Tourmaline: The Gem of Color, Creativity, and Balance

Tourmaline is a gemstone rainbow—a celebration of color, individuality, and energetic balance. No other gemstone comes in as wide a variety of hues, from rich forest greens to neon pinks, oceanic blues, golden ambers, and even bi- or tri-colored combinations like watermelon tourmaline. It is a stone of versatility, emotional expression, and magnetic beauty—both literally and symbolically.

A Gemstone of Infinite Color

The name “tourmaline” is derived from the Sinhalese word “toramalli”, meaning “stone with mixed colors,” and few gems live up to their name so literally. Tourmaline can be found in virtually every color, with each hue having its own trade name and metaphysical association.

What makes tourmaline particularly special is its pleochroism—the ability to display different colors depending on the angle of viewing. Additionally, some crystals are bicolor or tricolor, displaying gradients or distinct bands of color within a single stone.

Types of Tourmaline

Tourmaline is not just one gemstone, but a family of related minerals. The most popular gem varieties include:

• Rubellite: Vibrant pink to red. The more saturated and vivid, the more valuable.

• Paraíba Tourmaline: An ultra-rare electric blue-to-green variety colored by copper; among the most expensive gems in the world.

• Verdelite: Any green tourmaline, from mint to deep forest green.

• Indicolite: Blue tourmaline, ranging from pale blue to deep denim.

• Watermelon Tourmaline: Naturally bi-colored, with a pink core and green rind—resembling its namesake.

• Schorl: Opaque black tourmaline, popular in metaphysical circles and decorative jewelry.

• Chrome Tourmaline: Rich, emerald-like green colored by chromium.

History: A Prism of Myths and Global Lore

Tourmaline’s use in jewelry dates back to the 1700s, though ancient cultures mistook it for emerald, ruby, or sapphire due to its diverse hues. It became especially popular in Victorian and Art Nouveau jewelry, prized for its richness of color and natural character.

Egyptians believed tourmaline traveled up from the Earth through a rainbow, collecting its colors along the way. In metaphysical traditions, it is seen as a protective and grounding stone, said to inspire creativity, attract love, and protect against negativity.

WOW FACT!!

The most valuable variety of tourmaline is Paraíba tourmaline, discovered in the late 1980s in Brazil. Its vivid neon-blue glow—caused by copper content—shocked the gem world. Top-quality Paraíba tourmalines can command prices exceeding $10,000 per carat, rivaling fine sapphires and emeralds.

Additionally, tourmaline is pyroelectric and piezoelectric, meaning it can generate an electric charge when heated or squeezed—a property once believed to give it mystical powers.

Mohs Scale:

Tourmaline ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, offering good durability for everyday wear. However, some varieties with internal stress (like watermelon or rubellite) may be more brittle and require gentle handling.

Chemical Composition:

Tourmaline is a complex boron silicate mineral with varying compositions. Its general formula is:

(Na,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄

Different elements give rise to different colors:

• Iron: Green to brown

• Manganese: Pink to red

• Chromium or vanadium: Intense green

• Copper: The neon blues and greens of Paraíba tourmaline

How to Buy Tourmaline Jewelry

Color

With tourmaline, color is everything. Look for stones with rich saturation, even tone, and good transparency. Paraíba and rubellite are most valuable. Multicolored stones like watermelon tourmaline are prized for their distinct color zones and natural formation.

Cut

Tourmalines are typically faceted in oval, emerald, cushion, or pear cuts to showcase their clarity and color zoning. Long crystals are often cut into baguette or rectangular shapes to preserve carat weight and show pleochroism.

Clarity

Tourmalines are generally eye-clean, though inclusions can occur, especially in rubellite and paraíba types. Slight inclusions are acceptable if the color is strong and vibrant.

Character

No gemstone expresses personality quite like tourmaline. Whether you're drawn to the electric blue of Paraíba, the playful beauty of watermelon tourmaline, or the elegant mystery of deep green, tourmaline offers a stone for every emotion and identity.

Caring for Tourmaline

• Clean: Gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

• Avoid: Sudden temperature changes, ultrasonic cleaners, and rough impact, especially for stones with visible internal zoning.

• Store: Wrap individually to avoid scratching softer or more fragile gems.