Where is Black Tourmaline found?
Schorl (Iron Tourmaline)
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Open the appBlack Tourmaline 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 Black Tourmaline
Brazil
Minas Gerais is a world-renowned source for large, well-formed schorl crystals, often found in pegmatites.
Pakistan
Northern areas, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan, produce excellent quality schorl crystals, sometimes associated with other minerals.
Afghanistan
Nuristan and Kunar provinces are known for tourmaline, including schorl, often from pegmatite deposits.
United States
Maine (e.g., Mount Mica, Dunton Quarry), California (e.g., Pala District), and Colorado have significant schorl occurrences in pegmatites.
Madagascar
Various localities yield schorl, often in association with other gem-quality tourmalines.
Namibia
Known for fine schorl specimens, particularly from the Erongo region.
Collecting tips
- Look in Pegmatites. Schorl is a classic pegmatite mineral. Search in areas known for granitic pegmatite intrusions, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks.
- Check Hydrothermal Veins. Explore quartz veins or other hydrothermal deposits, especially those associated with granitic intrusions.
- Examine Metamorphic Rocks. In metamorphic terrains, schorl can be found in schists and gneisses, often as disseminated grains or small crystals.
- Identify Crystal Habit. Look for elongated, prismatic black crystals, often with vertical striations on their faces. The triangular cross-section is a key identifier.
- Hardness Test. Schorl is relatively hard (7-7.5 on Mohs scale), so it will scratch glass and steel. This helps differentiate it from softer black minerals.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Opaque black
- Luster:
- Vitreous to resinous
- Streak:
- White to colorless
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