Native Copper Inclusions in a Cu-bearing Tourmaline

Journal of Gemmology
Written By Precious Braswell
Dendritic platelets of native copper are oriented primarily along the c-axis of this Cu-bearing tourmaline. Photomicrograph taken by Christopher P. Smith; magnified 58x.

Dendritic platelets of native copper are oriented primarily along the c-axis of this Cu-bearing tourmaline. Photomicrograph taken by Christopher P. Smith; magnified 58x.

Relics of native copper highlight the source of copper found encased in this Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline from the original area near São José da Batalha.

The research was published in the The Journal of Gemmology, Vol 36, No 3, pp 203.

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JoG_2018_Vol36_No3_Copper_Inclusion_Tourmaline.jpg
Precious Braswell
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