mineral

Tumbled tourmalinated quartz

Quartz (SiO₂) with black schorl tourmaline inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 (quartz) and about 7–7.5 (tourmaline); translucent gray to smoky-brown quartz with black needle-like or branching inclusions and a vitreous polish. Quartz is trigonal; tourmaline is trigonal, with no prominent cleavage.

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when boron-rich hydrothermal fluids grow schorl tourmaline within quartz veins, commonly in granitic pegmatites; individual crystals may be Paleozoic to Cenozoic depending on the deposit. The pictured specimen is polished and tumbled.

Uses & applications

Used as an ornamental stone, lapidary material, cabochons, beads, and metaphysical jewelry; generally valued for attractive inclusion patterns rather than rarity.

Geological facts

The black material is typically schorl, the most common iron-rich tourmaline. Tourmaline can become electrically polarized when heated or stressed (the tourmaline effect).

Field identification & locations

Identify by testing quartz hardness, glassy luster, and sharp black tourmaline needles or sprays enclosed in translucent quartz; common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, and the United States.