Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Ideas for tormaline.

TheNerdyFarmer - 25-12-2016 at 15:54

I recently acquired some black tourmaline (schorl variety) and here is the chemical formula:
NaFe2+3Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)3OH.

I was trying to think of anything I could do chemically with it. Like somehow reduce it to a useful compound or basic elements or something like that. They are small pieces so I don't think crushing them will be much of a problem. But if I should just leave it as tourmaline please tell me. If I do any chemistry with it I will do it on a very small scale. I'm not much worried about the cost of chemicals considering I will do it on a small scale. I just enjoy exploring the science of things like this. :)

violet sin - 25-12-2016 at 17:53

Maybe more fun with physical experiments on its pyroelectric/piezoelectric properties. Chemical makeup looks boring and may take HF (hydroflouric acid) to digest appreciably. Just cut a couple chunks of mine off but no clean slices made. Basement has poor lighting but I'm not dragging the saw upstairs for one cutting. But if you find something fun to do, Ive now a few pieces to paralell the fun :)

diddi - 25-12-2016 at 20:23

it is a pretty tough mineral. I use HF to clean it and it survives very well