Rock Identifier
Likely black tourmaline (schorl) in a light-colored host rock (Schorl, NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄; host may be quartz or feldspar) — mineral
mineral

Likely black tourmaline (schorl) in a light-colored host rock

Schorl, NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄; host may be quartz or feldspar

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Black, opaque, vitreous to submetallic crystals with uneven fracture; tourmaline hardness 7–7.5 Mohs. The image is too blurry for reliable confirmation or host identification.

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Physical properties

Black, opaque, vitreous to submetallic crystals with uneven fracture; tourmaline hardness 7–7.5 Mohs. The image is too blurry for reliable confirmation or host identification.

Formation & geological history

Tourmaline commonly crystallizes in boron-rich granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, typically during late-stage magma cooling; the specimen’s age and exact setting cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Tourmaline is collected as a mineral specimen and, when gem-quality, cut for jewelry; quartz and feldspar hosts have ornamental and industrial uses.

Geological facts

Schorl is the most common tourmaline species and is typically iron-rich; tourmaline crystals often show strong lengthwise striations.

Field identification & locations

Look for black, elongated, strongly striated crystals and test hardness only on an inconspicuous area; a closer, sharper image or locality information is needed to confirm identification. Tourmaline occurs in pegmatites worldwide, including Brazil, Afghanistan, and the United States.