Exploring Tourmaline: Learn about the mysterious Gem!

Tourmaline crystals were first introduced in the 16th century after the Dutch merchants got them from Sri Lanka and transported them to Europe.

At first, they were thought to be other types of gemstones; however, Europeans greatly admired the stone's bright colors like blue, green, red, and yellow. They were named “Ceylonese Magnet” due to their pyroelectricity. Garnet is one of the best red stones.

Although the existence of tourmaline in the layered silicate mineral group comes from the 18th century.

More emphasis was placed on this gem in the 19th century when it was adopted by users of gemstones and by royalty, for instance, the Russian Empress Catherine the Great.

Tourmaline stones have a vivid and colorful appearance that attracts many collectors and jewelry enthusiasts since it is among the most colored gemstones in the market.

They range from the palest of pastels up to solid colors like vibrant pinks, deep greens, rich blues, and bi-colors, or tri-colors such as the Watermelon Tourmaline which is green on the outside, pink in the middle, and white on the inside.

Often compared with the Rainbow Moonstone, this gem is simply glimmering.

There are simply transparent or opaque gems and transparent gems are most wanted for his or her brilliancy.

The vitreous or glassy luster of the stone is perhaps the most important of the physical properties of the gemstone and is what greatly enhances its beauty and brightness, therefore, it becomes an excellent adornment for everyone to use when making jewelry.

On the Mohs hardness scale, tourmaline lies in between 7 to 7.5 regarding toughness. That is why it is quite suitable for wearing during the entire day, however, one should still handle the gem with care.

The flexibility of color in these together with its good hardness as well as luster makes it a popular gemstone that is both jewelry and collection-oriented.

The mining of these high-quality gemstones is largely based in Brazil with a variety of colors; however, it is the Paraiba tourmaline that is famous for its neon blue and green tinge.

Other scarce sources are the countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan which produce high-quality pink and green tourmalines.

Africa is another important region, with indicated resources in nations such as Mozambique, Nigeria, and Madagascar, yielding fascinating bi-color and tri-color types. Another famous crystal that comes from this region is Tanzanite.

Also, America, primarily California and Maine are the leading producers of this gem in exotic hues of green and pink. These different places have made this gem to be one of the most diverse gemstones as far as color is concerned.

Tourmaline gemstone is primarily connected to the zodiac sign of Libra. The zodiac sign Libra is associated with the symbol of scales because people born under this sign are sensitive to beauty, balance, and harmony.

This relates to tourmaline meaning because it comes in varieties of colors and more so the character of the Libra can be said to relate to the ‘balance and harmony’ properties of this stone. Malachite Gemstone also has a niche connection with harmony.

It was also believed to assist Libras with issues related to relationships, enhancement of empathy, and help maintain inner harmony and balance.

Furthermore, Libra’s appreciation for balance can be referred to as this stone’s ability to stabilize the energies of an individual.

However, other zodiac signs that can reap the benefits of the powers inhibited by the tourmaline gemstone include Gemini, Virgo, and Taurus.

The gem can also improve their state of affairs with the help of the harmonizing energy, making it universal and self-significant.

Tourmaline gemstones are famous for their availability in numerous colors and they have a special name for each color. Some of the main types of tourmaline gemstones include:

1. Paraíba Tourmaline: Highly valuable is the rare Paraíba tourmaline with a neon blue to green color. It's where, in the region of Paraíba in Brazil, where it was first discovered, that it gets its name.

2. Watermelon Tourmaline: This variety has concentric circles of pink and green and is white or colorless in the middle like a watermelon. Another pretty white stone is Opal Gemstone.

3. Rubellite Tourmaline: Rubellite means red and this is predominantly pink to red or displaying a purplish shade. It is appreciated for its high density and hue and is capable of rivaling common precious stones such as rubies.

4. Chrome Tourmaline: Chrome is known to have a green color commonly because of the chromium element. The Rare Chrome Tourmaline is much sought after for its bright color and good clearing properties.

5. Bi-color and Tri-color Tourmaline: These varieties are characterized by two or three different colors in one crystal making great color contrast such as pink and green, pink, green, and white, and many others.

6. Indicolite Tourmaline: Indicolite is a term used when the colored stone is blue, ranging from pastel sky blue to sapphire blue.

7. Verdelite Tourmaline: Green tourmaline meaning is reflected in its name Verdelite, the colors of which range from pale green, similar to aqua to green which is so dark like the color of the forest.

These are some predominant types of beautiful colors of tourmaline stones that are present in the market in different shades.

