protect color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHandle by the matrix base rather than the termination to preserve the cap.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eWhy Buy From Minerals Paradise\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore our Paprok tourmaline collection:\u003c\/strong\u003e browse our full \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/mineralsparadise.com\/collections\/tourmaline-crystals\"\u003eTourmaline Crystal Collection\u003c\/a\u003e for our other blue cap and multicolored Paprok specimens, or see related \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/mineralsparadise.com\/collections\/morganite-crystals\"\u003eMorganite Crystals\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/mineralsparadise.com\/collections\/kunzite-crystals\"\u003eKunzite Crystals\u003c\/a\u003e from the same Afghan pegmatite region. To learn more about tourmaline's meaning and properties, visit our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/mineralsparadise.com\/blogs\/healing-crystals-1\"\u003eHealing Crystals\u003c\/a\u003e blog.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e 5. FAQ SECTION (AEO Optimized)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What is a blue cap tourmaline?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is this tourmaline natural?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: Yes. This specimen is 100% natural with no treatment or enhancement of any kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What makes Paprok tourmaline special?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What is cleavelandite, and why is it on this specimen?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What variety of tourmaline is this?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: This is elbaite — the lithium-bearing, multicolored variety of tourmaline responsible for the distinctive blue cap coloring at the termination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How do I care for a tourmaline specimen?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Do you ship this specimen worldwide?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: Yes, we ship worldwide with Express Free Shipping, and orders are processed within 24–48 hours of payment confirmation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47491156214051,"sku":"PR27\/1","price":7680.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/6833\/0019\/files\/Natural_elbaite_tourmaline_blue_green_termination_close-up.png?v=1782873056","url":"https:\/\/mineralsparadise.com\/products\/blue-cap-tourmaline-cleavelandite-paprok-afghanistan-774g","provider":"Minerals Paradise","version":"1.0","type":"link"}