mineral
Tourmalinated Quartz
Silicon Dioxide with Tourmaline inclusions (SiO2 + Na(Fe3Al6)(Al5Si6O18)(BO33)(OH4))
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent clarity, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, with distinct needle-like black tourmaline (schorl) inclusions visible inside clear quartz.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent clarity, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, with distinct needle-like black tourmaline (schorl) inclusions visible inside clear quartz.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites when molten rock cools and crystallizes, trapping needle-like tourmaline crystals within growing quartz crystals over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry making, ornamental carvings, crystal healing, and as a collectible mineral specimen.
Geological facts
The contrasting black needles inside the clear quartz often resemble brush strokes, leading to its popularity among lapidaries and gemstone collectors.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by the clear or milky quartz host matrix containing distinct, needle-like black inclusions. Commonly sourced from Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.
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