What is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone that belongs to a complex family of boron silicate minerals. What makes tourmaline truly special is its ability to display a wide range of colors, often within a single crystal. This phenomenon is known as "pleochroism," where the gemstone shows different colors when viewed from different angles.
The name "tourmaline" is derived from the Sinhalese word "turamali'', which means "mixed gems." This name reflects the stone's incredible variety of colors and its historical confusion with other gemstones like emeralds and sapphires.
Uses
Tourmaline is a gemstone with diverse applications, making it a favorite among jewelers, healers, and collectors alike.
Jewelry: Tourmaline's wide color range and durability make it a popular choice for rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Its versatility allows it to complement both modern and traditional designs.
Healing and Metaphysical Properties: Many believe that tourmaline has powerful healing properties. It is often used in crystal healing to balance energy, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being. Black tourmaline, in particular, is known for its protective qualities.
Industrial Uses: Due to its piezoelectric properties (the ability to generate an electric charge under pressure), tourmaline is used in scientific instruments and pressure-sensitive devices.
Origin
Tourmaline is found in various parts of the world, with some of the most notable sources being:
Brazil: Brazil is the largest producer of tourmaline, especially the vibrant Paraiba tourmaline, which is known for its neon blue and green hues.
Afghanistan and Pakistan: These regions are famous for producing high-quality pink and green tourmalines.
Africa: Countries like Nigeria, Mozambique, and Madagascar are known for their rich deposits of tourmaline in a variety of colors.
United States: California’s San Diego County is historically significant for its tourmaline mines, particularly the pink and green varieties.
Tourmaline forms in pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks. The presence of trace elements like iron, manganese, and lithium during its formation contributes to its stunning color variations.
Different Colors of Tourmaline and Their Prices
Tourmaline is often called the "rainbow gemstone" because it comes in almost every color imaginable. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular colors and their approximate price ranges:
Paraiba Tourmaline: Neon blue or green, sourced from Brazil. This is the most expensive variety, ranging from 2000 to 20,000 per carat depending on quality.
Rubellite Tourmaline: Deep pink to red. High-quality rubellite can cost 300 to 2,000 per carat.
Chrome Tourmaline: Vibrant green due to chromium content. Prices range from 150 to 1,000 per carat.
Watermelon Tourmaline: Pink in the center with a green outer layer. Prices vary from 100 to 500 per carat.
Indicolite Tourmaline: Blue or blueish-green, typically rare. Prices range from 200 to 1000 per carat depending on quality.
Black Tourmaline: Opaque and affordable, typically priced at 10 to 50 per carat.
Prices depend on factors like color intensity, clarity, size, and origin. Rare colors and high-quality stones command premium prices.
Properties
Tourmaline is not just a beautiful gemstone it also boasts unique physical properties:
Physical Properties:
- Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
- Refractive Index: 1.62 to 1.64.
- Specific Gravity: 3.0 to 3.2.
Treatments and Enhancements
Like many gemstones, tourmaline may undergo treatments to enhance its appearance. Here are the most common treatments:
Heat Treatment: Used to improve color or remove unwanted hues. For example, brownish-pink tourmalines may be heated to achieve a more desirable pink color.
Irradiation: Exposing the stone to radiation can enhance or change its color. This treatment is often used to create blue or green hues.
Oiling: Occasionally, tourmalines with surface-reaching fractures are oiled to improve clarity.
It’s important to note that treated tourmalines are generally less valuable than untreated, natural stones. Always ask for a gemstone certification to ensure transparency about any treatments.
