ABOUT Tourmaline 

Tourmaline is a versatile and colorful gemstone that is highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. It is a boron silicate mineral that is found in various parts of the world and is known for its distinctive crystal formations and wide range of colors.

About Tourmaline and its Origin: Tourmaline is believed to have originated in the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana and has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It is a hard and durable stone that can be cut and polished into various shapes and sizes, making it a popular choice for jewelry. The mineral is found in various regions of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, and the United States.

Pleochroism in tourmaline 

Pleochroism is a phenomenon that occurs in certain minerals, including tourmaline, where the mineral appears to change color when viewed from different angles. This is because tourmaline is made up of various chemical elements in different proportions and as a result, different light wavelengths are absorbed and reflected, creating the appearance of different colors. The type of tourmaline that exhibits the most vivid pleochroism is the bi-colored or bi-colored tourmaline, which is composed of different colors in different parts of the crystal. When viewed from different angles, this type of tourmaline can appear to be two different colors, making it highly prized by collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.

Tourmaline Varieties

Tourmaline is known for its wide range of colors and varieties, but some of the rarest and most valued types of tourmaline include:

1. Paraiba Tourmaline: This bright blue-green tourmaline is one of the rarest and most valuable types of tourmaline. It is highly sought after for its vibrant color, high clarity, and rarity.

2. Rubellite Tourmaline: This bright pink to red tourmaline is highly prized for its rich color and high clarity. The finest examples of rubellite tourmaline are highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

3. Chrome Tourmaline: This is a green tourmaline that is prized for its deep, rich green color that is caused by the presence of chromium. The finest examples of chrome tourmaline can fetch high prices due to their rarity and beauty.

4. Parti-colored Tourmaline: This is a tourmaline that features two or more colors within the same stone. These gems are highly prized for their unique and eye-catching appearance, and are often used to create stunning and intricate jewelry designs.

5. Indicolite Tourmaline: This is a bright blue tourmaline that is highly prized for its vivid color and high clarity. The finest examples of indicolite tourmaline are highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

These are some of the rarest and most valued types of tourmaline, and they are highly sought after by gemstone collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. The rarity and beauty of these tourmalines make them highly prized and valuable, making them ideal for high-end jewelry pieces and investment opportunities.

Paraiba tourmaline is a highly sought-after and rare type of tourmaline that is known for its bright and vibrant blue-green color. This rare variety of tourmaline is named after the state of Paraiba in Brazil, where it was first discovered in the 1980s.

Paraiba tourmaline is unique due to its high copper content, which gives it its distinctive blue-green color. The color of Paraiba tourmaline can range from a pale blue-green to a deep, vivid turquoise blue. This rare and highly prized color makes Paraiba tourmaline one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones on the market today.

In addition to its stunning color, Paraiba tourmaline is also known for its high level of brilliance and luster, which makes it a popular choice for jewelry. However, due to its rarity and high demand, Paraiba tourmaline is often very expensive and can be difficult to find in large sizes.

Despite its rarity and high value, Paraiba tourmaline has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many gemstone lovers seeking out this beautiful and unique gemstone for their collections. Whether you are a collector or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of rare gemstones, Paraiba tourmaline is definitely a gemstone worth considering.

Famous Pieces

One of the most famous tourmaline pieces is the Pink Tourmaline Brooch, which was created by Cartier in the early 1900s. This exquisite piece of jewelry features a large pink tourmaline set in a platinum and diamond mounting. Another famous piece is the "Neon" Tourmaline Ring, which features a large, vibrant green tourmaline surrounded by diamonds and set in a platinum mounting.

Price

The price of tourmaline can vary greatly depending on the quality, size, and color of the stone. A small, low-quality tourmaline can be purchased for a few dollars, while a high-quality, large tourmaline can cost several thousand dollars. Factors that can affect the price of tourmaline include the rarity and beauty of the color, the clarity of the stone, and the quality of the cut.

At the lower end of the price range, you can find tourmaline gems that are smaller in size and have a lower clarity and quality for around $20 to $50 per carat. These stones are often used for less formal jewelry, such as costume jewelry or for everyday wear.

Mid-range tourmaline prices can range from $50 to $200 per carat. These stones are of a higher quality and clarity, and may be a bit larger in size. They are often used for more formal jewelry, such as pendants, rings, and earrings.

At the high end of the price range, you can find premium quality tourmaline gems that are larger in size, have a higher clarity and quality, and are in rare and sought-after colors, such as Paraiba and bi-color. These stones can range from $200 to $2,000 per carat, and are often used for high-end jewelry and investment pieces.

It is important to note that tourmaline prices can also vary greatly depending on the seller and the location. For example, tourmaline gems purchased from a high-end jewelry store will generally be more expensive than those purchased from a wholesale gemstone supplier.

Synthesis and Imitation

Tourmaline is not commonly synthesized or imitated, as it is a relatively hard mineral that is difficult to duplicate. However, some lower-quality tourmalines may be treated or dyed to enhance their color, which can impact their value. When purchasing tourmaline, it is important to look for a certificate of authenticity or a laboratory report to ensure that the stone is genuine.

Treatment

Tourmaline is sometimes treated to enhance its color or clarity. The most common treatments include heating, which can deepen the color of the stone, and irradiation, which can improve the clarity of the stone. It is important to be aware of these treatments when purchasing tourmaline, as they can impact the value of the stone.

Inclusions

Inclusions in tourmaline can greatly affect the value and appearance of the stone. Some of the most common inclusions in tourmaline include:

1. Needles: Tourmaline is known to contain needle-like inclusions, which can be seen as thin, elongated shapes within the stone. In general, the fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the stone.

2. Liquid Inclusions: Tourmaline can contain liquid inclusions, which can be seen as bubbles within the stone. These inclusions can affect the clarity of the stone and make it appear cloudy.

3. Feathering: Feathering is a type of inclusion that appears as thin, white lines within the stone. Feathering can detract from the beauty and value of the stone, making it less desirable.

4. Cracks: Cracks can appear within tourmaline, which can affect the stability and durability of the stone. Cracks can also affect the clarity and appearance of the stone, making it less valuable.

5. Zoning: Zoning refers to the presence of different color zones within the same stone. Zoning can be caused by differences in the chemical composition of the tourmaline, and it can affect the value and beauty of the stone.

In general, tourmaline with few inclusions and a high level of clarity will be more valuable than stones with numerous inclusions. However, the value of a tourmaline also depends on other factors such as color, cut, and carat weight, so it is important to consider all of these factors when evaluating a tourmaline gemstone.

In conclusion, tourmaline is a versatile and colorful gemstone that is prized for its beauty and durability. With a wide range of colors, from pink to green to blue, there is a tourmaline to suit everyone's taste. Whether you are looking for a stunning piece of jewelry or a rare and valuable collectible, tourmaline is a great choice.