SPOTLIGHT ON... TOURMALINE

BY MEREDITH JAYME

DISCOVER ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE AND COLORFUL GEMSTONES, TOURMALINE.

WHO/WHAT:

Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone that is classified as a crystalline boron silicate mineral. It is typically compounded with aluminum, iron, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and lithium, which determines its coloring. Tourmaline jewelry can appear to be a wide range of colors.

MOHS SCALE OF HARDNESS: 7 - 7.5

Tourmaline is a fairly brittle gemstone.

COLOR/CUT:

Tourmaline is found in a wide color range, from black, to nearly every shade of the rainbow, and even colorless. Tourmaline can be a great alternative to more rare stones like rubies, and can also be found in more unique shades if you’re looking for something specific. Heat treatment is frequently used to improve the coloring of certain tourmaline gems.

WHEN/WHERE:

Tourmaline is primarily mined in Brazil, Africa, and the United States.

PROPERTIES:

Tourmaline is pyroelectric meaning that it is electrically polarized and can generate an electric field when it is heated. Black and yellow tourmaline also have magnetic properties due to their content of iron.

FOLKLORE:

Tourmaline is said to reduce anxiety and stress, and keep you grounded. It is also believed to balance and cleanse your chakras. Pink and green tourmalines are frequently used as funeral gifts in Native American culture.

A FEW TYPES OF TOURMALINE

MOST NOTABLE TOURMALINE JEWELRY

TAKAT BRAZILIAN PARAIBA AND DIAMOND RING IN PLATINUM

For $1,599,999 this one of a kind tourmaline ring can be yours. With a 12.11 carat paraiba tourmaline, framed in a diamond settting, this piece is a worthy investment. Listed on 1stdibs, this ring by Takat is certainly something special.

THE GREAT DIVIDE

This rare tourmaline was listed for 1.2 million in 2017 by NYC's Astro Gallery— a price tag worthy of such a unique find. This tourmaline was discovered in 2011 in the Pederneira Mine in Brazil.

THE GREAT DIVIDE

This rare tourmaline was listed for 1.2 million in 2017 by NYC's Astro Gallery— a price tag worthy of such a unique find. This tourmaline was discovered in 2011 in the Pederneira Mine in Brazil.

THE PARAIBA STAR OF THE OCEAN JEWELS NECKLACE

This incredible necklace holds the largest Paraiba tourmaline in the world. The gemstone is 191.87 carats and holds a record in the Guiness Book of World Records. It is currently owned by Kaufmann de Suisse Jewelers whom you can contact for details on the purchase process of this exquisite piece.

TIFFANY & CO. TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND RING

Christie's sold this Tiffany & Co. tourmaline ring in their 2017 Magnificent Jewels sale for $715,500. This Paraiba tourmaline center stone weighs in at 9.7 carats.

TIFFANY & CO. TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND RING

Christie's sold this Tiffany & Co. tourmaline ring in their 2017 Magnificent Jewels sale for $715,500. This Paraiba tourmaline center stone weighs in at 9.7 carats.

RUBELLITE TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND NECKLACE

This stunning rubellite tourmaline and diamond necklace sold for $125,000 in Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale in 2015.