Tourmaline Purchasing Guide
Tourmalines have carved themselves a spot at the top. Amongst the top contendors like Sapphires, Rubies and Emeralds, the incredibly vibrant Tourmaline comes in a stunning array of colors and has today become a highly sought after gemstone. Birthstone also for the month of October, if you’re looking for a gemstone to invest in, this year, Tourmalines might make a worthwhile investment option and here’s why.
Some popular Tourmalines are:
- Rubellite (intense Reddish Pink colors)
- Paraiba Tourmalines (electric Blues, Purples and Teals)
- Chrome Tourmaline
- Pink Tourmalines
- Yellow Tourmaline
- Green Tourmaline
- Blue Tourmaline (Indicolite)
The myriad of colors that is housed under the umbrella of the Tourmaline species gives you the option to pick a color that complements everything about you. From your lifestyle to your skin tone these gems are not just elegant but incredibly functional too. Durable and full of lustre, the Tourmaline is a gem that will not easily disappoint.
Color :
When it comes to color, tourmaline has something for everyone. From the popular and refreshing greens, to the more vivid and dramatic Paraibas and even those warm and feisty Rubellites, the color of these gemstones can speak multitudes.
Popular for their electrifying colors, the Paraiba stones, get their intense color shades from the presence of copper within. contributing
DID YOU KNOW
These gems get their name from the Paraiba region in brazil that was where these gems were first found.
Clarity :
A gemstone that is often identified by its color and internal features, Tourmalines are practically a heaven when its comes to identifying features for gemologists. From growth tubes to liquid channels and their iconic doubling, identifying a tourmaline can be relatively easy for the trained eye.
A key tip when your looking for a Tourmaline is to always check the stone for a strong Double Line at every facet junction. Although far from being a conclusive test, it could be a good indication the stone is doubly refractive.
Care and Repair:
Perfect for earrings, pendants and a good choice for rings too, Tourmaline has a good hardness and can bear a lot of wear and tear thanks to the internal strength of the gemstone.
An occasional wash with warm soapy water and a soft bristled toothbrush will keep your jewlery sparkling and free from grime and dirt that can get tucked away in the crevices.
Synthetics and Simulants:
A riot of colors, the Tourmaline is often mistaken for other gems like Garnet, Apatite, Spinels and many others. A deep understanding of the gemstone, its appearance and internal characteristics allow an informed decision to be made about the origins of the Tourmaline.
A regular check at your professional jeweler is all you need to keep your gemstone and its setting in check and sparkling under the sun.
Here are a few fun facts about Tourmaline:
