mineral
Tourmalinated Quartz
Silicon Dioxide with Tourmaline inclusions (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and distinct needle-like black tourmaline inclusions.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and distinct needle-like black tourmaline inclusions.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites when growing quartz crystals entrap pre-existing or simultaneous tourmaline needles.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry making, ornamental carvings, and appreciated as a collectible mineral specimen.
Geological facts
The contrasting black needles inside clear quartz are often poetically referred to as Venus hair or Cupid's darts.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by distinct dark prismatic inclusions visible within clear quartz; found globally in pegmatite-rich regions like Brazil and Madagascar.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous