mineral

Tumbled tourmalinated quartz

Quartz (SiO₂) with black tourmaline (schorl, NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄) inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Quartz is Mohs 7, vitreous, and trigonal; tourmaline is Mohs 7–7.5 and commonly forms dark, needle-like crystals. This polished specimen is translucent to cloudy with pale green, lavender, and white areas crossed by black inclusions.

Identified October 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallized in silica-rich veins or pegmatites; tourmaline needles grew within or were enveloped by the quartz. These minerals occur in rocks of many ages, so the specimen’s age cannot be determined from appearance alone.

Uses & applications

Tumbled stones are used for collecting, decoration, and jewelry; quartz and tourmaline also have industrial and gem applications.

Geological facts

The dark needles are characteristic of tourmalinated quartz, sometimes marketed as tourmaline quartz.

Field identification & locations

Look for black, slender inclusions embedded in hard, glassy quartz; the visible pastel color zoning may reflect other inclusions or mineral alteration. Quartz-tourmaline material is found in places including Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.