The Rich History Of Black Tourmaline : Tomkap Mine, W.A
Black tourmaline, also known as schorl, is a fascinating and highly sought-after mineral. One of the notable sources of this mineral is the Tomkap Mine, located in the Yinnietharra region of Western Australia.
The Tomkap Mine, situated in the Upper Gascoyne Shire, is part of a group of mines known for producing high-quality povondarite tourmaline, a variety of black tourmaline. The mine was initially discovered in 1918 and has since become a significant site for mineral collectors and geologists.
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Formation Process
Black tourmaline from the Tomkap Mine is known for its well-formed crystals, which can range in size and quality. The crystals are typically hexagonal or trigonal with rhombohedral terminations. They exhibit a vitreous lustre and are often found in large, well-formed specimens. The mineral’s hardness ranges from 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable and attractive gemstone for collectors.
The production of black tourmaline is a result of complex geological processes involving the crystallization of magma, the presence of specific elements, and the right pressure and temperature conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of how it forms:
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Crystallization of Magma: Black tourmaline typically forms in granite and metamorphic rocks. The process begins deep within the Earth’s crust, where magma crystallizes under specific pressure and temperature conditions.
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Elemental Composition: Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral that includes elements such as iron, magnesium, and aluminum. The presence of iron gives black tourmaline its characteristic dark color.
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Pressure and Temperature: The formation of black tourmaline requires intense pressure and high temperatures. These conditions are often found in regions with significant geological activity, such as volcanic areas or regions undergoing metamorphism.
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Hydrothermal Activity: In some cases, black tourmaline can also form through hydrothermal processes. This involves hot, mineral-rich water circulating through cracks and fissures in rocks, depositing tourmaline crystals as the water cools and evaporates.
Geological Settings
- Granite Pegmatites: These are coarse-grained igneous rocks that often contain large crystals of tourmaline. Pegmatites provide the ideal environment for the growth of well-formed tourmaline crystals.
- Metamorphic Rocks: Black tourmaline can also be found in metamorphic rocks, which are formed from the alteration of existing rocks under high pressure and temperature conditions.
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Historical Significance
The Tomkap Mine has a rich history of mineral extraction. In 1968, A. Soklich claimed the mining lease and began extracting specimens. The mine was later taken over by Crystal World founder and geologistT om Kapitany in 2010, who renamed it the Tomkap Tourmaline Mine. Under his management, the mine has produced some of the largest and highest quality black tourmaline crystals, with some specimens weighing up to 7 kilograms.
While black tourmaline is primarily a collector’s mineral, it also has applications in jewellery and as a healing stone. Within the metaphysical community It is believed to have grounding properties and is often used in metaphysical practices to enhance stamina, life force, and protective energies.
Black tourmaline from the Tomkap Mine is a remarkable mineral with a rich geological and historical background. This mineral’s unique formation process contributes to its distinct characteristics and with the mine’s significant contributions to mineralogy makes it a valuable addition to any collection.
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References
- mindat.org
- crystalworld.com.au
- aradon.com.au
- wikihow.com
