Tourmaline is one of the most sought after gemstones by mineral collectors and jewellers alike, due to the dazzling array of colours it comes in, as well as its unique mineral properties. There are different types of tourmaline. This captivating gemstone has a rich history and has enthralled civilizations for centuries.

Minera Emporium is thrilled to offer a wide selection of tourmalines coming from various localities around the world. This article will cover a brief history of tourmaline, its general mineral properties, its value, main deposits around the world as well as a lexicon of terminologies used when defining different types of tourmaline.

The History of Tourmaline

The history of tourmaline dates back to ancient times, where it was initially mistaken for other gemstones due to its diverse colours. The name “tourmaline” is derived from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “mixed,” reflecting the gem’s varied colour spectrum. 

Historical records suggest that tourmaline deposits were first discovered in Sri Lanka, where it was revered for its striking appearance and believed to bring protection and good fortune to the wearer.

While early civilizations may have mistaken tourmaline for other gemstones, its unique mineral properties eventually garnered recognition. Its vivid colours as well as it’s durability, which make it ideal for jewelry-making, made it very popular. 

As trade routes expanded and civilizations interacted, tourmaline found its way into different cultures, each attributing unique meanings and properties to the gemstone. 

Tourmaline Jewelry

As civilizations expanded their knowledge of gemstones, tourmaline gained prominence in various cultures. The gemstone began to be extracted from diverse locations around the world, with notable deposits in countries such as Brazil, Afghanistan, and the United States. 

Jewellers quickly recognized the potential of tourmaline for creating exquisite, durable pieces, and it became a sought-after gem for both ornamental and spiritual purposes.

The popularity of tourmaline in jewelry can be attributed to its remarkable colour range, which spans from vibrant pinks and reds, to captivating greens, remarkable blues, and more. Its versatility allows for unique and intricate designs, making it a favorite among designers and gemstone aficionados alike. Rubellite, with its captivating pink to red hues, is especially cherished and often used as the focal point in high-quality jewelry pieces.

Tourmaline Value

The value of tourmaline has evolved over the centuries, influenced by factors such as colour intensity, clarity, and carat weight. In the mid-20th century, the discovery of intensely colourful tourmalines in Brazil elevated the gemstone’s status, leading to increased demand and higher market values. Today, the value of tourmaline continues to be influenced by factors like locality, colour saturation, size, and the overall quality of the gem.

Tourmaline Deposits Around the World

Where is tourmaline found? Tourmaline deposits can be found on nearly every continent, each yielding unique variations of the gemstone. Brazil remains a significant source, producing a wide range of tourmaline colours, including the highly prized rubellite. Afghanistan is renowned for its impressive indicolite and verderite specimens, while the United States, particularly California and Maine, has been a historical producer of gem-quality tourmalines, including the black variety known as schorl.

Other notable tourmaline deposits include those in Madagascar, Namibia, and Nigeria, each contributing to the global availability of this captivating gemstone. Mines in Madagascar, for instance, have produced stunning bicolour and multicoloured tourmalines that are highly prized by collectors.

Tourmaline Terminology : Different Types of Tourmaline

The tourmaline group is a family of complex borosilicate minerals with a wide range of chemical compositions. Variations in the chemical composition, such as elements of aluminum, iron or magnesium, affect its colour.

Due to the different types of tourmaline available on the market, different terminology has been established to define specific types of specimens. 

Here are some of the specific terms related to different types of tourmaline:

• Schorl: The most common variety of tourmaline, typically black to brownish-black in colour. Schorl is rich in iron and is not commonly used in jewelry but is valued in certain industrial applications.
• Rubellite: A term used to describe pink to red tourmaline. The colour is often attributed to manganese in the crystal structure, and rubellite is highly valued for its vibrant and intense hues, making it a popular choice for gemstone enthusiasts.
• Verderite: Refers to green tourmaline. The green colour is typically caused by the presence of iron in the crystal structure. Verderite exhibits a range of green shades and is favoured for its natural, earthy appearance.
• Indicolite: Denotes blue tourmaline. The blue colour is usually a result of iron in the crystal structure. Indicolite can vary from light blue to deep blue, and its rarity contributes to its desirability among collectors.
• Uvite: Uvite is a variety of tourmaline that is typically black to brownish-black, but can also come in a range of brighter colours. It is rich in calcium and magnesium, and its name is derived from the Uva province in Sri Lanka where it was first identified. Uvite is not as well-known as some other tourmaline varieties and is not commonly used as a gemstone.
• Elbaite: Elbaite is a variety of tourmaline that encompasses a wide range of colours. It is the most colourful member of the tourmaline group and can be found in pink, green, blue, yellow, and multicoloured varieties. The term “elbaite” is often used for gem-quality tourmaline, specimens that showcase particular depth of colour and translucency.

