Mineral

Tourmalinated Quartz

SiO2 with NaFe3+3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 inclusions

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale) for the quartz matrix. Color: Transparent to translucent clear or milky quartz with black needle-like inclusions. Luster: Vitreous. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (quartz) with trigonal inclusions (tourmaline). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale) for the quartz matrix
Luster: Vitreous

Identified June 19, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins where both silica-rich and boron-rich fluids crystallize together. The schorl (black tourmaline) needles grow in the cavity before or alongside the quartz.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as a lapidary stone, carved into cabochons, pendants, and beads. Also collected by mineral enthusiasts.

Geological facts

The black needles are typically Schorl, the most common variety of tourmaline.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for clear to milky quartz with distinct, opaque black needle-like inclusions passing through it. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and parts of the USA.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral