Tourmaline is not a single species of gemstone, but is actually a group or family of gems all of which are complex Silicates of Boron and Aluminum. What distinguishes the different members of the family are the additional metallic ions present. These may be Sodium, Lithium, Potassium and/or Chromium.

Most Tourmalines are a mixture of these elements which leads to an almost infinite range of colors. In fact, the name "Tourmaline" is derived from a Singhalese word meaning "mixed precious stones".

Because the chrystal growth of Tourmaline is elongated, long, thin gems are common. Many green Tourmalines are highly dichroic (two distinct colors). Often the color along the length of the crystal is an unattractive black or brown. In order to emphasize the most attractive colors the table of the gemstone will be cut parallel to the sides of the chrystal. The ends of the gemstone are left steep so as not to direct any light rays along the length of the crystal.

 

Green Tourmaline's color ranges from a pale green through to a dark green. The hue varies from a pure green to a bluish green. Go to Green Tourmaline

Blue Tourmaline is also called Indicolite. The blue color can range from pale blue to dark blue. The hue varies from a pure blue to a greenish blue, In addition, a copper component can produce a very bright turquoise gemstone called Paraiba Tourmaline. Go to Blue Tourmaline.



Pink Tourmaline's color is created by a Lithium component in it's structure. The color ranges from a light pink through to a rich, bright pink. We have included other colors such as yellows and browns in our pink/red price sheets. Go to Pink Tourmaline.



Red Tourmaline (also called Rubellite) is the medium to rich dark red member of the Tourmaline family. Go to Red Tourmaline.



Chrome Tourmaline has the rich Emerald green color caused by the the Chromium content in it's structure. The colors vary from medium to dark green. Go to Chrome Tourmaline.

 
 
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