Everything You Want to Know About Tourmaline
Tourmaline is one of the most versatile gemstones in existence. The stone occurs naturally in an impressive variety of colors, ranging from soft pink and fresh green to deep blue, red, and even multicolored varieties. Thanks to this vast range of colors, tourmaline is a popular choice for unique jewelry.
Although tourmaline is slightly softer than diamond and sapphire, under normal conditions it is perfectly suited for jewelry that is worn regularly. Tourmaline is a popular choice, especially for those looking for a colorful gemstone with its own unique character.
On this page, you can read all about the properties of tourmaline, its various colors, its formation, and how to treat and care for this special gemstone.
Tourmaline at a Glance
Mineral group: Tourmaline
Chemical composition: Complex boron silicate (the composition varies by species)
Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale
Suitable for everyday wear: ★★★★☆
Most common colors: Green, pink, and black
Birthstone: October
Properties of Tourmaline
Tourmaline forms deep within the Earth’s crust during the formation of igneous rocks and pegmatites. The stone is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Mozambique, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Madagascar, and the United States.
With a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline is highly resistant to scratches under normal use. This makes the stone suitable for most jewelry, including rings, provided it is handled with care.
A distinctive feature of tourmaline is that it occurs in an exceptionally wide range of colors. The color is determined by small amounts of various elements that were present during its formation.
Colors of Tourmaline
No other gemstone has such a wide range of natural colors as tourmaline. As a result, virtually every stone is unique.
Tourmaline is found in, among other places:
- Green
- Pink
- Blue (Indigolite)
- Red (Rubellite)
- Yellow
- Brown
- Black (Schorl)
- Colorless (Achroite)
- Multicolored (Watermelon Tourmaline)
Green and blue-green tourmalines, in particular, are prized for their deep colors and natural appearance.
Natural, treated, and lab-grown tourmalines
Natural tourmaline
Virtually all tourmalines used in jewelry are naturally formed. Small inclusions are quite common and are often a natural part of the stone.
Treated tourmaline
Some tourmalines are heated or irradiated to enhance or alter their color. These treatments are less common than with sapphires, for example, but they are used.
Lab-grown tourmaline
Lab-grown tourmaline is rarely available and plays virtually no role in the jewelry industry. Therefore, virtually all tourmalines sold are natural.
Origin and Locations
Tourmaline is mined in various countries around the world. Well-known sources include Brazil, Mozambique, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan, and the United States.
The origin affects the available colors. For example, some regions are known for their intensely green stones, while others produce unique pink or blue tourmalines.
What should you look for when buying a tourmaline?
When evaluating a tourmaline, several factors come into play:
- Color and Color Saturation
- The clarity of the stone
- The grinding shape
- The size
- Possible treatments
For many enthusiasts, color is the deciding factor. A vibrant, even color is generally the most highly valued.
Care
Tourmaline is relatively easy to care for. Clean the stone with lukewarm water, a soft brush, and a little mild soap.
Although tourmaline is suitable for everyday wear, it’s a good idea to avoid hard impacts and to remove jewelry while doing heavy work or exercising.
Summary
Tourmaline is a versatile gemstone known for its vast range of colors. Thanks to its good hardness and the wide range of colors available, the stone is suitable for a variety of jewelry, from subtle rings to eye-catching pendants. Tourmaline is an especially good choice for anyone looking for a colorful, natural gemstone with a unique character.
Looking for more information about other gemstones? Check out the complete gemstone guide for an overview of all gemstones and their properties.