Tourmaline “Rainbow Gem”:
Tourmaline fascinates and captivates as a versatile gemstone, highly prized for its wide range of colors and striking beauty. It is a birthstone for October, along with opal. It is also the gem of the eighth anniversary. Tourmalines come in a wide variety of exciting colors. In fact, tourmaline has one of the widest color ranges of any gem species, occurring in various shades of virtually every hue . Therefore we also called it “Rainbow Gem”.
Meanings, Properties of Tourmaline:
The name “tourmaline,” which refers to all crystals found on the island of Sri Lanka, is derived from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “carnelian” in English. In the late 1600s or early 1700s, Dutch traders made the initial discovery of this stone off the West Coast of Italy.
Because of its vast range of colors, tourmaline was often mistaken for other gemstones. For instance, one of the “rubies” in the Russian crown jewels, the “Caesar’s Ruby” pendant, is actually red (rubellite) tourmaline. Additionally, a Spanish conquistador found green tourmaline crystals in Brazil in the 1500s and confused the stones with emerald. Consequently, these and other cases of mistaken identity continued for centuries. Ultimately, until scientists recognized tourmaline as a distinct mineral species in the 1800s.”
Mineral | Tourmaline |
Chemistry | Elbaite Na(Li1.5,Al1.5)Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4 Dravite NaMg3Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4 Liddicoatite Ca(Li2Al)Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)3F Chromedravite NaMg3Cr6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4 |
Color | All colors |
Refractive index | 1.624 to 1.644 |
Birefringence | 0.018 to 0.040 |
Specific gravity | 3.06 (+0.20, -0.06) |
Mohs Hardness | 7 to 7.5 |
“October Birthstone”
Types & colors Of Tourmaline:
Tourmaline’s colors have many different causes. First, it’s generally agreed that traces of iron, and possibly titanium, induce green and blue colors. Additionally, manganese produces reds and pinks, and possibly yellows. Moreover, some pink and yellow elbaites might owe their hues to color centers caused by radiation, which can be natural or laboratory-induced. In conclusion, here are details;”
- Rubellite is a name for pink, red, purplish red, orangy red, or brownish red tourmaline. However, some in the trade argue that the term shouldn’t apply to pink stone.
- Indicolite is dark violetish blue, blue, or greenish blue .
- Paraíba is an intense violetish blue, greenish blue, or blue from the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Notably, it is a rare and highly sought-after type of tourmaline known for its neon blue or green colors.
- Chrome (Verdelite) is intense green vanadium. Which is the same element that colors many Brazilian and African emeralds, mostly colors it, despite its name.
- Parti-colored displays more than one color. One of the most common combinations is green and pink; nevertheless, many others are possible.
- Watermelon is pink in the center and green around the outside. Consequently, scientists typically cut crystals of this material into slices to display this special arrangement.
- Schorl is black commonly used for its protective qualities.”
Occurance:
This October birthstone is most commonly found in Brazil. But it is also mined in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique (among other countries in Africa). California and Maine are historically important producers of fine tourmaline in the United States.
Brazil is known for Paraiba tourmaline. Discovered in 1980, paraíba tourmalines are among the world’s most prized gemstones. These rare gems are renowned for showing intense blue& electric green colors. However in Early 2000Paraíba-type copper-bearing tourmalines were also discovered in Mozambique and Nigeria.
Overview of Tourmaline:
- Variety of Color: This gemstone features a diverse color spectrum and appears in virtually every color. Including pink, green, blue, red, yellow, and black. Some stones even show multiple colors within a single crystal, which people call bi-color or tri-color tourmaline.
- Chemical Composition: This gemstone is a complex boron silicate mineral with a wide range of compositions. The specific elements present in a tourmaline crystal determine its color and properties. Common elements include aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.
- Crystal Structure: Tourmaline crystals are typically prismatic and can have striations along their length. They often form in elongated shapes with well-defined facets, enhancing their brilliance when cut and polished.
- Metaphysical Properties : People believe this gemstone possesses various metaphysical properties and often associate it with protection, grounding, and balancing energies. It is also thought to enhance creativity and attract inspiration.
Astrological benefit of Tourmaline:
Tourmaline is generally considered the stone of people born in October. Which makes it extremely suitable for wearing by the representatives of the zodiac sign Libra and Virgo.In Vedic astrology, believes that Tourmaline is revered for its protective and healing properties. This versatile gemstone is making it multifaceted. It is believed to align the chakras, especially the heart and root, promoting emotional balance and grounding. Tourmaline’s diverse colors resonate with different energies, providing respective benefits such as love (pink), creativity (green), purification (black), and clarity (white), enhancing one’s astrological journey and personal growth .Further detail as under;
1.Black :
- Protection and Grounding: Black tourmaline is often used for protection against negative energies and electromagnetic radiation. It is believed to ground the wearer, providing a sense of stability and security.
- Chakra Alignment: It is associated with the root chakra, helping to balance and strengthen it.
2. Pink :
- Love and Compassion: Pink tourmaline is linked with the heart chakra and is believed to attract love, compassion, and emotional healing. It helps in overcoming emotional pain and enhances the ability to give and receive love.
- Emotional Balance: It is thought to calm emotions and relieve stress.
3. Green :
- Healing and Vitality: Green tourmaline is associated with the heart chakra and is thought to promote physical healing, particularly for the heart and immune system. It is believed to enhance vitality and emotional balance.
- Prosperity: It is also linked with attracting abundance and prosperity.
4. Blue (Indicolite):
- Communication and Clarity: Blue tourmaline is associated with the throat chakra; consequently, it promotes clear communication and self-expression. Furthermore, it is believed to enhance intuition and spiritual awareness.
- Calming Energy: Additionally, it provides a calming effect, thereby helping with stress and anxiety.”
5. Watermelon :
- Balance and Harmony: This variety, which features both pink and green colors, is believed to balance the energies of the heart chakra, harmonizing emotional and physical well-being.
- Emotional Healing: It is particularly beneficial for emotional healing and fostering a sense of peace and joy.
6. Red (Rubellite):
- Passion and Energy: Furthermore red tourmaline is thought to boost energy, passion, and vitality. Additionally It is associated with the root chakra and helps in overcoming fears and anxieties.
- Emotional Strength: Moreover it strengthens emotional resilience and encourages positive transformation.
7. Brown (Dravite):
- Grounding and Emotional Healing: Brown tourmaline is believed to provide strong grounding energy, promoting stability and emotional healing. It is associated with the root chakra.
- Cleansing and Transformation: It is thought to help cleanse the aura and transform negative energy into positive energy.
My final Verdict about Tourmaline:
Tourmaline, the gemstone of the rainbow, invites you to explore its depths and discover how its unique properties can enhance your life. Whether for healing, protection, or simply to adorn yourself with its vibrant colors, it is a gem worth treasuring. As the October birthstone, This gemstone not only adds vibrant beauty to your jewelry collection but also provides a wellspring of positive energy and spiritual support. Explore the diverse world of Tourmalines and discover the perfect piece that resonates with your inner self.”
Regards: Yasir gemstones.