Where is Black Tourmaline found?
Schorl
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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 pegmatites.
United States
Maine and California are notable for tourmaline occurrences, with schorl being common in pegmatite deposits.
Pakistan
Northern areas, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan, yield fine tourmaline specimens, including schorl.
Afghanistan
Known for its rich pegmatite deposits, producing various tourmaline types, including schorl.
Namibia
Erongo Region is famous for its tourmaline occurrences, including well-formed schorl crystals.
Madagascar
Numerous pegmatite fields produce a wide range of tourmaline, with schorl being common.
Collecting tips
- Look in Pegmatites. Schorl is most commonly found in granitic pegmatites. Look for coarse-grained igneous rocks with large crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
- Check Hydrothermal Veins. Explore areas with evidence of hydrothermal alteration, as schorl can form in high-temperature veins.
- Examine Metamorphic Rocks. In metamorphic terrains, schorl can be found in schists and gneisses, especially those associated with boron-rich protoliths.
- Identify Crystal Habit. Look for elongated, prismatic black crystals with characteristic vertical striations and a roughly triangular cross-section.
- Test for Hardness. Schorl is relatively hard (7-7.5 on Mohs scale), so it will scratch glass and most common minerals.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Opaque black
- Luster:
- Vitreous to resinous
- Streak:
- White to colorless
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