Tourmaline - Discover the Rainbow of Possibilities in Gemstones

Origin: From the Singhalese words tura mali, roughly translated as stone with mixed colours.
Colour: Almost every colour
Family: Technically its own family, the tourmaline mineral group is a chemically complicated group of silicate minerals.
Hardness: 7 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale
Found in: Many locations, with major deposits in Brazil, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
 Birthstone: October
Anniversaries: 8th

 

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

While most gems will have a signature colour (for example, sapphire blue or emerald green), the most distinctive thing about tourmaline are its many colours! This extraordinary range earns it the title of most versatile gemstone in modern jewellery limited only by your personal taste and imagination.

Tourmaline is found all over the globe, and has enjoyed a long and, well, colourful history. Ancient Egyptians big fans of coloured gems believed that tourmaline had passed through a rainbow and had subsequently adopted all of its colours. Even within one stone, tourmalines can exhibit bi-coloured or multi-coloured properties, further enhancing this reputation. Some tourmalines with certain unique properties even get their own names such as the stable-red rubellite.

Tourmaline is believed to represent electricity, giving its owner a charismatic spark. It is also associated with long-lasting love and friendship and will be sure to add colour to anyone's life! Whenever gold is found at the end of this rainbow (or any metal for that matter), it creates a truly special piece.

 

YOUR TOURMALINE

Some tourmaline is treated by irradiation to improve colour. This does not affect the stones value. Heavily included tourmaline may be treated to improve clarity (which can affect value).

Tourmaline is durable and should be cleaned using a soft cloth and some warm, soapy water. (It is also a good idea to have your tourmaline cleaned professionally every two years.) As with all precious stones, we suggest you avoid wearing your tourmaline whilst undertaking any vigorous activity. Check with your jeweller if you have any other questions or concerns.

 

NOTABLE TOURMALINES

One of the largest natural examples, from Brazil, weighs 191 carats and is a blue-green colour.

 

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