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The Ultimate Guide to Tourmaline: October's Vibrant Birthstone

The Ultimate Guide to Tourmaline: October's Vibrant Birthstone

  1. What is the October birthstone - opal and tourmaline
  2. History of tourmaline and where it is found?
  3. Physical and optical properties of tourmaline
  4. Formation and types of tourmaline
  5. Metaphysical and healing properties
  6. Gemstone care and maintenance 
  7. Tourmaline in jewelry design

1. What is the October birthstone - opal and tourmaline

Opals are available in different colors and varieties, and they are soft because of their hardness. Opals have important spiritual significance and is useful in day-to-day life. 

Tourmaline is recognized for its variety of colors within a single crystal, multiple combinations of colors are present. the word tourmaline comes from a Sinhalese word for tourmaline.

October birthstone

2. History of tourmaline and where it is found?

Tourmaline has a diverse history and varied cultures. In ancient civilizations, Egyptians highly valued tourmaline. They believed this October birthstone would protect against evil spirits. Multiple colors of tourmaline are often known as rainbow gemstones.

roman culture has a wide range of history which brings good charm and good luck. at first, it was confused with an emerald gemstone, like a ruby. in the 18s they found out that this gemstone is different than any other gemstone.

History of tourmaline

in the 19th century, tourmaline was discovered in California and marine in the United States. America found multiple colors of gemstones that have more sparkle than many other countries which has raised the market value.


Found 

  • Tourmaline is mostly found in Brazil.
  • Brazil is the largest manufacturer of tourmaline, like Minas Gerais, and Bahia is also famous for watermelon tourmaline with pink and green.
  • San Diego is located in California and is famous for its high-quality shades of green and pink. Nuristan and Badakhshan produce tourmaline. It's known for its vibrant beauty.
  • afghanistan has two states that produce tourmaline, Nuristan and Badakhshan.
  • Nigeria is often known for its green and rubellite gemstones. 

3. Physical and Optical Properties of Tourmaline

Tourmaline is formed of boron silicate, which is a combination of aluminum, iron, and magnesium.

Tourmaline has a 7 to 7.5 Mohs scale. Tourmaline is made up of a trigonal crystal system and typically forms crystals.  

tourmaline is available in a variety of colors like pink, green, etc. This color can be present in watermelon tourmaline.

Color of tournmaline

Tourmaline has a specific gravity ranging from 2.83 to 3.10. 

Tourmaline can be transparent or opaque depending on the specific variety.   

Tourmaline is a gemstone that is transparent and has properties of pleochroism when viewed from different angles. tourmaline reference index is 1.61 to 1.64.


Let's understand tourmaline and its grading.

The 4 Cs of Tourmaline

Grading 

Carat

Depends on size. 1 carat= 0.2 gram

Cut

Brilliance cut

Color

Pink, green, blue, multicolor

Clarity

Higher clarity

Mineral 

Boron silicate

Popular origin

brazil

 

Physical properties of tourmaline.

Name

Properties

hardness

7-7.5 MOHS

treatment

Thermal treatment

4. Types of Tourmaline

There are several types of tourmaline elbaite, schorl, watermelon, Paraiba, dravite, indicolite, and rubellite, are available.

Elbaite 

Elbaite is known for its vibrant and diverse color of tourmaline. Elbaite is often cut into various shapes of brilliance and color diversity. Most jewelry designers set elite gemstones in their designs to make them look more unique.

tourmaline elbaite

Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba tourmaline has copper and manganese in it which gives it an electric appearance. Its high quality and rarity gemstone gives it extra value in the jewellery market.

Paraiba Tourmaline

Dravite

Dravite gemstone is highly recognized for having earthy notes and brown and yellow colors. Zircon is less common than other gemstones.  There is a high demand for quality and rare gemstones, which gives it extra value in the jewelry market.

Dravite Tourmaline

5. METAPHYSICAL AND HEALING PROPERTIES 

  • Tourmaline is a gemstone known for its color and powerful healing properties.  
  • Tourmaline is often used as a shield against negative energies and psychic attacks, creating a safe environment.
  • This gemstone is often associated with stabilizing emotions and connecting the individual to the earth, which brings balance and security.
  • Tourmaline is also used to release negative energy and thought patterns from our body, which brings inner peace in life.
  • it also helps to promote self-acceptance.
  • It also helps decrease physical pain in our bodies. It helps to boost immune function in our body. It also helps in relaxation in our body.
  • it also helps in relaxation, stress and overall well-being.
  • The tourmaline gemstone is used in meditation. It also helps in spiritual practices.

6. GEMSTONE CARE AND MAINTENANCE

  • Always use a soft cloth to wipe your gemstone after each wear. For deeper cleaning, mix mild soap with warm water or use a soft brush to remove dirt.
  • Store your gemstone in soft pouches or in a box to prevent scratches. Always keep your gemstone jewelry away from sunlight and heat rays.
  • Always check your jewelry settings to ensure that gemstones are secure and tight.
  • Remove your tourmaline jewelry when you are working in a place of hard work, which can lead to scratches.
  • Always avoid extra water and high heat, which can damage the gemstone. If that occurs immediately, clean them with a dry cloth instead.

7. Tourmaline in jewelry design

Tourmaline can be set in different shades of pink, green, blue, and yellow, and even in multicolored varieties like watermelon tourmaline. Many designers often set tourmaline jewelry in round, oval, and emerald shapes for any occasion like engagements and weddings.

Tourmaline in jewelry design

Tourmaline is often set in a ring for eye-catching colors which makes stunning looks. popular styles are earrings and necklaces which can be used in everyday wear with proper care.

Conclusion 

Tourmaline gemstone is one of the best October birthstones known for its vibrant colors and unique properties. Tourmaline is known for its healing properties and is associated with jewelry purposes.


FAQS

1. What color tourmaline is most valuable?

Paraiba tourmaline is neon blue or green and is the most valuable gemstone.

2. Is tourmaline better than diamond?

Tourmaline is more affordable than diamonds but it depends on personal preference for jewelry setting.

3. Can I wear tourmaline every day?

yes, you can wear tourmaline jewelry every day but it needs more care because it has softness quality.

4. How does tourmaline affect emotional well-being?

tourmaline jewelry brings emotional stability to human health and reduces stress and anxiety.

5. How can tourmaline be used in healing practices?

you can use this tourmaline gemstone in necklaces and rings and protect from negative energy.

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