Elbaite tourmaline, known for its vivid and varied colours, has several distinctive terms used to describe specific colour patterns or combinations. Here are some terms commonly used to define colourful elbaite tourmalines:

• Watermelon Tourmaline: Watermelon tourmaline is a special variety characterized by a distinctive bicolour or tricolour pattern that resembles the appearance of a watermelon. The crystal typically exhibits a pink or red center (representing the “watermelon flesh”) surrounded by a green outer layer (resembling the “watermelon rind”). This unique colour zoning makes watermelon tourmaline highly prized for its striking and eye-catching appearance.
• Paraíba Tourmaline: This term specifically refers to elbaite tourmalines that contain copper and manganese, resulting in intense neon blue and green colours. Discovered in the Paraíba state of Brazil in the late 20th century, Paraíba tourmalines are known for their exceptional colour saturation and are among the most valuable and sought-after varieties of elbaite.
• Bi-Color Tourmaline: Bi-colour tourmaline describes stones that display two distinct colours within a single crystal. Common combinations include pink and green, pink and blue, or other contrasting hues. The transition between colours can be gradual or abrupt, adding to the visual appeal of the gemstone.
• Parti-Color Tourmaline: Parti-colour tourmaline refers to stones with more than two distinct colours. The colours can be distributed in sections or zones, creating a visually dynamic and unique gemstone. Parti-color tourmalines may display combinations such as pink, green, and white within a single crystal.
• Multicolor or Rainbow Tourmaline: Some elbaite tourmalines exhibit a range of colours within a single crystal, creating a multicolour or rainbow effect. These gems can display a spectrum of hues, often in bands or zones, resulting in a vibrant and captivating appearance.
• Cat’s Eye Tourmaline: Cat’s eye tourmaline is a variety that displays a chatoyant effect known as the cat’s eye. This phenomenon is caused by needle-like inclusions that reflect light, creating a bright, narrow band of light resembling the slit-eye of a cat. The cat’s eye effect enhances the visual allure of the gemstone.
• Chrome Tourmaline: Chrome tourmaline is characterized by its rich green colour, which is attributed to the presence of chromium in the crystal structure. The green hue can range from a forest green to a more vibrant and saturated green, making it a desirable variation within the elbaite group.

These terms reflect the incredible diversity of elbaite tourmaline and the mesmerizing array of colours and patterns that make each specimen unique. Gem enthusiasts and collectors often value these distinct varieties for their rarity, beauty, and individual characteristics.

It’s important to note that the names mentioned above refer to colour variations within the tourmaline group rather than distinct mineral species. 

Tourmaline crystals can contain a range of chemical elements, resulting in a diverse array of colours and properties. Gemologists and mineralogists often classify tourmalines based on their colour, chemical composition, and crystal structure to better understand and appreciate the unique characteristics of each specimen. 

To learn more about mineral properties, you can download our free guide to mineralogy and mineral properties here!

Tourmaline Collecting

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about different types of tourmaline and what makes different specimens of this crystal family so special. Tourmaline’s captivating beauty and rich history have positioned it as a prized gemstone in both the jewelry industry and the world of mineral collecting. With its diverse colors, unique properties, and valued deposits across the globe, tourmaline continues to captivate the hearts of gem enthusiasts, adding a kaleidoscope of hues to the world of precious gemstones. It is definitely one of our favourite gems! We hope this information will support your future acquisitions!

Make sure to check out our tourmaline collection here!

Happy collecting!