Drawn illustration, not a photograph
Tourmaline
Tourmaline
AlsoRubellite, Indicolite, Paraiba, Watermelon tourmaline
Found in more colours than almost any other gem, sometimes several in one crystal. Varieties include red rubellite, blue indicolite and the neon-blue, copper-bearing Paraiba.
- Mineral
- Tourmaline group (borosilicates)
- Colour from
- Iron, manganese, copper and more
- Hardness
- 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale
- Known sources
- Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mozambique
What to look for
- Bright colour from the face, not only from the side
- For Paraiba, a laboratory report on copper and origin
- Heating is common
CareReasonably durable. Avoid sudden heat; clean with warm, soapy water.
General guidance about the stone. Each actual stone is described individually, with its own photographs and any laboratory report, when you enquire.
Tourmaline, to wear.
Ask whether a ring, pendant, stud earrings or a bracelet with tourmaline is available, in gold, platinum or silver.