mineral

Tourmalinated quartz

Quartz (SiO₂) containing black tourmaline, usually schorl (NaFe²⁺₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄) inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: quartz 7 Mohs; tourmaline 7–7.5. Typically translucent to transparent colorless or smoky quartz with black needle-like inclusions, vitreous luster, trigonal quartz structure, and no cleavage; tourmaline is trigonal and strongly prismatic.

Hardness: quartz 7 Mohs

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when tourmaline-bearing hydrothermal fluids crystallize within quartz veins, pegmatites, or metamorphic rocks. The exact age varies by locality, commonly Paleozoic to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative and lapidary stone, especially in polished cabochons, beads, and carvings; attractive examples are popular metaphysical and mineral-collection specimens.

Geological facts

The contrasting needles may be randomly distributed or form sprays and radiating clusters. “Tourmalinated quartz” is a trade name rather than a distinct mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by testing hardness, observing black elongated inclusions under magnification, and distinguishing it from rutile quartz by tourmaline’s generally thicker, opaque black crystals. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, and the United States.