Black Tourmaline
Other Silicates & Gemstones
Black tourmaline usually refers to schorl, the sodium- and iron-rich member of the tourmaline group. It is commonly bluish black to black and forms trigonal prismatic crystals, often with strong lengthwise grooves.
Identity
- Material or variety
- Schorl tourmaline
- Scientific or material identity
- Schorl tourmaline
- Classification
- Natural mineral or mineral variety
- Aliases or trade names
- Schorl
- Composition or formula
- Complex sodium iron aluminium borosilicate
- Crystal system or structure
- Trigonal
- Geological or manufacturing origin
- Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
- Mohs hardness
- 7 to 7.5
Origins
Brazil · Germany · Madagascar · Namibia · Pakistan · USA
Appearance & optical properties
opaque black schorl with strong lengthwise striations.
History & discovery
The name schorl was already in use before 1400 near the Saxon village now called Zschorlau, where black tourmaline occurred with cassiterite. Johannes Mathesius published a detailed description of schürl from the Ore Mountains in 1562.
Uses & care
- Common uses
- Schorl is polished for beads, cabochons and carvings, while well-formed striated crystals are collected as mineral specimens.
- Handling and cleaning
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaners, strong heat and sudden temperature changes, which can fracture tourmaline.
Jewellery
5 pieces of Black Tourmaline jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.
Schorl Mourning Brooch
Brooch
A glossy black tourmaline cabochon, the stone long called schorl, set as a mourning brooch in jet and silver. Its darkness is said to swallow ill fortune.
Black Tourmaline Signet Ring
Ring
A column of black tourmaline cut smooth and set in a heavy silver signet ring, the crystal striations left showing along the stone. It is worn as a shield against bad luck.
Tourmalinated Quartz Pendant
Pendant
A clear quartz pendant shot through with needles of black tourmaline, frozen mid-flight. Each stone needles fall differently, so no two pendants are alike.
Schorl Crystal Pendant
Pendant
An imagined pendant of a natural black tourmaline crystal, its long striated sides left as they grew.
Mourning Queen's Tiara
Tiara
An imagined tiara for court mourning, set with black tourmaline and sombre in every part.