TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Turmalina Chorlo

Turmalina is a mineral with formula Na(Fe²⁺)₃Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃(OH), in the Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Stak Nala, Skardu District, Baltistán, Gilgit-Baltistán, Pakistán and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Turmalina Chorlo from Stak Nala, Skardu District, Baltistán, Gilgit-Baltistán, Pakistán — Terrium

Description

Black prismatic schorl crystals on a pearly white microcline matrix and shiny muscovite in large sheets. The presence of lepidolite also stands out as creamy microcrystals, accompanied by a coated muscovite plate.

History of this specimen

The muscovite is of exceptional quality and considerable size. A perfect pentagon stands out. Piece given by a stranger, of recent origin.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0482
Internal reference
T0090
Composition
Na(Fe²⁺)₃Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃(OH)
Name
Turmalina
Variety
Chorlo
Group
Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos)
Category
Cavella
Matrix
Microclina, Albita
Associations
Moscovita, Lepidolita
Mine
Stak Nala
District / Municipality
Skardu District
Province
Baltistán
Region
Gilgit-Baltistán
Country
Pakistán
Size (cm)
6 x 4
Weight
106 g
Acquired
2025
Ex-collection
Desconocido
Etymology
From the Sinhalese «turmali», a name used in Sri Lanka for mixed coloured gems. “Schorl” is an old German mining term applied to black tourmaline.
Quality
Buena
Value trend
Estable

Related specimens

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