The Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a fascinating gemstone, prized for its diverse range of colors and unique properties. From intense green to bright pink, as well as deep blues and blacks, it has captivated the imagination of creators and gemstone enthusiasts for centuries. This gem stands out not only for its beauty but also for its cultural and spiritual meanings.

1/ Origins of Tourmaline

Tourmaline gets its name from the Sinhalese word "turmali," which means "stone of mixed colors."

It was introduced to Europe in the early 18th century by Dutch merchants who brought it from Sri Lanka.

Since Antiquity, tourmaline has been associated with magical properties, and the ancient Egyptians even believed that the stone passed through a rainbow as it traveled from the earth's depths to the surface, explaining its wide range of colors.

Over the centuries, it has captivated royal courts and adorned the most beautiful jewelry.

2/ Tourmaline Around the World

Tourmalines are found in several regions around the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Africa, and Afghanistan.

Brazil is one of the leading producers of high-quality jewelry-grade tourmalines, with famous deposits in the state of Minas Gerais. The country is particularly known for its Paraíba tourmalines, which feature rare and highly sought-after electric blue hues.

Other mines, such as those in East Africa (Kenya, Mozambique), are also renowned for producing exceptional-quality tourmalines, particularly pink and green varieties.

3/ Gemological characteristics

Tourmaline is a very unique gemstone because it exists in a wide range of colors.

Its complex chemical composition explains this diversity of hues, ranging from green to indicolite (blue), through rubellite (pink/red), and black tourmaline, or schorl.

The hardness of tourmaline on the Mohs scale is between 7 and 7.5, making it a durable gem suitable for jewelry.

Its transparency can vary, and some varieties display fascinating optical effects such as pleochroism, which gives the impression that the stone changes color depending on the angle from which it is viewed.

4/ Beliefs and Astrological Signs

Tourmaline is often chosen for engagement or wedding jewelry due to its powerful symbolism. It is associated with love and positive energy, promoting understanding and communication within the couple.

Additionally, tourmaline is the birthstone for the month of October, often linked to the zodiac sign of Libra. In astrology, it is known to bring harmony, protection, and emotional balance—qualities that are especially valued in a marital relationship.

Did you know?

In 1901, during experiments on the properties of gemstones, Thomas Edison discovered that tourmaline possessed piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric current when subjected to pressure. Although this discovery is now used in various technological applications, at the time it generated great interest in the scientific world. This shows us that, beyond its beauty, tourmaline also has extraordinary qualities, both natural and technical.

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