Tourmaline
Tourmaline — A World of Colour
Tourmaline offers an exceptionally broad palette: pink, red, green, blue, yellow, brown and black, sometimes with several colours in one stone. It can suit a subtle piece in a quiet shade or a design in which colour takes centre stage.
Gemmological Properties
| Mineral / material | The tourmaline mineral group; many transparent gem tourmalines are elbaite |
|---|---|
| Composition | Complex boron-bearing silicates; composition varies between species |
| Colours | A wide range, including colourless and colour-zoned stones |
| Hardness | 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale |
| Refractive index | A commonly quoted gem range is 1.624–1.644; composition-dependent |
| Specific gravity | Typically around 3.06; varies with species and composition |
| Phenomena | Double refraction, pleochroism; chatoyancy in some stones |
Tourmaline is a group rather than a single mineral composition. These are commonly used reference values and do not replace testing an individual gemstone.
Familiar Varieties and Names
- Black schorl: An iron-rich species, usually black and opaque.
- Verdelite: A familiar name for green tourmaline.
- Rubellite: Red to pinkish-red tourmaline; trade usage varies.
- Indicolite: Blue to greenish-blue tourmaline.
- Dravite: A magnesium-rich species occurring in brown and other colours. Brown colour alone does not establish dravite.
- Yellow / golden tourmaline: Colour descriptions rather than identification of a particular mineral species.
- Achroite: Colourless tourmaline.
- Bi-colour, tri-colour and multi-colour: Stones with multiple colour zones.
- Watermelon tourmaline: Typically a pink centre surrounded by green.
Paraíba Tourmaline
Paraíba is known for vivid blues and greens in which copper is an important colour-producing element. A turquoise appearance alone does not establish Paraíba, and the name does not prove Brazilian origin.
Although Paraíba belongs to the tourmaline group, we have dedicated a separate page to it because of its exceptional colours, composition and distinctive place in the world of gemstones.
Colour and Optics
A tourmaline may show different shades or colour strengths when viewed in different directions — a phenomenon called pleochroism. Cutting orientation influences its appearance and can bring out attractive colour while avoiding an overly dark look.
In multi-colour stones, cutting can emphasise transitions between zones. Parallel inclusions can produce a cat’s-eye effect, usually displayed through a cabochon cut.
Quality and Price
Value reflects colour, clarity, cutting, size and treatments. Appealing saturation, good light return and suitable cutting can contribute to quality. Inclusions do not automatically rule out a stone; their effects on appearance and suitability for setting should be assessed.
Clarity expectations differ between varieties. Rare, desirable colours, including fine Paraíba, can command particularly high prices. Carat weight alone is insufficient for comparing value.
Treatments and Identification
Heating and irradiation are used to alter tourmaline colour. Heat treatment is not always detectable. Irradiation-produced colour may fade under strong light or heat; stability depends on the stone and treatment.
Identification combines optical properties with examination under magnification. Colour alone does not establish mineral species or confirm Paraíba. Known treatments should be disclosed, and identification claims assessed against the evidence.
Suitability for Setting
Tourmaline can be used in rings, pendants and earrings. Hardness does not prevent breakage: fractures, inclusions and exposed edges must be considered before setting. For a ring that experiences frequent contact, the design should protect vulnerable areas.
Unusual cuts and multiple colours offer attractive possibilities for personal design, with the stone’s placement and setting highlighting its individual character.
Sources Around the World
Familiar tourmaline sources include Brazil, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Madagascar and Mozambique. Colours and compositions vary between deposits and within individual deposits.
Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning — Beliefs and Traditions
A powerful, ancient stone, its current name was given in the early eighteenth century by Dutch traders who brought it to Europe and called it “Tourmali”, meaning a stone with mixed colours in Sri Lankan.
It accelerates processes of awareness and serves as a channel for transmitting higher spiritual information.
Black tourmaline creates strong protective energy around its user. It helps during separation or other experiences of pain. Prolonged use may strengthen the personal charm and radiance emanating from a person.
Black tourmaline, schorl:
A stone particularly suited to energetic protection. It is beneficial in situations where a person is attacked by the “evil eye”, negative energy deliberately sent towards them from outside.
Green tourmaline, verdelite:
Creates powerful healing energy. Beneficial in cases of physical injury and excellent for treating fatigue and exhaustion. Strengthens the nervous system. A distinctly abundant stone.
Red / pink tourmaline, rubellite:
Awakens enthusiasm and joy in life. It can enter the heart chakra and clear difficult emotions from it. Helps heal emotional wounds from the past and makes it possible to trust in love again.
Blue tourmaline, indicolite:
A rare stone, particularly beneficial for balancing the thyroid gland, respiratory system, thymus gland and ear, nose and throat problems. Strengthens communication abilities and suits people who work with their voices, such as singers, actors and announcers.
Brown tourmaline, dravite (champagne tourmaline):
Provides protection and gentle grounding during meditation.
Yellow / golden tourmaline, golden tourmaline:
Balances the digestive system, liver, kidneys and bladder. Strengthens self-confidence and assertiveness.
Clear tourmaline, achroite:
Has a strong influence on the crown chakra. Used by people involved in healing and guiding spiritual professions.
Bi-colour, tri-colour and multi-colour tourmaline:
Seen as stones with symbolic meaning for the possibility of many nations, races and people living together in harmony.
Watermelon tourmaline:
A healing stone containing a frequency that is stimulating and calming at the same time. Helps one understand that receiving and giving are sides of the same thing and that the essence of existence is love. Helps increase a sense of humour, particularly in those who take life very seriously.
These meanings belong to the realm of belief and symbolism. They can give jewellery personal significance, but they are not proven gemological properties or a promise of healing, protection or a change in health.
Tourmaline at TzurGems Jewelry & Gemstones
At TzurGems Jewelry & Gemstones, Guy, a gemologist, and Rafael, an artisan goldsmith, combine gemmological selection with personal jewellery design. The gemstone’s colour, cut and condition guide the design and setting.