Tourmaline is a beautiful and valuable gem that catches the eye of all those that behold it. Tourmaline is classified as a semi -precious stone and comes in all the colors of the rainbow. The name comes from Sinhalese (Sri Lankan) word "turamali" which means mixed colors and refers to the many colors of Tourmaline and was applied to the gems found in Sri Lanka.
Tourmaline’s popularity in jewelry stems from the wide range of colors. The uniqueness of bi-colored stones, called watermelon tourmaline makes it very attractive. The most common color of tourmaline found in jewelry is green, where it is used as a less expensive alternative to emerald.
Tourmaline is sometimes found with chatoyancy, which is a changeable luster, when the gem is cut into cabochons it brings out its cat’s eye effect.
The rarest tourmaline is the Paraiba Tourmaline. Discovered in the 1980' s in Brazil. They are usually small, less than a carat, and an extremely brilliant turquoise color. The largest cut Paraiba Tourmaline is nearly 192 carats and valued between $25 million and $125 million.
Tourmaline has been used by the early Egyptians as a physical and emotional remedy. Far eastern medicine and those of almost every culture have recognized the healing powers of tourmaline and is used in the treatment of illnesses as well promoting spiritual and emotional well being. It is now used widely in all forms of alternative medicine.
Tourmaline is 7 to 7 ½ (out of ten) on the Mohs scale, the gemological scale of hardness, making it durable for everyday wear and use. Tourmaline does not withstand sudden temperature changes, which may cause it to fracture. Extreme heat can alter the color. Cleaning with soap and water is safe and other cleaning methods may be risky.
