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GIA Celebrates Birthstones –Tourmaline, the Chameleon of Gemstones
Tourmaline, the October birthstone, comes in almost every color of the rainbow. The most popular varieties range from rich reds, pinks and peach colors, to emerald greens and yellows, to blues and violets. Tourmaline gems grow in elongated crystals, so most are cut into long rectangular shapes known as “emerald cuts.” “Bi-color” and “Parti-colored” exhibit two or more colors in a single gem, such as watermelon (green on the outside and pink inside) and liddicoatite.
Tourmaline gems grow in elongated crystals, so are most often cut into long rectangular shapes known as “emerald cuts.”
Paraíba tourmaline, named after the place where it was first found in Brazil, is a vividly saturated green to blue or violet copper-bearing elbaite tourmaline. Rubellite refers to vivid pink to red elbaite tourmaline. Indicolite refers to the blue variety. Chrome tourmaline refers to vibrant green tourmaline.
5.31-carat rubellite tourmaline ring with diamonds set in platinum. Courtesy of Richard Krementz Gemstones.
Not surprisingly, this gemstone’s name is derived from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “mixed colors.” Perhaps this is why ancient mystics believed tourmaline could encourage artistic intuition; it has the palette to express every mood. Wearing October’s birthstone is believed to bring strength.
Tourmaline’s name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, which means “mixed,”. Tourmaline comes in more combinations of colors than any other gemstone variety found in nature.
Check out tourmaline in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.