What is the difference between aphrizite and schorl?

Question

I have a flat of stones that were recently identified by an "expert" (he should know - he's been in the industry for over 20 years and owns mines). The flat is labeled "Namibia black tourmaline" and I have searched the web for years and have never seen anything comparable to them. Anyway, they were identified as aphrizite (NOT schorl) and I was told that they are very rare. I've been doing research to learn the difference between schorl and aphrizite, without much success. Most references lump the two together under black tourmaline, and alibaba shows aphrizite as either a green mottled stone or black beads. The specimens I have are about an inch or less in diameter, shiny black crystals with beautiful facets and points. I have taken photos of them but it is difficult to capture the details of these beauties. Is there anyone who can help me learn more about aphrizite?

Answer 1

The only reference I found is one refering to aphrizite being the highest level of tourmaline and it was a jeweler likely using the term to differentiate his black tourmaline from other tourmaline to charge a higher price.

I looked up the etymology and it said this

aphrizite

A variety of tourmaline; from the foam element because of its appearance of bubbling when heated.Tourmaline is a mineral of various colors used as a gem.

Schorl comes from a German town called Zschorlau been in use since before 1400 AD