Mushroom Tourmaline

Mushroom Tourmaline is a variety of Rubellite (Elbaite) Tourmaline that is named for its natural crystal growth shapes resembling mushrooms. The “mushroom” shapes are botryoidal aggregates consisting of radial sprays of pink crystals up to about 1″ wide and almost 2″ tall. These radial mushrooms are typically bright raspberry pink to burgundy red with black radiating centers. Analysis shows that the black centers are Schorl Tourmaline. The pink mushroom crystals are typically found on a matrix of bright white, opaque Calcite or white Quartz. The contrast of bright pink radiating botryoidal mushroom crystals on a bright white matrix makes for spectacular collection pieces. Mushroom Tourmaline cabochons with black radiating centers and bright pink base colors are very attractive.

These unusual Mushroom Tourmaline crystals were discovered around 1993 at mines near the village of Khetchel, Molo quarter, Momeik Township, northeast of Mogok, Mandalay Division, Shan State, Burma (Myanmar). These very unique crystals are said to be one of the most unusual Tourmaline finds of all time.