mineral

Quartz with Tourmaline Inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Schorl (NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4) inclusions

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Clear or white quartz crystal matrix with contrasting black needle-like or specked tourmaline inclusions. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 30, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz with Tourmaline Inclusions in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites where silica-rich fluids crystallized over millions of years, trapping black tourmaline (schorl) crystals inside or on the surface of the growing quartz host during various geological eras.

Uses & applications

Popular in crystal healing, mineral collecting, lapidary arts, wire-wrapped jewelry, and decorative display pieces.

Geological facts

Tourmaline-inetailed quartz is often referred to affectionately as 'tourmalinated quartz' when the needles are fully enclosed, though surface-specked variations like this create unique visual textures reminiscent of starry nights.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by transparent to translucent quartz crystals dotted or crossed with opaque black tourmaline. Found worldwide, with notable deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and the Alps.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

sedimentary

Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

mineral

Schist

Metamorphic

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral