Spectral range of colors – It appears in virtually every hue—from deep blacks (schorl) to vivid greens, blues, reds, pinks, and even rare bi‐color or tri‐color varieties like watermelon (green rind with pink core) .

Mineralogical complexity – A crystalline boron silicate group combining elements like lithium, iron, magnesium, sodium, aluminium, or copper. Its typical Mohs hardness is 7–7.5, making it durable enough for everyday jewelry ().

Unique optical & electrical traits – It’s optically birefringent and pleochroic, showing different colors at different angles, and exhibits pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties—meaning it gets electrically charged with heat or pressure ().