Tourmalinated Quartz
A variety of Quartz
What is Tourmalinated Quartz?
Tourmalinated Quartz is a type of clear rock crystal resulting from the fusion of white quartz with black tourmaline, producing the stone's uniquely striated appearance. Like many kinds of colorful quartz, prolonged exposure to light and heat will eventually alter its coloring and should therefore be avoided. Most of the world's stock is currently mined in Brazil.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.544-1.553
- Birefringence
- 0.009
- Pleochroism
- Weakly dichroic
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.013
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Tourmalinated Quartz before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Where to Find Tourmalinated Quartz
Tourmalinated Quartz is a variety of Quartz. RockHoundR, the free-to-download rockhounding map from the Ruby Glint team, shows where collectors find quartz in the US, with land-access notes for BLM land and national forests. Collecting is banned in national parks.
See where to find quartzAlways check the local rules and get the landowner's permission before you collect.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Tourmalinated Quartz in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Tourmalinated Quartz is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing tourmalinated Quartz, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Black, white, colorless
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7
- Rock tumbling
- With care
- Density
- 2.64 - 2.69 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- O, Si
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Tourmalinated Quartz FAQs
How do I identify Tourmalinated Quartz?
Tourmalinated Quartz can be identified by its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, Black color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Tourmalinated Quartz?
Tourmalinated Quartz typically appears in Black, white, colorless. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Tourmalinated Quartz?
Tourmalinated Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.
