{"product_id":"black-tourmaline-schorl-wheal-cal-st-just-cornwall-no-4","title":"Black Tourmaline (Schorl) | Wheal Cal, St Just, Cornwall | No. 4","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis distinctive natural specimen displays an impressive concentration of deep black Tourmaline crystals across its upper surface, creating a dramatic contrast with the surrounding iron-stained matrix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tourmaline forms tightly intergrown, elongated prismatic crystals, many exhibiting characteristic longitudinal striations and reflective surfaces. Under direct light, the crystals reveal subtle variations in lustre, ranging from satin-black to glossy, almost metallic-looking highlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral particularly well-defined crystal formations are visible across the upper ridge, including thicker, blocky-looking prismatic sections surrounded by smaller interlocking crystals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the dark Tourmaline growth are areas of pale grey to translucent crystalline material, visually consistent with Quartz. These lighter mineral sections appear between and alongside the Tourmaline crystals, providing an attractive contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe underlying matrix displays rich rusty-orange and reddish-brown iron staining, transitioning into pale grey and cream-coloured host rock along the lower edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts naturally angular form and exposed crystalline surface give the specimen a particularly interesting three-dimensional appearance, with different crystal arrangements becoming visible as the piece is rotated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of dark crystal growth, contrasting pale mineral material and iron-rich staining makes this a compelling specimen for collectors of British minerals and historic Cornish mining localities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Mineral\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Tourmaline\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as \u003cstrong\u003eSchorl\u003c\/strong\u003e, is an iron-rich member of the Tourmaline mineral group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSchorl is a complex borosilicate mineral, typically black to very dark brown in colour, with a vitreous lustre and a Mohs hardness of approximately 7 to 7.5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTourmaline commonly develops elongated prismatic crystals, frequently displaying fine vertical striations along their surfaces. Crystal groups may occur as parallel aggregates, interlocking formations or radiating clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSchorl is particularly associated with granite-related geological environments, including pegmatites and hydrothermal mineral veins, where boron-rich fluids contribute to its formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCornwall is historically recognised for its diverse Tourmaline occurrences, with Schorl documented in several of the county's granite-associated mineral districts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWheal Cal (Wheal Call), St Just, Cornwall\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWheal Cal\u003c\/strong\u003e, also historically recorded as Wheal Call, Wheal Cole and Wheal Caul, is associated with the historic Boswedden mining complex in the Kenidjack Valley near St Just, Cornwall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mine forms part of the wider St Just mining district, one of Cornwall's most historically important areas for tin and copper extraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMining activity around Wheal Call dates back to at least the eighteenth century, with the workings subsequently incorporated into the neighbouring Boswedden and Wheal Castle mining operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical records document the combined workings operating as \u003cstrong\u003eBoswedden and Wheal Castle between 1836 and 1872\u003c\/strong\u003e, before becoming associated with Wheal Cunning United.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mining complex extracted tin, copper and iron from mineralised veins running through the surrounding geological formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kenidjack Valley contains an extensive network of historic mine workings, where mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids circulated through fractured rocks and deposited metallic ores alongside a variety of associated minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Tourmaline (Schorl)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a documented mineral occurrence within the wider St Just mining district. This iron-rich Tourmaline is associated with granite-related geological environments and boron-rich mineralising fluids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is recorded as originating from Wheal Cal and offers a fascinating connection to Cornwall's historic mining heritage, combining naturally formed black crystals with the rugged, iron-stained character of the surrounding matrix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntention\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProtection \u0026amp; Grounding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWithin crystal traditions, Black Tourmaline is associated with \u003cstrong\u003eprotection, grounding, stability and emotional resilience\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is traditionally regarded as a symbolic stone for establishing personal boundaries, maintaining focus and encouraging a sense of security during periods of uncertainty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts dark, earthy appearance also connects it symbolically with strength, steadiness and remaining grounded in everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAssociated Chakras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoot Chakra\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBlack Tourmaline is most commonly associated with the Root Chakra, representing grounding, stability, security and connection to the physical world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts deep black colouring is traditionally linked with protective symbolism and establishing a strong personal foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShape Symbolism\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRaw Mineral Specimen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRaw crystals are traditionally associated with \u003cstrong\u003eauthenticity, natural strength and connection to the Earth\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen retains its original irregular form, exposed crystalline structures and natural mineral textures, preserving the individual character of the stone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin crystal traditions, unpolished mineral specimens symbolise resilience, individuality and the beauty of natural geological formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMineral:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Tourmaline (Schorl)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wheal Cal (Wheal Call), St Just, Cornwall, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Raw Mineral Specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural \/ Unpolished\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 55g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 33.9mm × 48.2mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColours:\u003c\/strong\u003e Charcoal black, dark grey, rusty brown and pale grey-white\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protection \u0026amp; Grounding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Chakra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Root Chakra\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cornish Minerals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou will receive the exact Black Tourmaline specimen photographed. Natural variations in crystal formations, mineral staining, matrix, surface texture and irregular edges are part of the individual character of this Cornish mineral specimen.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMineral identification and mine attribution follow the supplied specimen information.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHandle carefully around exposed crystals and avoid abrasive cleaning. Keep dry and gently remove dust using a soft brush.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Harpo's Angels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59234346991951,"sku":null,"price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_9563ffb5-f773-4e69-9400-6e1f38aa993f.png?v=1792773749","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/black-tourmaline-schorl-wheal-cal-st-just-cornwall-no-4","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}