mineral

Black Tourmaline

Schorl (complex sodium iron aluminum borosilicate)

Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Black, deep brown-black. Luster: Vitreous to submetallic. Crystal structure: Trigonal (often forming prismatic crystals with striated faces). Cleavage: Indistinct. Specific gravity: 3.0 to 3.2.

Hardness: 7 to 7
Color: Black, deep brown-black
Luster: Vitreous to submetallic

Identified August 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses, through the crystallization of boron-rich fluids at high temperatures and pressures.

Uses & applications

Widely used in holistic and crystal healing, jewelry making, lapidary art, and sometimes in industrial applications due to its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties.

Geological facts

Black tourmaline, also known as schorl, accounts for about 95 percent of all tourmaline found in nature. It is heavily utilized in metaphysical communities for grounding and protection.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its characteristic triangular cross-section of crystals, vertical striations along the prism faces, and extreme dark color. Found globally, with notable deposits in Brazil, Africa, and the United States.

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