Gemstone profile and identification guide
Dravite
Dravite is the magnesium-rich brown end-member of the tourmaline group.
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Overview
Dravite is the magnesium-rich brown end-member of the tourmaline group.
Did you know? Dravite is one of the principal compositional end-members in tourmaline nomenclature.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Dravite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Tourmaline Group: Dravite)
Hardness: 7.25 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Trigonal
Primary colour: Brown
Secondary colour: Dark Brown
Colour family: Browns
Tourmaline properties with brown pleochroism and dravite chemistry identify species.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name entries include conservative composition/treatment disclosures where needed.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7.25 Mohs
Chemical composition: Sodium magnesium aluminum borosilicate [NaMg3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4]
Crystal system: Trigonal
Common locations: Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Kenya, Australia, Brazil
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Brown to dark brown tourmaline species, often translucent to opaque.
Optical effects: Pleochroism
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Dravite
Mineral group: Tourmaline group
Chemical formula: Sodium magnesium aluminum borosilicate [NaMg3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4]
Mohs hardness: 7.25
Crystal system: Trigonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Indistinct
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.0-3.2
Refractive index: 1.61-1.64
Optical phenomena: Pleochroism
Colour range: Yellow-brown to dark brown
Common inclusions: Tubes, fractures, growth channels
Geological environment: Metamorphic and boron-rich pegmatitic systems
Principal mining regions: Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Kenya, Australia, Brazil
Important commercial sources: Dravite is mined in multiple tourmaline-producing regions including East Africa and Sri Lanka
Historical significance: Important mineralogical tourmaline species.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and darker quartz can imitate color.
Common look-alikes: Schorl, smoky quartz, dark zircon
Jewellery uses: Used in collector minerals and occasional faceted/cabochon gems.
Care recommendations: Good durability; avoid hard blows on included stones and thin faceted points.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Dravite.
Formation
Forms in metamorphic rocks and boron-rich pegmatitic/hydrothermal systems.
Origin
Dravite is mined in multiple tourmaline-producing regions including East Africa and Sri Lanka
Uses
Best for: Used in collector minerals and occasional faceted/cabochon gems.
Ideal uses: Collector faceting and species-focused gem sets.
Care
Good durability; avoid hard blows on included stones and thin faceted points.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Dravite FAQ
How can I identify Dravite?
Compare hardness (7.25 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Dravite appear in?
Brown to dark brown tourmaline species, often translucent to opaque.
Where is Dravite commonly used?
Collector faceting and species-focused gem sets.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.