mineral
Tourmalinated Quartz
Silicon Dioxide with Tourmaline inclusions (SiO2 + Na(Fe,Mg,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with black needle-like inclusions, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Tourmalinated Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with black needle-like inclusions, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites when quartz crystals grow around pre-existing tourmaline needles.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry making, metaphysical healing, and as a collector specimen.
Geological facts
The contrasting black needles inside clear quartz are often nicknamed 'Cupid's darts' or Venus hair stone.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by distinct dark prismatic inclusions trapped inside clear quartz; sourced globally including Brazil and the USA.
More like this
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