| Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone | | | | tourmaline with rose quartz; or blue tourmaline |
| frequently incorporated into some of the most | | | | with green peridot; pink tourmaline with light |
| modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. | | | | aquamarine; yellow tourmaline with ruby. This is |
| It is found in a wide selection of colors and | | | | typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that |
| shades, and is widely recognized as the October | | | | works well with any outfit. In earrings, these |
| birthstone as well as the zodiac sign of Leo and | | | | colors can be chosen to enhance the luster of |
| the 8th anniversary gemstone. But beyond its | | | | blue, green or hazel eyes. |
| modern-day uses and associations, tourmaline | | | | Tourmaline gemstones are believed to promote |
| holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and | | | | balance, love, friendship, and protection, in addition |
| etymological history that adds nostalgic value to | | | | to physical healing and instill wealth for the wearer. |
| its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for | | | | Tourmalines are found in Brazil, and Afghanistan, in |
| more information that will help you fall in love with | | | | addition to Myanmar, India and Kenya, just to |
| your tourmaline jewelry - or inspire you to buy | | | | name a few. |
| some today! | | | | Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale |
| The name comes from the Singhalese expression | | | | where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, |
| "tura mali," which means the "stone of mixed | | | | and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. It gets a |
| colors." Tourmalines are also known as the | | | | score of 7-7.5, meaning that it is quite scratch |
| "chameleon stone," because they display a vast | | | | resistant and therefore suitable as a component |
| array of colors that are similar to several other | | | | of everyday jewelry. Tourmaline gemstones |
| colored stones. For example, Rubelite Tourmaline | | | | should be regularly cleaned by a professional or |
| is named after its ruby red raspberry color. | | | | with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Other |
| Some can display two or more colors at the | | | | methods, including ultra-sonic clenares, solvents |
| same time, such as watermelon tourmaline--pink | | | | and harsh chemicals should be avoided when |
| on the inside, rimmed with green, exactly like the | | | | cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to |
| fruit itself! There are also varieties of Tourmalines | | | | these elements can damage semi-precious and |
| that display color change when exposed to | | | | precious gemstones and pearls. |
| different lighting, exhibiting the phenomena | | | | Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, |
| chatoyancy. Around 1500 BC, A Spanish | | | | including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, |
| conquistador confused a green tourmaline crystal | | | | carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white |
| for an Emerald. In 1800, scientists realized that | | | | topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, |
| the tourmaline was a different species altogether. | | | | Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, |
| They look best as parts of formal evening | | | | rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, |
| jewelry when darker hued stones are paired with | | | | tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you |
| diamonds, quartz or pearls. More casual | | | | check out this gemstone chart. |
| combinations include softer contrasts of green | | | | |