Black Tourmaline Specimen Appraisal

Raw Black Tourmaline Crystal

This specimen is a large, rough-cut chunk of raw black tourmaline, also known as schorl. Measuring approximately two to three inches in diameter, the piece displays a deep, opaque jet-black color with a glassy to sub-metallic luster on its structural faces. The crystal exhibits its characteristic trigonal system features, most notably the heavy vertical striations and furrowed texture along the elongated prism faces. One side shows a more fractured, conchoidal surface where it likely broke away from its matrix. There are visible inclusions of a tan or light-colored host rock or sandy mineral matter trapped within the crevices and on the exterior pockets, which is common for natural specimens gathered directly from earth deposits. The edges are sharp and irregular, showing no signs of synthetic tumbling or polishing. Its dense, heavy appearance and lack of transparency are hallmark quality indicators for high-iron tourmaline. The specimen appears to be in its natural geological state with no visible repairs, showing typical weathering and minor abrasions consistent with raw mineral extraction.