Tourmaline powder is derived from tourmaline, a complex group of boron - silicate minerals with the general chemical formula XY₃Z₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₄. Here, X can be Na, Ca, K, or H₃O; Y includes Mg, Fe, Mn, Li, Al; and Z is usually Al, Fe³⁺, or Cr. This mineral forms under diverse geological conditions, primarily in granitic pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. High - temperature and pressure, along with the presence of hydrothermal fluids, facilitate its crystallization.
Major global sources of tourmaline are Brazil, renowned for producing vibrant and high - quality crystals, which are then processed into powder. The United States, particularly California, also harbors significant deposits. In Asia, Afghanistan and Pakistan yield tourmaline used for powder production, while China, especially in Yunnan and Inner Mongolia, has notable tourmaline mines.
The production of tourmaline powder involves multiple steps. After extraction, the raw ore is crushed to reduce its size. Subsequently, it undergoes grinding to achieve the desired fineness. Purification processes, such as magnetic separation to remove iron - containing impurities and washing to eliminate dust, are carried out to enhance the powder’s quality.
Tourmaline powder is valued for its unique physical properties. It exhibits piezoelectricity, generating an electric charge when mechanically stressed, and pyroelectricity, producing a voltage in response to temperature changes. These properties make it useful in electronic devices, sensors, and actuators. Moreover, its chemical stability and hardness (7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale) enable applications in ceramics, where it improves strength and thermal shock resistance. In cosmetics, tourmaline powder’s fine texture and ability to reflect light are utilized to enhance product appearance and skin - feel. Its diverse characteristics continue to drive innovation across various industries.
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