mineral
Quartz with Schorl (Black Tourmaline)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Sodium Iron Aluminum Borosilicate (NaFe3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4)
Hardness: 7 (Quartz) to 7.5 (Schorl). Color: White/Translucent milky quartz with jet-black opaque inclusions. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Specific gravity: 2.65 - 3.2.
- Hardness
- 7 (Quartz) to 7
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz with Schorl (Black Tourmaline) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Quartz) to 7.5 (Schorl). Color: White/Translucent milky quartz with jet-black opaque inclusions. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Specific gravity: 2.65 - 3.2.
Formation & geological history
Formed in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins through late-stage crystallization of magma enriched with boron and silica. Found across various geological ages from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Commonly used for lapidary work, cabochons, and as a collector's mineral specimen. Quartz is used industrially in glass making and electronics.
Geological facts
Black tourmaline (Schorl) is one of the most common varieties of tourmaline and is pyroelectric, meaning it generates an electrical charge when heated. Specimens where it is embedded in quartz are highly valued by mineral collectors for the high contrast.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by the hard, glassy white host rock (no cleavage) and the distinctive needle-like or blocky black inclusions with vertical striations. Typical in igneous regions like Brazil, Namibia, and California.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous