mineral
Green Tourmaline (Verdelite)
Elbaite (Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7-7.5 (Mohs), Color: emerald green to yellowish-green, Luster: Vitreous, Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal with vertical striations, Cleavage: Indistinct, SG: 3.06.
- Hardness
- 7-7
Identified More mineral →
Explore Green Tourmaline (Verdelite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7-7.5 (Mohs), Color: emerald green to yellowish-green, Luster: Vitreous, Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal with vertical striations, Cleavage: Indistinct, SG: 3.06.
Formation & geological history
Formed in granitic pegmatites and metamorphic rocks through hydrothermal processes involving boron-rich fluids during late-stage igneous cooling.
Uses & applications
Highly valued as a gemstone in jewelry, popular for mineral collectors, and used in high-pressure scientific gauges due to piezoelectric properties.
Geological facts
Tourmaline is unique because it is both piezoelectric and pyroelectric, meaning it generates an electrical charge when compressed or heated.
Field identification & locations
Identify by prominent vertical striations on the prism faces and its characteristic triangular cross-section; commonly found in Brazil, Afghanistan, and Namibia.
