mineral
Quartz with Tourmaline inclusions
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Tourmaline needles
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, colorless to milky white base with dark needle-like inclusions, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, colorless to milky white base with dark needle-like inclusions, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites where silica-rich fluids crystallized around pre-existing needle-like tourmaline crystals over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in gemstone jewelry, decorative carvings, and mineral collecting.
Geological facts
The radiating needle-like patterns are often referred to as 'starburst' or 'sunburst' tourmaline when grouped in a radial spray inside the quartz matrix.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the transparent to translucent quartz host containing distinct, contrasting dark needle-like mineral inclusions. Commonly found in pegmatite-rich regions worldwide.
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