mineral
Black Tourmaline
Schorl (NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 7 to 7.5; deep black color; vitreous to submetallic luster; trigonal crystal system; distinct prismatic habit with striated faces.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5; deep black color; vitreous to submetallic luster; trigonal crystal system; distinct prismatic habit with striated faces.
Formation & geological history
Forms in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks like schists and gneisses through high-temperature fluid crystallization.
Uses & applications
Widely used in metaphysical practices, jewelry making, and industrial applications for its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties.
Geological facts
Tourmaline has the most diverse color range of any mineral group, but black schorl accounts for about 95 percent of all natural tourmaline.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic triangular cross-section, striated vertical column faces, and lack of cleavage.
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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