Tourmaline

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Jewelry 101--Colored Stones

Tourmaline

Historically tourmaline was often mistaken for other gemstones and was not until the 1800’s that tourmaline was recognized as a distinct mineral species. Similar to garnet, the mineral tourmaline is a group of minerals that share the same crystal structure and, as such, tourmaline comes in a variety of colors with pink tourmaline considered the “modern” birthstone for October.

Similar to garnet, tourmaline is not a single mineral, but a group of minerals that share the same crystal structure but have different physical and chemical properties.
The major tourmaline species are elbaite, liddicoatite, dravite, uvite, and schorl. Nearly all the gem varieties of tourmaline are elbaite.
Tourmaline occurs in all colors, but pink, red, green, blue and multicolored are its most well-known gem colors.
Schorl is a common black tourmaline that is relatively inexpensive.
One form of multicolored tourmaline called Watermelon Tourmaline has a red center surrounded by a green outer layer.
While the more common forms of tourmaline can be fairly inexpensive, the more exotic and rare colors can be very pricy.
Colored tourmaline gems display pleochroism, which means that their color changes when viewed at different angles. It is barely discernable in some tourmaline gems and quite apparent in others.
Important deposits of tourmaline are in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and the United States (California and Maine). Several African countries have recently become big producers of gem tourmaline, specifically Madagascar, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Malawi.
Chrome Tourmaline from Tanzania has an intense green that rivals the color of emerald.
Trade names for tourmaline include Rubellite (various red shades), Indicolite (dark violetish blue, blue, or greenish blue), Paraíba (intense violetish blue, green blue, or blue tourmaline from the state of Paraíba, Brazil), Chrome Tourmaline (intense green, colored by vanadium), and Watermelon Tourmaline (pink and green).
The first discoveries of tourmaline in the United States, specifically Maine, occurred in 1822. In the early 1900’s California became a large producer of tourmaline.
Much of the pink and red tourmaline from San Diego County in California was shipped to China because the Chinese Dowager Empress Tz’u Hsi was fond of the color.
In the first half of the twentieth century Brazil yielded some large deposits of tourmaline in almost every color. Additional finds of tourmaline appeared in countries around the world beginning in the 1950’s expanding the supply of tourmaline world-wide.
Some varieties of tourmaline exhibit piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties which means that they generate an electrical charge when subjected to pressure or temperature changes, making tourmaline useful in the production of sensitive electronic components. Some of these components include pressure sensors, accelerometers, and sonar devices. It is also used in scientific instruments, including X-ray detectors and spectrometers.
Schorl (black tourmaline) is used in various industrial applications such as an abrasive in grinding and polishing, black pigments, and a component in ceramic glazes.

Specs

Chemical Formula	(Na,Ca)(Mg,Li,Al,Fe²⁺)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄	Mineral Class	Tourmaline
Color	White, Colorless, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray, Black, Multicolored
Crystal System	Hexagonal	Hardness	7-7.5
Transparency	Transparent to opaque	Luster	Vitreous
Refractory Index	1.616 - 1.650	Double Refraction	.018

Legends

One Egyptian legend says that tourmalines traveled along a rainbow to reach the earth gathering a diverse array of colors along the way.

The Egyptians and Romans carved talismans and amulets from tourmaline, possibly believing that its vibrant colors imbued the gemstone with mystical and protective properties.

Tourmalines are often associated with strength, vitality, and spiritual energy.

Tourmaline, associated by the Chinese with the yin and yang energies, was used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, and was also considered a stone of protection and used to ward off negative energies.

In Japan, tourmaline was cherished for its beautiful colors and was also believed to bring good fortune.

Many indigenous cultures, including Native Americans, have cherished tourmaline and attributed spiritual significance to the stone, believing tourmaline to be a sacred stone that brought protection and healing. It was often used in rituals, ceremonies, and as a talisman for spiritual guidance.

Some believe tourmalines have the power to enhance understanding, amplify psychic energies, increase self-confidence, and aid in concentration and communication.

Tourmalines are also believed to neutralize negative energies, and dispel fear and grief.

By strengthening the body and spirit tourmalines are thought to inspire creativity and have been used as a talisman by some artists and writers.

Different colors of tourmaline are believed by some to have specific energetic properties, with pink tourmaline associated with emotional healing and love, while green tourmaline is associated with physical vitality and abundance.

Tourmaline is used by some in alternative and holistic healing practices, such as crystal healing, meditation, and chakra balancing.

Tourmalines are also believed by some to be useful in relaxing the body and the mind thus aiding in the treatment of many different diseases such as anxiety, blood poisoning, arthritis, and heart disease.

Different colors of tourmaline are also believed to balance the chakras by possessing specific energy properties that can influence various aspects of life, such as promoting love, enhancing creativity, and providing protection.