Birthstone

October

Origin

Tourmaline can be found in Maine, California, South Africa, Afghanistan and Brazil.

History

Tourmaline is named from the Sinhalese word turmali, which means “mixed”. It can be found in almost all colors from clear to black with every tone imaginable and with many stones containing more than one color. The most sought form of tourmaline for jewelry is Elbaite, which gradients from pink to green. Watermelon tourmaline, which resembles the colors of the fruit, is considered the Maine State Gemstone.

The gem was found in Brazil in the 1500’s where Spanish conquistadors washed dirt from a green tourmaline crystal, confusing it with emerald. Scientist identified this gemstone species as tourmaline in the 1800’s. One of the earliest reports of tourmaline came in 1892 in California. In the 1800’s Tourmaline became the American gemstone by Tiffany gemologist, George F. Kunz. He praised the stone deposits in Maine and California for the quality of gemstones produced. California’s rich pink tourmaline was shipped to the Chinese Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi who was fond of the color.

Fashion

Want to add a pop of color to your outfit? How about pink or green, or both! What about Watermelon! Tourmaline comes in an array of colors…however, my favorite is pink! Tourmaline is a great stone to pair with jeans and a sweater, or maybe your favorite black dress. Either way, it is going to look great. Tourmaline is also a gemstone that can be worn daily and keep its beautiful shape and color!

Formation

Tourmaline is formed through a hypothermal process, involving water that is undissolved from hot magma. The mixture of water and minerals fill the cracks of magma as it cools and hardens, resulting in tourmaline.

Cleaning & Care

Tourmaline can be easily cleaned at home with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic or steam cleaners are not recommended for cleaning tourmaline. Gemstone Cleaning and Care Guide >

Treatments

Tourmaline is often heat treated or irradiated to enhance color, but some colors require no treatment.

MOH'S Hardness

7.0 - 7.5

Scratch resistance through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material.

Specific Gravity

3.06

The relation between the density of any substance and the density of water.

Refractive Index

1.62 - 1.64

The ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to its velocity in a specified medium.