Tourmaline benefits relate to the body by performing detoxification and purification functions.

Physical Healing Properties

• It protects the body and improves its defense and energy levels hence the immune system.
• Tourmaline can also help reduce people’s chronic pain and swelling.
• This gemstone is expected to align the body's energy fields or chakras.
• It is also believed to enhance the blood flow hence assisting in the treatment of stress and tension.
• It may also help with increasing the ability of the body to bend the joints more and reduce the tightness of the muscles.

Emotional Healing Properties

• It is thought that tourmaline is good for a person’s emotional steadiness and stability. Moonstone is also believed to be a great stone for emotional healing.
• It decreases the body’s stress levels and improves the levels of peace and happiness.
• It is thought to help someone get rid of feelings of being afraid and to also overcome nervousness.
• Tourmaline stone is expected to promote self-affirmation, hence a person becomes more confident and can make better decisions.

Metaphysical Properties

• Tourmaline has metaphysical characteristics that link with the purification and cleansing of the body, mind, and soul.
• It enhances one’s ability to focus and keep their concentration and positive thinking.
• It helps with a person's ability to concentrate and think positively as well as boosting confidence and determination.
• This gemstone can strengthen the ability of a person to connect with their inner feelings.

Gem tourmaline is of fairly good hardness and fairly hardy, but does demand special consideration. Here are a few tips on how to care for your tourmaline gemstone:

Cleaning:

Clean your tourmaline gemstones with warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush. Don’t use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners; they will damage the gemstone.

Storage:

Also, keep your tourmaline gemstones apart from other gemstones to avoid scratches. After finding a jewelry box with separate compartments, you can store your gemstones there or wrap each one with soft material. Another stone is Opal whose storage you need to take ample care of. 

Handling:

However, your tourmaline gemstones should avoid sudden temperature changes as they will crack them. Take off your tourmaline as you do any other piece of jewelry when doing any physical sports or using household chemicals.

Maintenance:

Do regularly check your tourmaline gemstones that there are no signs of damage or that the settings are loosening. If you see any trouble please take it to a professional jewelry to be repaired.

Well known for its full range of colors, and the fascinating properties associated with them, Tourmaline is sometimes called the 'Rainbow Gemstone.' Here are some intriguing facts about this captivating stone:

Color Spectrum

• Tourmaline has more color variations than any other gemstone – from deep blacks and greens to very vivid pinks and bright neon blues. This incredible diversity arises due to variations in the chemical composition (trace element iron, manganese, and lithium).

Color-Zoned Crystals

• The same individual Tourmaline crystal may have different colors inside the same stone. Watermelon Tourmaline (rather nicknamed Tourmaline de Melon; melon means a watermelon pretty much where I'm from) looks like the color of the outside and matches the pink of the inside, like a watermelon.

Electric Properties

• When you put Tourmaline in your hand and squeeze it, it will create an electrical charge and do the same thing if you heat it. Tourmaline is piezoelectric (or pyroelectric). Due to this unique property, it finds use in several industrial applications such as electronics.

October Birthstone

• Tourmaline is one of the birthstones for October, symbolizing creativity and emotional balance. It is also a popular choice for celebrating 8th wedding anniversaries

Historic Significance

• It is no wonder that ancient Egyptians believed the Tourmaline gemstone was carried through a rainbow in its trip from the Earth’s core, explaining why the stone displays such a wide range of colors.

These days, collecting Tourmaline cabochons seems to be quite popular as the Tourmaline crystal has so many interesting features, from its electrical properties to its colorful appeal.

Tourmaline’s mythological significance varies across cultures, with some rare stories adding a unique dimension to its allure:

Rainbow Legend

• In ancient Egyptian mythology, Tourmaline’s rainbow variety of colors came from having traveled up a rainbow on its way out of the Earth’s surface. The hues were said to be sending a message from the heavens. Amethyst is also connected to Egyptians.

Sanskrit Connection

• Tourmaline is called Tura Mali in Sanskrit texts. 'Tur' means stone, and 'Mali' means stone of mixed colors having the qualities of balance of opposites supposed to be present in it. It was believed to join up male and female energies into harmony.

Shamanic Uses

• African and Native American Indigenous shamans have always considered Tourmaline a stone of protection, and it was used as part of rituals to banish evil spirits and purify negative energy.

Dutch East India Trade

• The arrival of Tourmaline gemstones in Europe in the 17th century was brought by Dutch traders mistaking the stones for emeralds. Because it was good at repelling and attracting ash while heated, it was nicknamed 'Ash Puller.'

