Fluor-schorl is a distinct member of the tourmaline group, chemically defined by the dominance of fluorine over hydroxyl at the anion site. It is visually indistinguishable from common schorl without advanced chemical analysis and typically exhibits the same elongate, heavily striated prismatic habit characteristic of the tourmaline family.
Is this fluor-schorl?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch fluor-schorl with a known reference. Fluor-schorl sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluor-schorl leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluor-schorl typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections, striated.
Often confused with
Fluor-schorl vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluor-schorl
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluor-schorl. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaFe²⁺₃(Al₆Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 7-7.5
- Density
- 3.17-3.25 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals with Rounded Triangular Cross-sections, Striated
- Cleavage
- Indistinct
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites and Granitic Rocks
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find fluor-schorl
Classic worldwide localities
- Eibenstock, Germany
- Czech Republic
- Brazil
- Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites and granitic rocks country — that is the host setting where fluor-schorl typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections, striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluor-schorl?+
Where is fluor-schorl found?+
How much is fluor-schorl worth?+
What rocks look like fluor-schorl?+
What minerals are found with fluor-schorl?+
What kind of rock does fluor-schorl form in?+
What is fluor-schorl used for?+
Find fluor-schorl on the map
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