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.