Healing in Ancient China

• According to Chinese mythology, Tourmaline crystals would balance yin and yang energies. In particular, pink Tourmaline was considered to attract love and to adjust emotions.

These lesser-known stories of Tourmaline’s use bridge cultures, spirituality, and science.

Tourmaline’s versatility allows it to be fashioned into various shapes and cuts, each showcasing its unique beauty:

Faceted Cuts

• Faceted for the best brilliance, Tourmaline is often a stone. The natural color and clarity of the Tourmaline stone are enhanced by oval, cushion, and emerald cuts for jewelry.

Cabochons

• Tourmaline cabochons with inclusions, or where it is wired like a cat’s eye, are best suited to cabochon cuts, where they make a smooth, polished dome. These are used in pendants and rings.

Bicolor and Tricolor Cuts

• Watermelon Tourmaline gemstones are cut so their color zoning is shown, usually in slices or step cuts showing the gradient from green to pink.

Freeform Shapes

• Freeform or irregular cuts indicate the natural beauty of the Tourmaline crystal and are common in artisanal or bohemian jewelry work.

Beads and Carvings

• Tourmaline beads are used for necklaces and bracelets and carved into intricate shapes for decor purposes.

With its numerous cutting styles, Tourmaline stones may be used in fine jewelry or to create statement pieces.

The value of Tourmaline gemstones depends on several factors, making each stone unique in its appraisal:

Color

• Of the most vital factors determining the value of a Tourmaline stone, color tops the list. Prices tend to be highest for rare hues such as neon blue (Paraiba Tourmaline) or vivid pink (Rubellite). Stones with strong, uniform saturation are prized.

Clarity

• High-quality Tourmaline crystals are transparent without many inclusions. Although inclusions such as the cat’s eye effect may increase the value of a stone, heavily included stones are less desirable.

Cut

• When cut well, a Tourmaline gemstone will have more brilliance and color. Bicolor or tricolor stones, which have a gradient effect, require precision cutting to showcase that gradient.

Origin

• Tourmaline stones from places such as Brazil (Paraiba), Afghanistan, or Madagascar are especially highly prized.

Size

• Rarely will you find large-quality stones with rare colors at a small ticket price.

There’s an incredible variety and adaptability to the colors and shapes of Tourmaline crystals that make them desirable for collectors or those searching for jewelry.

Tourmaline gemstones are powerful in astrology, offering protective and healing energies to various zodiac signs:

Libra

• Libras are strongly drawn to Tourmaline stones, which bring balance into their life and relationships. In addition, they help maintain emotional stability.

Scorpio

• Tourmaline crystals help Scorpios with emotional healing, encourage self-discovery, and aid Scorpios in accepting change with courage. Another gemstone for emotional healing is Moonstone.

Capricorn

• Capricorns benefit especially from black Tourmaline stones, which ground and protect them from outside negative energies. They help focus on achieving goals.

Spiritual Benefits

• Tourmaline gemstones are linked to multiple chakras, due to their grounding (root chakra), emotional healing (heart chakra), and creativity-enhancing (throat chakra) properties.

Universal Appeal

• The 'stone of reconciliation,' Tourmaline also attunes us to understanding and compassion for all signs.

Tourmaline crystals are potent astrological tools, used for grounding, emotional healing, or spiritual alignment.

1. What Is The Significance Of Tourmaline?

Tourmaline gemstone is believed to have healing properties that will help both the body and also the mind. Detoxification, energy levels, pain and swelling, emotional stability, and positivity are among the things they are thought to help with. You can buy them from GemstonesForSale.

2. What Is An Interesting Fact About Tourmaline?

Color zoning and inclusion in natural tourmaline gemstones are unlike any synthetic or fake gemstone. Tourmaline can also be tested by a scratch test since tourmaline hardness is 7-7.5 according to the Mohs scale.

While a gemologist can determine whether a gem is natural or not, the most effective way to know for sure is to have the stone looked over by a professional.

3. Can Tourmaline Be Worn Daily?

Yes, tourmaline gemstones can be worn every day as they are relatively hard and durable. However, they should be handled with care to avoid scratches and damage from harsh chemicals or physical activities.  Find it on GemstonesForSale for amazing prices.

4. What Color of Tourmaline is the Most Valuable?

The most valuable color of tourmaline is the neon-blue to green Paraíba tourmaline, followed by the vivid pink to red Rubellite tourmaline. The value of tourmaline gemstones is determined by their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.