mineral
Black Tourmaline
Schorl (NaFe3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, deep black color, vitreous to submetallic luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and specific gravity of 3.2-3.8.
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 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, deep black color, vitreous to submetallic luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and specific gravity of 3.2-3.8.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins through high-temperature crystallization involving boron-rich fluids interacting with crustal rocks.
Uses & applications
Widely utilized in mineral specimen collecting, metaphysical practices, and industrial applications requiring piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties.
Geological facts
Schorl is the most abundant variety of tourmaline, accounting for approximately 95 percent of all tourmaline found in nature.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive striated prismatic crystal faces and resistance to scratching; commonly sourced from Brazil, Pakistan, and the United States.
