mineral
Black Tourmaline
Schorl (NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH,F)4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, black to dark brown color, vitreous luster, and prismatic crystal habit with striated faces.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, black to dark brown color, vitreous luster, and prismatic crystal habit with striated faces.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks under high-temperature conditions involving boron-rich fluids.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, metaphysical collections, and industrial applications due to its pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties.
Geological facts
Schorl accounts for approximately 95 percent of all tourmaline found in nature and was historically referred to as schorl before the 14th century.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive triangular cross-section, striations along the length of the crystal, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found worldwide, especially in Brazil, Africa, and the USA.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous