Tourmaline Jewelry

Natural Tourmaline Jewelry: Adorning the Rainbow of Earth’s Energy

Tourmaline is one of the most colorful gemstones, displaying nearly every hue imaginable—sometimes even within a single crystal, as seen in watermelon tourmaline. Its remarkable diversity makes it one of the most versatile and sought-after gemstones for jewelry and collectors.

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The suite of multi-color tourmaline. Photo: GIA

History & Culture

Historical Use:

• In 1554, Francisco Spinoza’s expedition discovered the first recorded green tourmaline crystal in Brazil, initially mistaken for an emerald.
• Dutch traders introduced tourmaline to Europe in the 17th century from Sri Lanka, calling it "toramalli," a Sinhalese word meaning "mixed colors."
• Ancient Egyptians believed tourmaline traveled from the Earth’s core through a rainbow, absorbing its spectrum of colors.
• By the late 1800s, tourmaline was recognized as an American gem, with Tiffany gemologist George F. Kunz promoting its deposits in Maine and California.
• During the Qing Dynasty, pink tourmaline became highly coveted in China, particularly by Empress Dowager Cixi, leading to significant trade between California mines and China until 1912.

Cultural Significance & Mythology:

• Tourmaline gained popularity in jewelry during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in royal collections.
• Many cultures regarded it as a stone of protection, creativity, and spiritual connection, believed to bridge physical and metaphysical realms.

Types of Tourmaline

Several varieties of tourmaline have inspired distinct trade names based on their colors:

• Rubellite: Pink to red shades, though some argue pink should be classified separately.
• Indicolite: Deep blue to greenish-blue hues.
• Paraíba Tourmaline: Intense neon blue-green, originating from Brazil, with trace amounts of copper.
• Chrome Tourmaline: Vivid green, colored primarily by vanadium, similar to Brazilian and African emeralds.
• Parti-Colored Tourmaline: Displays multiple colors, with green and pink combinations being the most common.
• Watermelon Tourmaline: Features a pink core with a green outer layer, often cut into slices to showcase its unique color zoning.
• Cat’s-Eye Tourmaline: Exhibits a chatoyancy effect, typically in green, blue, or pink varieties, due to naturally occurring inclusions.

Properties & Meaning

• Protection: Black tourmaline is a renowned shield against negative energy.
• Balance: Harmonizes emotions, energy fields, and chakras.
• Creativity & Healing: Encourages inspiration, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Spiritual Applications

• Chakras:
  • Black Tourmaline: Root chakra—grounding and protection.
  • Green Tourmaline: Heart chakra—healing and compassion.
  • Pink Tourmaline: Heart chakra—love and emotional harmony.
  • Blue Tourmaline (Indicolite): Throat and third-eye chakras—enhanced communication and intuition.
• Meditation: Used to clear energy blockages, amplify spiritual awareness, and provide energetic protection.
• Birthstone & Anniversary: Tourmaline is the October birthstone and the traditional gift for the 8th wedding anniversary.
• Feng Shui: Black tourmaline deflects negative energy, while green tourmaline attracts prosperity.

Gemstone Factors

• Mineral: Tourmaline
• Chemistry
• Elbaite: Na(Li_1.5,Al_1.5)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
• Specific gravity: 3.06
• Mohs Hardness: 7 to 7.5

Mining sources

• Brazil: Produces green, pink, and watermelon tourmaline.
• Afghanistan and Pakistan: Known for vibrant blue, green, and multi-colored varieties.
• Madagascar: A source of rare Paraíba tourmaline with copper-rich neon blue-green hues.
• United States: Maine and California (Pala mines) yield pink, green, and bi-color tourmalines.
• Africa (Nigeria, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Kenya): Produces high-quality Paraíba and other vibrant varieties.
• Vietnam: Luc Yen (Yen Bai) and Bac Kan mines provide colorful deposits.
• Others: Russia and Sri Lanka

Tourmaline’s exceptional diversity, durability, and energy-transforming properties make it a favorite among jewelry lovers and spiritual practitioners

Natural Tourmaline Jewelry by AME Jewellery

At AME Jewellery, we craft exquisite natural tourmaline jewelry in yellow, white, and rose gold. Each piece is meticulously designed and set with high-quality gemstones, certified by SJC Lab to ensure authenticity and excellence.

Discover the timeless allure of natural tourmaline jewelry at AME Jewellery today!