Where is Black Tourmaline found?
Schorl (NaFe3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4)
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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 significant source of various tourmaline varieties, including schorl, often found in large pegmatite deposits.
Pakistan
Known for high-quality tourmaline, including schorl, from pegmatite occurrences in the northern regions.
Afghanistan
Similar to Pakistan, pegmatite deposits yield various tourmalines, including schorl.
United States
Localities in Maine, California, and Colorado have produced schorl, particularly from pegmatite intrusions.
Africa (e.g., Namibia, Mozambique, Madagascar)
Numerous countries in Africa are rich in pegmatite fields, yielding abundant schorl.
Collecting tips
- Geological Context. Look for schorl in areas known for granitic pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks, or in metamorphic terrains where boron-rich fluids were active.
- Associated Minerals. Schorl often occurs with quartz, feldspar (orthoclase, albite), mica (muscovite, biotite), beryl, and other pegmatite minerals.
- Crystal Habit. Even in tumbled form, the density and characteristic black color are key. Untumbled specimens will show the distinctive prismatic crystals with vertical striations and a triangular cross-section.
- Hardness Test. Schorl is relatively hard (7-7.5 on Mohs scale), so it will scratch glass and will not be easily scratched by a steel knife.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Opaque, jet-black
- Luster:
- Vitreous to resinous
- Streak:
- White to colorless
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