Tourmaline – Green Tourmaline in Quartz

Large specimen of green tourmaline in quartz from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Cluster of small green tourmaline crystals embedded in a quartz matrix.

Green tourmaline, also known as verdelite, is a variety of tourmaline gemstone that is prized for its vibrant green color. The intensity of the color can be influenced by factors such as the presence of iron and manganese in the crystal structure. Green tourmaline belongs to the cyclosilicate mineral group and has a complex crystal structure. Its chemical composition is aluminum borosilicate with additional elements such as iron, magnesium, and lithium. The presence of different trace elements contributes to the variations in color.