Name/Title
Pseudo TourmalineEntry/Object ID
2004.1.155Description
Chemical Composition: AX3Y6(BO3)3 Si6O18(O, OH,
Description: Common Name: Tourmaline
Group Name:
Chemistry: AX3Y6(BO3)3 Si6O18(O, OH, F)4.
Location:
Description:
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Occurrence: Tourmaline is a crystal silicate mineral compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. Tourmaline is classed as a semi-precious stone and the gem comes in a wide variety of colors.
Tourmaline is found in two main geological occurrences. Igneous rocks, in particular granite and granite pegmatite and in metamorphic rocks such as schist and marble. Schorl and lithium-rich tourmalines are usually found in granite and granite pegmatite. Magnesium-rich tourmalines, dravites, are generally restricted to schists and marble. Tourmaline is a durable mineral and can be found in minor amounts as grains in sandstone and conglomerate.
Gem and specimen tourmaline is mined chiefly in Brazil and Africa. Some placer material suitable for gem use comes from Sri Lanka. In addition to Brazil, tourmaline is mined in Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and Malawi.
Almost every color of tourmaline can be found in Brazil, especially in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. In 1989, miners discovered a unique and brightly colored variety of tourmaline in the state of Paraíba. The new type of tourmaline, which soon became known as paraiba tourmaline, came in unusually vivid blues and greens. These colors were often described as "neon" since they appeared to glow. Brazilian paraiba tourmaline is usually heavily included. Much of the paraiba tourmaline from Brazil actually comes from the neighboring state of Rio Grande do Norte. Material from Rio Grande do Norte is often somewhat less intense in color, but many fine gems are found there. It was determined that the element copper was important in the coloration of the stone.Collection
Suomynona Mineral Collection, Suomynona CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2004.1Source or Donor
Suomynona Mineral CollectionAcquisition Method
DonationDimensions
Width
2-1/4 inDepth
3 inLength
3-1/4 inDimension Notes
Dimension taken at widest pointsLocation
Location
* Untyped Location
DS-11Room
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
ExhibitMoved By
Ian C.Date
January 21, 2025Notes
USA Case InstallationLocation
Display Case
FS-6Room
Frieda Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumDate
January 3, 2024
