Silver plated pendant – Schorl (Black Tourmaline)

Schorl, or Black Tourmaline, is the most common variety of Tourmaline. The crystals can vary from minuscule to dozens of centimetres. Schorl has been known since Ancient times and is/was found in many places in and around Europe. The Black Tourmaline stood out because of a unique characteristic; because of the columnar crystals it will charge positively on one side and negatively on the other when heated. This is called a pyro-electric effect. If Schorl is formed in a cavity that later houses Quartz crystals, Tourmalinated Quart can arise. That is a variety of Quartz with beautiful Tourmaline crystals encapsulated inside. Both Schorl and Tourmalinated Quartz are popular as gemstones, because of the high refractive index.