Lineagem blog

Tourmaline: Characteristics of the Gemstone with a Thousand Colors

Physical Characteristics and Genesis of Tourmaline

Tourmaline, or rather tourmalines, are a group of cyclosilicates composed mainly of boron and aluminum, with a rather variable chemical formula, in which metals such as lithium, iron, magnesium, calcium, and sodium alternate. This variability results in a wide variety of gems with a rich palette of colors, among the most fascinating in the gemological world.

Tourmalines, which crystallize in the trigonal system, are found in crystals of elongated prismatic shape or in stubby prismatic crystals. Depending on the chemical composition, the physical characteristics can vary: hardness from 7 to 7.5; specific gravity ranging from about 2.9 to 3.2; and the average refractive indices range from 1.62 to 1.64.

Certain varieties of tourmaline have a marked and evident pleochroism: for example, observing along the major axis, a green tourmaline crystal will appear almost black, while looking perpendicularly, its green color will be visible.

Tourmalines are found in so-called primary deposits, in rocks of magmatic origin. They are mainly found in certain granites, metamorphic rocks, and pegmatites, which are veins of mineralized intrusive rocks. The most beautiful and well-formed crystals are found in certain veins, within what geologists call "pockets."

Tourmalines are often associated with other minerals in spectacular clusters, and they can be found combined with stones such as quartz, mica, corundum, spodumene, scapolite, topaz, beryl, and even garnet. It's as if they were a kind of rich and precious treasure that nature reserves for us!

Rough natural tourmaline stone

The thousand color variations of tourmaline

Thanks to its unique crystalline lattice that accommodates numerous chromophoric metal ions, tourmalines are among the gems that exhibit the most colors, providing us with a wide variety of gemstones. To date, well over 11 varieties of tourmaline have been classified:

  • Black tourmaline, known as schorl, completely opaque and rich in iron;
  • Elbaite, which can occur in many different colors;
  • Liddicoatite, a very rare variety of tourmaline with pale green and pink hues;
  • Rubellite, with colors ranging from red, orange-red, reddish-brown to purplish; if the red is "desaturated," i.e., less intense, it is called pink tourmaline;
  • Verdelite, predominantly green with more brownish or bluish hues, also called green tourmaline;
  • Dravite, with a brownish-orange or yellowish-brown color caused by the large amount of magnesium present;
  • Chrome tourmaline, with an intense green color caused by traces of chromium;
  • Achroite, better known as colorless tourmaline;
  • Blue tourmaline, with shades ranging from violet-blue to bluish-green, also called indicolite;
  • Cuprian tourmalines, with a color called "neon blue," almost fluorescent, vibrant, and intense. The Paraiba variety represents these rare tourmalines best: to be named Paraiba, the gems must come from the state of Paraiba in Brazil; the others found in Africa (Nigeria) are cuprian tourmalines.

There are special cases where even multiple colors can appear in the same crystal, as in the case of "watermelon" tourmaline, where green, white, and red colors are observed in succession, reminiscent of a slice of the refreshing summer fruit.

Furthermore, sometimes crystals may contain inclusions in the form of "small channels" or thin fibers. These inclusions create the incredible optical phenomenon of chatoyancy, enhanced by the unmistakable cabochon cut.

Cut of tourmaline

The sparkling tones of tourmaline are skillfully highlighted by the cutter, who must be able to grasp, with an overall view, the strong points of the stone in front of him.

It is cut both faceted and smooth, depending on the characteristics that need to be enhanced. For example, when the chatoyancy phenomenon is present, the cabochon cut will certainly be chosen. Very often, they are also carved and engraved with floral motifs or given fanciful shapes chosen according to their color. However, the best cut for this gem remains the mixed cut, where the bottom part is stepped and the top part is brilliant.

Cuts that allow stones to be drilled are also chosen, making the gems perfect for threading of any kind. It is possible to carry out works with rhodium-plated silver and gold-plated silver, steel, and cotton threads. This makes it possible to create necklaces, collars, and other fantastic jewelry pieces.

Natural pink tourmaline stone carved into a flower

Value and Price of Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a gem whose value is subject to continuous fluctuations, despite the majority of its varieties being readily available on the market. These analyses cannot be pigeonholed into a well-defined pattern because each tourmaline is different from the other, primarily in terms of color tone, and consequently, also in its chemical composition.

To define the value, more generally, of tourmaline, first and foremost, a careful analysis of the color is necessary: the main hue and saturation (i.e., how much color there is) must be considered. The more saturated colors, i.e., the ones that are more "vivid" and brilliant, are the most appreciated and increase its value. Secondary hues can further enrich a gem, along with the brightness it possesses, another factor that influences its value.

Another useful element for evaluation is purity, meaning the absence of internal features or inclusions, which can be microscopic crystals or small signs of internal growth within the gem. Clearly, as with all other gems, when these are absent or barely visible, the value increases exponentially. However, it is important to keep in mind that most gems have internal characteristics, and it is a mistake to consider them defects!

For very rare gems, such as the Paraiba variety or ebalite, the price does not decrease significantly even in the presence of inclusions. Being inherently difficult specimens to find, their prices are always very high.

Jewelry in Tourmaline

The multiple and incredible color variations typical of tourmaline, characteristics that make it a particularly versatile stone, allow it to be easily used and adapted to any type of jewelry.

Generally, it is customary to juxtapose multiple color varieties in individual pieces of jewelry, creating colorful, elegant, yet bold pieces.

Just like in the most beautiful showcases, our online catalog also boasts a splendid collection of jewelry made with fabulous natural tourmalines. That's not all; there is also the possibility of purchasing fabulous specimens of gemstones for setting and extraordinary strands of gems with which to invent and create your own jewelry.

Even within the gift ideas category, you can find competitively priced jewelry with tourmaline, ideal for giving a high-impact gift to someone you care about.

Cleaning and Care of Tourmaline

Although tourmaline is a relatively hard gem, it is advisable to treat it with due care and attention. For those who need to carry out predominantly superficial cleaning but still want to restore the stone's natural brightness, we suggest following some simple and practical tips.

Gently wipe the tourmaline with a cloth, previously soaked in a solution of water and mild soap. Then rinse it under running water and let it air dry for a few minutes. Finally, polish the gem with a clean cloth.

Natural Green Tourmaline Stone

Trivia, meaning and origin of tourmaline

There's significant symbolism associated with tourmaline, as it's chosen to be gifted on the occasion of the 52nd wedding anniversary, known as the tourmaline anniversary.

For those unaware, there's a variety of tourmaline called schorl, which exhibits piezoelectricity. This phenomenon involves the electrification of a body when heated, allowing it to attract small pieces of paper.

In crystal therapy, tourmaline is highly regarded because it's believed to have multiple benefits for the body and mind: it dispels sadness and helps stimulate and awaken energy. Some believe it's particularly suitable for interacting with the nervous system.

Tourmalines used in jewelry come from Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, Sri Lanka, the United States, and some African countries.