Hello there =) I have a gemstone I purchased as red Tourmaline/Schorl, and it appears as such given its growth pattern, but the colour I have never seen before, as it is not the typical Rubellite tone you normally see when searching for red Tourmaline, which is normally a pinky/purple raspberry red for Rubellite, and this is more of an Orange/Red colour, and it is also half solid black as well?
Only half of it is gemmy and translucent with colour, the other half is a solid opaque black. It weighs 180ct, and other than the photos and weight, that is all I know of it so far.
Unless it is just a large piece of rough red/orange black Tourmaline, and I am over thinking its colour appearance. lol I have been dealing in stones and gems for years now, and this is the only piece of Tourmaline I have ever seen like this so far, if so. But I guess there is a first for everything. lol Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated as to its identity. =)
I am familiar with this material, or very similar. It is a schorl out of Africa which apparently either edges towards or has zones of some other tourmaline species. While it looks red through the side, this is actually a very thin layer of dark red around a much lighter green center. I have sliced a few of these and got some slices with a green center and a very dark rind.
Post subject: Re: Red/orange half black Tourmaline?
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:58 pm
Active Member
Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2012 7:58 pm Posts: 75
I am not overly conversant with the tourmaline group, but couldn't this possibly be a dravite/schorl tourmaline? If you could get an RI on it you may be able to determine if it is.
Post subject: Re: Red/orange half black Tourmaline?
Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 10:13 am
New to the Forum or The Quiet Type
Joined: Thu May 09, 2019 12:49 am Posts: 7
Stephen Challener wrote:
I am familiar with this material, or very similar. It is a schorl out of Africa which apparently either edges towards or has zones of some other tourmaline species. While it looks red through the side, this is actually a very thin layer of dark red around a much lighter green center. I have sliced a few of these and got some slices with a green center and a very dark rind.
I do think you are absolutely correct, Stephen! That makes sense to me as well, as I wasn't sure due to its slightly different appearance than the material I am normally used to, but its nice to put a pin point on the matter! I thank you for your speedy response! I would have gotten it tested professionally, but many shops and facilities are shut down right now, so patience is a virtue it seems. lol But I think you hit the nail on the head with this one, so I am happy none the less!
Here are a few other photos I shot last night, just for the sake of sharing.
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