Tourmaline crystals in quartzite. Close-up of tourmaline crystals (pink) embedded in a quartzite host rock. Tourmaline has a very complex and variable

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Tourmaline crystals in quartzite. Close-up of tourmaline crystals (pink) embedded in a quartzite host rock. Tourmaline has a very complex and variable composition. Clear and pure crystals of green and red tourmaline are highly prized gemstones. Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock that originates from sandstone that has been heated and compressed, usually during tectonic compression. This sample is from San Diego, California, USA.

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Size: 5315px × 3543px
Photo credit: © DIRK WIERSMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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