mineral
Black Tourmaline
Schorl (NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, deep black color, vitreous to submetallic luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Black Tourmaline in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, deep black color, vitreous to submetallic luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins associated with cooling magma intrusions, as well as in metamorphic rocks like schists and gneisses.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, metaphysical and crystal healing practices, and industrial applications due to its pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties.
Geological facts
Schorl is the most common variety of tourmaline, accounting for about 95 percent of all tourmaline in nature. Its name is derived from a village in Saxony, Germany.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct striated prismatic crystal faces and dark black opaque appearance. Found globally, with notable deposits in Brazil, Pakistan, and the United States.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Limonite
FeO(OH)•nH2O
mineral
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