Tourmaline - October

Tourmaline occurs in more colors and combinations of colors than any other gemstone. This may be the reason why ancient mystics believed tourmaline could encourage artistic intuition.

Because its colors mimic those of other gems, tourmaline was often misidentified in the ancient world. Some of the “rubies” in the Russian Crown Jewels are actually rubelite tourmaline.

The most valuable colors of tourmaline are the rare, copper colored, electric blues and greens found in Paraiba, Brazil. An intense green tourmaline found in Kenya and Tanzania, known as chrome tourmaline, is also rare and highly valued.

Pink and green tourmaline is widely available and more affordable.

Tourmaline has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and is durable and suitable for everyday wear.

Clean with mild dish soap using a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner with Rubelites and Paraiba tourmalines.