Where is Tourmalinated Quartz found?
Quartz (SiO2) with Schorl (Na(Fe2+)_3Al_6(BO_3)_3Si_6O_18(OH)_4)
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Open the appTourmalinated Quartz occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Tourmalinated Quartz
Brazil
Minas Gerais is a prolific source, particularly for high-quality specimens with clear quartz and well-formed schorl needles.
United States
Localities in Maine (e.g., Mount Mica, Plumbago Mountain) and California (e.g., Pala District) are known for tourmaline-bearing pegmatites, often yielding tourmalinated quartz.
Madagascar
Produces various tourmaline varieties and associated quartz, including tourmalinated quartz.
Pakistan
Northern areas are known for pegmatite deposits yielding fine mineral specimens, including tourmalinated quartz.
Afghanistan
Similar to Pakistan, pegmatite regions produce excellent mineral specimens.
Collecting tips
- Geological Context. Focus on areas known for pegmatites, granitic intrusions, and hydrothermal vein systems. Look for outcrops of these rock types.
- Associated Minerals. Tourmalinated quartz often occurs with feldspar, mica (muscovite, biotite), other tourmaline varieties, beryl, and garnet. Identifying these associated minerals can indicate a promising locality.
- Visual Identification. Look for transparent to translucent quartz crystals or masses containing distinct black, needle-like or prismatic inclusions. The contrast is usually quite evident.
- Tools. A rock hammer, chisel, safety glasses, and a loupe (magnifying glass) are useful for extracting and examining specimens in the field.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Clear to smoky quartz with black inclusions
- Luster:
- Vitreous
- Streak:
- White (for quartz), Black (for schorl, though typically not tested on inclusions)
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