mineral

Quartz-bearing dark mineral specimen, likely schorl tourmaline in quartz

Quartz (SiO₂) with probable schorl tourmaline (NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Uneven white-to-honey quartz with a black, granular to prismatic inclusion or attached mass. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, no cleavage, and hexagonal crystal structure; schorl is typically Mohs 7–7.5 with three-sided prismatic crystals and poor cleavage.

Identified September 16, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz-bearing dark mineral specimen, likely schorl tourmaline in quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Quartz-bearing dark mineral specimen, likely schorl tourmaline in quartz
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with probable schorl tourmaline (NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄)
Category: mineral
Identified: September 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$3–$15 for a typical small specimen; $20–$100+ if confirmed as well-crystallized schorl in attractive quartz

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed in a granitic pegmatite or hydrothermal vein, where boron-rich fluids crystallized black tourmaline with quartz during late-stage cooling, generally in Phanerozoic continental crust.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, abrasives, electronics, and decorative stone; black tourmaline is a popular collector mineral and gemstone. This small rough specimen has modest commercial value.

Geological facts

The black material may alternatively be biotite, hornblende, or another dark silicate; a definitive identification requires close inspection or testing. Tourmaline is strongly piezoelectric and can become electrically charged when heated or compressed.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy quartz that scratches steel and does not fizz in dilute acid, plus black tourmaline’s elongated striated prisms; common sources include Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and the United States. Estimated value: $3–$15 for a typical small specimen, higher if well-crystallized.