Tourmaline comes from the boron silicate minerals. Tourmaline comes in a variety of different colours and as such is referred to as the Rainbow Gemstone. Tourmalines are electrically polarized and contain electric fields. Tourmalines are often confused with other gemstones because of their wide colour range. For instance, Caesar’s Ruby necklace, a part of the Russian crown jewels catalogue, actually contained a rubellite pendant confused as a ruby pendant for over a century.
Brazil is one of the most popular sources of tourmaline – Minas Gerais is known for kaleidoscopic gemstones and Paraíba is known for bright green, blue and violet varieties. Bright coloured tourmalines similar to the Paraiba tourmalines are also found in Mozambique and Nigeria. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya and Madagascar also contribute to global production. California and Maine in the US are historically popular sources of this gemstone.
Tourmalines have a hardness of 7.0 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness implying that it is less prone to scratches and can be used in everyday jewellery.
Tourmalines are sensitive to heat and as such cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush is the best way to clean them.
Tourmalines come in a variety of colours. Preferred colours are rubellite, paraiba, red and chrome tourmalines. Colour variations may cost less or more depending upon the vibrancy and depth of colour.
Green tourmalines are eye-clean while blue, red and pink tourmalines are not eye-clean. Inclusions will not impact value as long as the stone has strong colour and attractiveness.
Tourmaline has an elongated shape and as such there are many non-standard shapes available. They are also cut to fit standard shapes while retaining the brilliance of the stone.
Price increases once the stone crosses the 5 carat mark due to their rarity.
Tourmaline derives its name from the Sinhalese word turamali meaning stones of mixed colours. This gemstone comes in possibly all colours to rival other gemstones. This stone is associated with creativity due to the many colour possibilities. Some tourmalines also feature two or more colours in one gemstone and are in demand for their individuality. Tourmaline is believed to provide the wearer with a clean aura, good energy and a balanced personality. It is also associated with tolerance and compassion. The different varieties of tourmalines have their own individual benefits.
