How Much Is Black Tourmaline Worth?
Also known as Schorl
Black tourmaline (schorl) is the common, opaque black member of the tourmaline family, popular as a 'grounding' and protection stone. It's inexpensive: raw chunks and tumbled stones sell for $2–$25, well-formed striated crystals and clusters for $15–$80, and large specimens or crystals with attractive matrix (on quartz or mica) for $40–$200+. Value comes from crystal form — sharp, lengthwise-striated prisms with good terminations are prized — plus luster, size, and aesthetic matrix association. Plain massive black tourmaline is very common and cheap, while textbook single crystals and combination specimens (schorl in quartz) carry premiums. Unlike its rare colored cousins (rubellite, Paraíba), schorl has little gem value but is a durable, affordable collector and metaphysical staple.
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Black Tourmaline value by type
| Type | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Raw / tumbled | $2 – $25 |
| Striated crystals / clusters | $15 – $80 |
| Schorl-in-quartz specimens | $25 – $150 |
| Large fine crystals | $40 – $200+ |
Educational ballparks for typical specimens — not a formal appraisal.
What drives black tourmaline value
- Crystal form. Sharp, lengthwise-striated prisms with terminations beat massive chunks.
- Luster. Bright, glassy black surfaces are preferred over dull material.
- Matrix association. Attractive combinations (schorl in white quartz or on mica) add value.
- Size. Large, clean, well-formed crystals command more.
Is your black tourmaline real?
Black tourmaline is cheap and rarely faked, though other black stones (obsidian, black onyx, hematite) are sometimes mislabeled as it. Genuine schorl is hard (Mohs 7–7.5), shows distinctive lengthwise striations on crystal faces, and is lighter than metallic hematite. Smooth, unstriated black glass or a heavy metallic feel points to something else.
FAQ
- Is black tourmaline worth money?
- It's inexpensive — most pieces are $2–$25 — but sharp striated crystals and fine schorl-in-quartz specimens reach $40–$200+.
- How do I know it's real black tourmaline?
- Look for the characteristic parallel striations running along the crystal length and a hardness of 7–7.5; smooth glassy black without striations may be obsidian or glass.