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Tourmaline
It is thought that the name tourmaline came from a Sinhalese word meaning mixed gems. This would not be surprising because Tourmalines come in such a variety of colors that it is difficult to identify them in a lab let alone while searching a river bed.
It is not just the colors of tourmaline that vary - the prices can range from reasonable to extravagant, the spiritual powers seem limitless and the sizes and shapes countless.
Tourmaline Colors
There are literally tourmalines in every color of the rainbow including some with two or even three colors in the same stone and perhaps in colors NOT featured in a rainbow.
Within the tourmaline family there are varieties which are sold under their own trade names:
- Paraiba - neon greens and blues
- Indicolite - intense deep blue
- Rubellite - pink, red and purple
- Chrome Tourmaline - vivid green
- Watermelon Tourmaline - pink in the middle, green around the edge.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Tourmaline Species
Added to the color varieties of tourmaline, this gemstone is also further divided into species determined by crystal structure and make up:
- Schorl
- Elbaite
- Dravite
- Liddicoatite
- Uvite
What are the spiritual benefits of Tourmaline?
Black Tourmaline could be the most powerful protective gemstone out there but the other colors have virtues of their own:
- Pink - Encourages compassion and gentleness
- Yellow - Encourages inventiveness and creativity
- Green - Rejuvenating and revitalizing
- Red - Boosts confidence and sexuality
See our detailed article on tourmaline meaning and uses
Tourmaline and the Chakras
The Chakras are energy points located about the body which can influence us emotionally and physically. Each chakra has an associated dominant color.
Since tourmalines can be found in a color to match every Chakra, they can be described as the perfect Chakra stone.
Find more details on Chakra gemstones here
Tourmaline Price
Tourmalines are available in all colors but some colors are valued more than others.
Assuming the size and clarity are of similar quality, the neon blue Paraiba tourmalines will attain the highest price followed by the blue Indicolite and red Rubellite gemstones.
Some of the interesting and rare two and three colored gemstones can also fetch high prices.
Tourmalines can also be found in more everyday colors, but still beautiful gemstones, such as yellow, green and orange, for much more affordable prices.
Carat Weight
Large carat weight tourmalines are very rare and as the size of the stone increases the price per carat will rise rapidly. For example a fine 1 carat pink tourmaline may cost $150 per carat but a similar 3 carat gemstone could cost $350 per carat.
As we have stated, most tourmalines are in the one to two carat range and a simple green or golden brown gemstone can vary from $15 - $150 per carat while bi-color or watermelon examples may reach $70 - $400 per carat and top quality Indicolites can approach $1000 per carat.
Treatments
Tourmalines are a generally untreated gemstone other than the usual cutting and polishing into the finished product.
Any treatments are clearly and fully disclosed on our product pages.
Tourmaline History
People have probably been using tourmalines as gemstones for thousands of years without really knowing it! They come in such a variety of colors that a yellow tourmaline may have been called a topaz and a red tourmaline sold as a ruby.
Certainly the first green tourmalines discovered in Brazil by the Spanish conquistadors were sold around the world as emeralds. Even the development of modern gemology did not stop sellers using more illustrious names to get the better prices.
Nowadays the scientists can identify tourmalines and traders are happy to use the good name that tourmaline has earned in recent times.
Where are sapphires found?
Brazil is still the source of much of the world's tourmaline but Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Tanzania and Madagascar are also top suppliers.
California was one of the world's best producers of tourmaline at the end of the 19th century and was famous for its pink and red specimens.
What jewelry is Tourmaline suitable for?
Tourmaline is rated at 7 to 7.5 on Mohs hardness scale which makes them durable enough for most jewelry items including daily wear pieces without too many worries about chipping, scratching or breaking.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Tourmaline is the official birthstone of October and would make a great present for anyone who has a birthday in this month.
Tourmaline is the traditional gemstone to celebrate the 8th wedding anniversary.
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