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Tourmaline 101

Tourmaline has been mistaken for other gems for centuries. Very few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling range of colors. From rich reds to pastel pinks and peach colors, intense emerald greens to vivid yellows and deep blues, the tourmaline can be found in variety of colors. This gem was monopolized by Brazil for many years, then moved to many parts of Africa, including Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and Namibia. Tourmaline has also been uncovered in Australia, Italy, and Switzerland These became hot spots for some major tourmaline mines. In the late 1980s to 1990, Brazilian discoveries heightened tourmaline’s appeal and beauty by introducing intense new hues to the marketplace. Tourmaline is another birthstone for October and used to celebrate the 8th wedding anniversary.

Tourmaline b2

Birthstone

October

Zodiac

Libra

September 24–October 23

Anniversary

8th Wedding Anniversary

In Brazil during the mid-1500s, a vibrant green crystal was discovered from the earth, and after washing away the dirt, this crystal was confused with an emerald. This confusion continued until the early 1800s, when scientists learned this crystal was a specific mineral species, clearly not emerald. The confusion about the stone’s identity is even reflected in its name, which comes from toramalli, which means “mixed gems” in Sinhalese (a language of Sri Lanka). Some of the earliest reported discoveries of tourmaline began in 1892, in South California. The early findings and understandings of this gem influenced an ancient Egyptian legend telling the tale of tourmaline’s journey from the center of the earth and gliding across a rainbow’s surface, collecting its many beautiful colors. This legend led many to believe tourmaline stimulates artistic inspiration and intuition. Tourmaline became a trusted gem of many artists and writers throughout history. Tourmaline enchants the uplifting spirits of inspiration, compassion, tolerance, and prosperity. It is thought to bring peace to the wearer’s mind, balancing the right and left sides of the brain.

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