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Mineral: quartz
Gem: tourmalated quartz
Size: 15x22 mm
Carat: 30 ct
Cut: step cut rectangle
Origin: Brazil
Genral Info: The name is derived from the German "quarz" of uncertain origin. It was called "krystallos" by the Greeks, but this later became the generic term for crystal.
Additional Information
Another native cut rock crystal (clear quartz) with imbedded black tourmaline (schorl: mineral name) crystals. In this case the tourmaline crystallized first and was entrapped by later growing quartz crystals. Green and pink tourmalines have also been found embedded in quartz crystals and command far higher prices.
closeup of one tourmaline cluster. Notice also the "bubbles" or voids, not uncommon in highly included samples.