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Fakes & FraudsNatural termination?

19th Apr 2024 13:04 UTCHoward Heitner

I have a small tourmaline ( from Pakistan) on matrix, shown in the picture. The specimen is not a "fake". It is not glued on. Matrix contains feldspar, muscovite and a small topaz. My question is about the termination. It is a flat triangle with beveled edges. Was it added to a crystal with a broken tip?

19th Apr 2024 13:08 UTCErik Vercammen Expert

I cannot tell for this crystal without hands on, but this is one of the many forms for the termination of a tourmaline crystal.

19th Apr 2024 14:01 UTCEd Clopton 🌟 Expert

I agree, it's one of many possible tourmaline terminations (tourminations?). I don't see any tell-tale signs (abrasive striations at unnatural angles, rounded faces or edges, irregular or unnatural luster, truncated inclusions, etc.) that the termination has been artificially formed or enhanced.

20th Apr 2024 15:22 UTCFrank Mersch

Yes, fine scratches are nearly a prove for a man-made face. Just a simple trick to check the geometrie: Let a fluorescent tube reflect on the surface. Look at the reflection. On natural surfaces you will see steps or geometric figures, but the reflection will remain fairly straight. On polished surfaces, the outer areas are usually removed more and the surface is rounded. Then the reflection bends and "flips" around the center always towards the edge.

Frank

19th Apr 2024 14:25 UTCJosé Zendrera 🌟 Manager

Agree too.
Quite common "tourmination" combining {001} basal plane and {101} flat pyramid conforming an equilateral triangle.

19th Apr 2024 14:59 UTCWayne Corwin

Howard

I would enjoy seeing a photo of your whole specimen.

And yes,,, it looks like a natural termination.

20th Apr 2024 14:44 UTCHoward Heitner

Here is the specimen. Locality given as Skardu Valley, Gilgit, Pakistan. Crystal is about 3 cm long.

Thank you to all the experts for confirming that the crystal is natural.