Trapiche Tourmaline From Zambia

Well formed crystals of green tourmaline have been found with a growth pattern similar to trapiche emerald and ruby from Kavungu mine in the vicinity of Jivunda in Chief Sailunga's area, southeast of Mwinilunga in northwestern Zambia. Those who are not familiar with the crystal specimens may confuse for emeralds because of its color and patterns. The experts believe that the trapiche-like appearance may be due to skeletal growth with black carbonaceous substance, most likely being graphite, that may have been embedded with other impurities during the growth of the crystals. Chemical analysis indicate that the tourmaline is uvite and is colored green by vanadium. Facet quality specimens are rare due to the dark color of the tourmaline.