mineral

Black-and-white tourmaline (schorl in quartz)

Schorl, a sodium iron tourmaline: NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄; the pale material may be quartz or feldspar.

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The specimen appears to contain opaque black, lustrous tourmaline with a white, lighter-colored matrix. Schorl has Mohs hardness 7–7.5, trigonal crystals and typically strong lengthwise striations; the image is too small to confirm the matrix mineral.

Identified September 24, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Black-and-white tourmaline (schorl in quartz)
Scientific name: Schorl, a sodium iron tourmaline: NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄; the pale material may be quartz or feldspar.
Category: mineral
Identified: September 24, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 for a small, common specimen; attractive, well-crystallized pieces may sell for more.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Tourmaline commonly crystallizes in boron-rich granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often alongside quartz and feldspar. Its age depends on the host deposit and cannot be determined from the photo.

Uses & applications

Tourmaline is collected as mineral specimens and used as a gemstone; quartz and feldspar have broad industrial uses, though this piece appears chiefly suited to collecting.

Geological facts

Schorl is the most abundant tourmaline species and is commonly black because of its iron content.

Field identification & locations

Look for a dark, elongated crystal with lengthwise grooves and a roughly triangular cross-section, often embedded in pale pegmatite. Similar specimens occur in pegmatites worldwide; confirm identity with a closer view or mineral tests.