Schorl Tourmaline Faceting Information

All the resources needed for Schorl Tourmaline faceting. Information such as tips, tricks and details to help learn more about Schorl Tourmaline faceting.

Home Learning Center Jewelry and Lapidary Cutting Information for Specific GemstonesSchorl Tourmaline Faceting Information

By Jeff R. Graham

Schorl Tourmaline

Color: Black, usually opaque
Moh's Hardness: 7-7.5
Refractive Index: 1.616-1.652
Critical Angle: 38.23°
Specific Gravity: 3.02-3.26
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Uneven, small conchoidal.
Dispersion: .017
Heat Sensitivity: Not usually a problem
Dichroic: Opaque
Birefringence (double refraction): Medium (.014-.024)
Crystal structure: Hexagonal

Treatments: Generally there is no treatments with this kind of rough, it is opaque black.

What I prefer to polishing with: Alumina oxide with a tin lap (scored).

Jeff's Comments: Cuts and polishes like any other Tourmaline, usually no problems. The material is black and generally not cut much, although I do know people that use Schorl for intarsia and inlay work because it is harder and will wear better that most other traditional materials (like jet or coral). Aslo is makes very nice cut beads.

Design Notes: About any design will work.

Jeff R. Graham

The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.

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