Schorl

Schorl is the black, iron-rich form of tourmaline, and is very common. The opaque, prismatic crystals may be several meters in length.

During the Victorian era, black tourmaline was widely used for mourning jewelry. However, today, it has little, if any, value as a gemstone. It can be used to imitate black spinel.

Occurrence

Schorl is found in pegmatites in Pakistan and Afganistan.

Schorl Tourmaline Properties

• Specific Gravity: 3.06
• Refractive Index: 1.62-1.67
• Birefringence (DR): 0.018
• Luster: Vitreous
• Crystal Structure: Trigonal
• Composition: Complex borosilicate
• Hardness: 7½

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Crystals Directory

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B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

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Birthstone

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