Black Tourmaline Crystal Madagascar Natural Schorl Mineral Specimen

Black Tourmaline – Natural Mineral Specimen from Madagascar

This Black Tourmaline specimen from Madagascar is a genuine natural mineral crystal, carefully selected for its strong colour, classic prismatic form, and collector appeal. Full sizing please see photo, and the photograph provided shows the actual specimen you will receive. Each piece includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine mineral specimen.

Mineral Species & Scientific Classification

Black Tourmaline is most commonly the mineral species Schorl, a sodium iron aluminium borosilicate with a complex chemical formula:

NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄

Tourmaline belongs to a large group of borosilicate minerals known for their wide colour range and distinctive crystal habit. Schorl is the most abundant tourmaline variety and is recognised by its deep black colour and strong natural striations.

Black tourmaline crystallises in the trigonal crystal system, typically forming elongated prismatic crystals with vertical grooves along the length of the crystal. It has a hardness of 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable mineral suitable for long-term display.

Appearance, Texture & Natural Crystal Features

This specimen may display:

• Deep black to charcoal-black colour

• Strong prismatic crystal growth

• Natural longitudinal striations

• Vitreous to slightly resinous lustre

• Opaque body with occasional reflective crystal faces

Black tourmaline often forms as robust columnar crystals, sometimes with naturally broken terminations due to geological stress. Each piece is unique in shape, surface detail, and growth structure, reflecting its natural origin.

Some specimens may show minor matrix attachment or associated minerals depending on the deposit environment.

Geological Formation & Madagascar Locality

Madagascar is internationally known for producing a wide variety of high-quality minerals, including tourmaline. Black tourmaline commonly forms in pegmatites and metamorphic rock environments, where boron-rich fluids contribute to crystal growth.

Pegmatites are coarse-grained igneous rocks that develop during the final stages of magma cooling. These environments allow large and well-formed crystals to grow due to the slow crystallisation process and the presence of rare chemical elements.

Tourmaline from Madagascar may occur alongside minerals such as quartz, feldspar, mica, and garnet, creating scientifically interesting mineral associations.

Over millions of years, tectonic activity and erosion exposed these mineral-rich zones, allowing specimens like this to be collected.

Authenticity, Presentation & Collecting Use

• Mineral: Black Tourmaline (Schorl)

• Crystal System: Trigonal

• Origin: Madagascar

• Authenticity: Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card

• Sizing: Full sizing please see photo

This specimen is ideal for mineral collectors, geology enthusiasts, educational displays, or as a striking natural history gift. Black tourmaline is a classic collector mineral due to its recognisable form and strong presence in display cabinets.

Collecting & Traditional Associations

Tourmaline has been valued for centuries for its unique crystal structure and wide range of colours. Black tourmaline is especially popular in mineral collections because of its bold appearance and strong prismatic habit.

In spiritual traditions, black tourmaline is traditionally associated with protection and grounding; these interpretations are cultural rather than scientific. From a mineralogical perspective, the true appeal lies in its borosilicate composition, pegmatite formation history, and distinctive crystal shape.

A genuine Black Tourmaline specimen from Madagascar, carefully chosen for quality and supplied with certificate of authenticity, perfect for collectors and natural mineral displays.