AllMineralsRock
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a very popular gemstone composed of boron silicate. [1]
Tourmaline: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Tourmaline:- Transparency: Tourmaline can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, tourmaline can be hexagonal or trigonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, tourmaline is vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Tourmaline streaks white.
- Hardness: Tourmaline's hardness ranges from 7 to 7.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Tourmaline's specific gravity ranges from 2.82 to 3.9.
Tourmaline: Background and Summary
Tourmaline is a mineral that belongs to the silicate group and is known for its unique crystal structure and the wide range of colors it comes in. It is a complex mineral that contains boron, aluminum, and other elements. Tourmaline is found in many different parts of the world, including Brazil, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States. The mineral can be identified by its prismatic crystal habit, which means that it has a long, column-like shape with flat faces on either end.One of the most common uses of tourmaline is in jewelry. It is a popular gemstone due to its variety of colors, including green, blue, pink, and yellow. Tourmaline is also used in the production of electronic devices, such as semiconductors and batteries. It is a piezoelectric mineral, which means that it can generate an electric charge when subjected to pressure or heat. This property makes it useful in the production of electronic components.
Tourmaline is also believed to have some healing properties. It is said to help with stress relief, improve blood circulation, and boost the immune system. Some people also use tourmaline as a natural remedy for various ailments, such as headaches and digestive issues.
Tourmaline: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Tourmaline (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | (Ca,K,Na)(Al,Fe,Li,Mg,Mn)3(Al,Cr,Fe,V)6(BO3)3(Si,Al,B)6O18(OH,F)4 |
| Chemical Composition | boron silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.82, 3.9 |
| Hardness | 7, 7.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.603, 1.82 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: red sometimes: blue, black less common: gray, pink, brown, green, white, orange, purple, violet, yellow, colorless, multicolor |
| Category | cyclosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = -0.018 to −0.040 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Tourmaline: FAQ
Q: Is tourmaline a rare mineral?A: Tourmaline is relatively common and can be found in many different parts of the world.
Q: How is tourmaline formed?
A: Tourmaline is formed through a complex process that involves the interaction of different minerals and elements in the earth's crust.
Q: Can tourmaline be found in different colors?
A: Yes, tourmaline can be found in a wide range of colors, including green, blue, pink, and yellow.
Q: What is the piezoelectric property of tourmaline?
A: The piezoelectric property of tourmaline means that it can generate an electric charge when subjected to pressure or heat.
Sources
- "Tourmaline" by the Mineralogical Society of America- "Tourmaline: The Gemstone with the Most Color Choices" by GIA
- "The Healing Power of Tourmaline" by Crystal Vaults.
- Tourmaline: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourmaline
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