tourmalinated quartz

Tourmalinated quartz and sterling silver pendant
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals
Variety:  Tourmalinated
Species:  Quartz
​​Mohs Hardness:  7 out of 10
Color:  Clear with long, slender, black tourmaline inclusions
RI:  1.544 to 1.553 (very constant)
Birefringence:  0.009
SR/DR/AGG:  DR
Optic Character:  Uniaxial positive.
Pleochroism:  None
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Inert
SG:  2.64 to 2.69 (Usually 2.66)

tourmalinated quartz facts

Emerald cut tourmalinated quartz
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals


​​Tourmalinated quartz is clear rock crystal included with chaotically-intersecting black tourmaline rods.

These gems are often appreciated by collectors for their unique appearance.


Tourmalinated quartz photomicrograph
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals