Black Tourmaline in Quartz Butterfly Wings Gem Slices

Description

Visual & Aesthetic Appeal
This captivating pair of gem slices resembles butterfly wings—each defined by a clear quartz base with dramatic shards of black tourmaline. The contrasting inclusions appear like natural brush strokes, giving the stones a delicate, organic symmetry.

Intricate Carving & Craftsmanship
To achieve the butterfly wing shape, skilled artisans carefully cut and polish the natural quartz and tourmaline slices by hand. Using precision lapidary tools, each curve is shaped to mirror the elegance of a butterfly’s form. The process involves step-by-step grinding, smoothing, and fine polishing to reveal the interplay of light through the quartz and highlight the dark tourmaline inclusions. Because of this meticulous carving, no two sets are ever identical—each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of natural art enhanced by human craftsmanship.

Geological Formation
These specimens are examples of tourmalinated quartz, where slender black tourmaline (schorl) crystals are naturally trapped within clear or milky quartz during formation. This occurs in high-pressure pegmatitic environments, giving rise to striking inclusions suspended in crystalline clarity.

Origins & Availability
Tourmalinated quartz is commonly sourced from Brazil—including Minas Gerais—along with Madagascar and the U.S. Brazil is especially known for its fine quality specimens that lend themselves well to lapidary work.

Physical Properties

• Hardness: ~7 on the Mohs scale (durable enough for jewelry use)

• Structure: Glassy quartz with embedded black tourmaline needles, offering dramatic visual contrast

Applications & Creative Uses

• Jewelry Making: Ideal for pendants, statement earrings, or amulets—each slice catches light beautifully.

• Collectors’ Piece: A striking example of both natural geology and artisan shaping.

• Metaphysical Crafting: Believed to balance clarity (quartz) with protection and grounding (tourmaline).

Care & Handling

• Clean gently with a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.

• Store separately to preserve the polished edges and delicate inclusions.