Tourmaline is a gemstone noted for the large and unsurpassed range of colors in which it occurs. It is a tough stone hard enough to be used for a pendant or a ring.
Tourmaline may be heated to enhance it's color. The treatment is permanent and accepted in the trade,
On our web site we are usually quite specific about which variety of tourmaline we are referring to. Tourmaline is the family name which includes the following varieties; chrome (green), indicolite (blue), rubelite (red), dravite (brown), achroite (colorless), and siberite (reddish-violet). Yellow and green tourmalines are simply called tourmaline with the color as a prefix.
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| Known Facts |
| Color Key: |
blue, bluish green, green, greenish blue, green-blue or blue-green, greenish yellow, orangy red, red, red-orange or orange-red, red-purple or purple-red, slightly purplish red, slightly yellowish green, strongly purplish red, strongly yellowish green, very slightly bluish green, yellowish green, yellow-green or green-yellow, colorless, brown, pink
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| Refractive Index: |
1.624(+.005, -.005) - 1.644(+.006, -.006) |
| Chemical Composition: |
(NaCa)(LI,MgFe,Al)9B3Si6(O,OH)31 |
| Hardness: |
7-7.5 |
| Density: |
3.06 (.05, +.15) |
| Crystal Group: |
Hexagonal |
| Ocurrence: |
Brazil, East Africa, Nigeria, Madagascar, U.S.A. |
| Anniversary: |
8th year |
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With a hardness of 7 – 7.5 it is hard enough to be used as a ring stone as long as the bearer is careful. Tourmaline may be heated to enhance its color .. sometimes with remarkable results. Heating may lighten or darken the stones but in the case of purple tourmalines from Mozambique, the treatment will produce the neon blue Paraiba colors which are so valuable. Only clean stones can be heated, included stones will crack or break.
Clean tourmaline is normally faceted while more included stones are cut as cabochons or used for beads or carvings.
Tourmaline is the protection stone. Wards off fear and negativity and protects on all levels. Enhances inspiration and encourages self-confidence and understanding. The different coloured tourmalines are wonderful stones to use with the corresponding chakras so it is not surprising that in this day and age many people are drawn to tourmalines. Pink Tourmaline promotes female balance and protection. Green Tourmaline promotes male balance. According to legend, all colors of tourmaline protect the wearer against many dangers and misfortune. |
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