Tourmaline stone is a borosilicate mineral that occurs in a variety of colors. They can be found in every color, from green to yellow, brown to black, and even found in colorless varieties. Also found in multiple colors in a single crystal, they come in the category of the most fascinating gems. The wide spectrum of hues makes them a cherished stone among gem collectors; besides being used as jewelry, tourmaline stone benefits the wearer spiritually, mentally, and physically. It is the birthstone for October and is also the gem of the eighth anniversary.
History and Origin
The word “tourmaline” originated from the Sinhalese word “turmali” which means “mixed colors”. The gem gets its name from the wide spectrum of colors it features. It was first discovered in Sri Lanka and has been treasured since ancient times. These beautiful gemstones were confused with other precious stones like rubies and emeralds, but they got recognition as a distinct mineral group in the 19th century. In the 1500s, a Spanish conqueror found a tourmaline crystal and mistakenly identified it as emerald stone. It was in the late 1800s when Gemologist George F. Kunz found out about this amazing gemstone, and it got its identity. Earlier, the deposits were found in China, but after that, Brazil became the largest yielder. Currently, these gems are mined in Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Zambia.
Benefits
Tourmaline meaning refers to happiness, positivity, creativity, and emotional stability. It protects you from fears, negativity, and psychic attacks. The soothing colors of the stone allow the wearer to be stress and anxiety-free. Different types of this October birthstone possess different benefits. For instance, blue tourmaline, called indicolite, is linked to the throat chakra, aiding in effective communication. Black tourmaline, also called Schorl, is the lucky stone as it brings good fortune, prosperity, and success in all aspects of your life. If you are in stress and depression, wearing this gemstone jewelry can help. School is a powerful stone that absorbs negative energy and detoxifies the body. It also promotes emotional stability.
Who should wear
Those looking for positivity in their life should wear a tourmaline stone. It helps them to protect themselves from negative energies or psychic attacks. Individuals working in high-pressure jobs can benefit from this stone. It helps promote mental clarity and provide calmness, allowing you to increase your productivity and achieve your goals. Tourmalines are spiritual healers; thus, people looking for enlightenment, wisdom, and peace are suggested to wear them. It is the traditional birthstone for those born in October. Individuals born under zodiacs such as Scorpio and Libra should wear this stone.
How to wear
You can incorporate this gem into your daily life in many ways. It can be worn as jewelry such as rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. Each tourmaline color holds a significant value in terms of healing, health, and spiritual benefits. Wear a tourmaline bracelet on your left hand and get spiritual benefits, protection, and positive energy. You can carry any of these wonderful colored gems in your pocket to bring emotional balance and happiness all day. You can wear it as jewelry on special occasions such as anniversaries, engagements, or casual wear. The beautiful color of this stone suits all metal types and perfectly complements other sparkling gemstones.
Quality and Price
Color: Since tourmaline occurs in a wide spectrum of colors, there are various elements responsible for it. The color of this amazing gemstone is due to the presence of iron, manganese, chromium, copper, and vanadium. The most distinct feature of this gem is that it displays pleochroism. It means that it shows color change when viewed at different angles. Watermelon Tourmaline is the most desirable type that features pink, red inner core and green from the outside. The most expensive of these is the Paraiba tourmaline which shows a rare turquoise blue color.
Clarity: The common inclusions present are gas inclusions, needles, or parallel-oriented hollow tubes. Liquid inclusions such as water or hydrocarbons are also visible. Finding these gems with no inclusions is hard to find. Included gems are generally heat-treated to intensify hues and give an appealing look to the stone.
Cut: The cutting process of this gemstone needs to be performed with precision. This is because they are pleochroic, and the lapidaries need to cut these gems properly so that this property is easily visible. The popular cuts are oval, round, emerald cut, and pear. Depending upon the intensity of the color, one can choose the cut. For instance, you can choose an emerald cut for a green tourmaline. For light-colored gems, you can go for round and oval cuts. Prices are high for symmetrical cut stones.
Carat Weight: Small-sized tourmaline gems are affordable. However, higher-carat weight stones over 5 carats are rare and more valuable. If these gems have high clarity and good color, they are expensive. These semi-precious gems are less dense than diamonds and other colored gemstones; thus, a 1-carat weight tourmaline looks bigger compared to a 1-carat weight diamond.
Origin: These gems are formed in magma-rich pegmatite rocks. When magma-rich water containing elements like silica cools and crystallizes, it forms a pegmatite. If it is rich in element boron, it crystallizes to form a tourmaline. The best source where these gems are found is in Brazil. Other sources include Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique, and more.
Care and Cleaning
It is important to care for and clean the stone in order to maintain its shine and amazing color. Use a soft brush to clean the surface of the stone. Clean it with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals such as acetone and alcohol, as they can damage the stone. To prevent it from scratching, keep it in separate pouches or jewelry boxes.