When transparent and vibrantly colored, elbaite is a popular gemstone, with global annual sales of millions of dollars. Stones of several hundred carats have been cut. This is an excellent group for a collector to specialize in, though large or particularly gemmy crystals are expensive. Individual mines can produce literally tons of tourmaline. Identification of individual species can be difficult.
Most specimens sold as tourmaline are the species elbaite.
Dravite, elbaite, schorl, and uvite are readily obtainable, but the other species may be challenging to acquire. Dealers have crystals in all sizes and colors from many localities. Matrix specimens, or crystals associated with other crystallized minerals are particularly desirable. Crystals showing color zoning are also highly collectible. Classic localities to look for include Elba, Italy, and the famous old pegmatites of Maine.