The facts
What tourmalinated Quartz actually is
Mineralogically, tourmalinated Quartz is quartz with schorl inclusions — SiO₂ + schorl inclusions, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by colourless host; black needles are schorl tourmaline. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.544–1.553, and the specific gravity sits near 2.65; cleavage is none.
Where tourmalinated Quartz comes from
The recognised sources are Minas Gerais, Brazil, Erongo, Namibia and Madagascar.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How tourmalinated Quartz is treated
Untreated. Value sits in the inclusion pattern, not the host.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What tourmalinated Quartz is confused with
The usual confusions are Rutilated quartz, Actinolite in quartz and Glass with fibre inclusions.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.544–1.553 and specific gravity 2.65 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What tourmalinated Quartz is used for
Tourmalinated Quartz is bought by jewellery, mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the specimen or by the block.
Durability and care
Hardness 7; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What tourmalinated Quartz costs
Indicative pricing for tourmalinated Quartz is $2–30/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is tourmalinated Quartz treated, and how?
Untreated. Value sits in the inclusion pattern, not the host.
Where does tourmalinated Quartz come from?
Minas Gerais, Brazil, Erongo, Namibia and Madagascar. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is tourmalinated Quartz hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does tourmalinated Quartz cost?
Indicatively $2–30/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is tourmalinated Quartz confused with?
Most often Rutilated quartz, Actinolite in quartz and Glass with fibre inclusions. A refractive index of 1.544–1.553 and a specific gravity near 2.65 separate it quickly.
What is tourmalinated Quartz used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for tourmalinated quartz?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about tourmalinated quartz