Tourmaline is recognized as one of the two birthstones for October, alongside opal. Officially added as an October birthstone in 1952 by the American Gem Society and the National Retail Jewelers Council, tourmaline offers a remarkable spectrum of colors, making it a popular and versatile gemstone. Its name originates from the Sinhalese word toramalli, meaning “stone of mixed colors,” a fitting description given its diverse palette. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of tourmaline, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
For centuries, tourmaline was often mistaken for other gemstones due to its wide range of colors. As early as the 1500s, green tourmaline discovered in Brazil by Spanish conquistadors was initially believed to be emerald. Similarly, red tourmaline, known as rubellite, was sometimes identified as ruby, as evidenced by the “Caesar’s Ruby” in the Russian crown jewels, which is, in fact, a red tourmaline. Before the development of modern gemological testing techniques, differentiating tourmaline from other stones based solely on color proved challenging.
The gem’s history is intertwined with trade routes and early gemological understanding. In localities like Sri Lanka and Burma, ruby, sapphire, peridot, and spinel were often found alongside tourmaline, leading early traders to apply the names of the more well-known gems to the various colored tourmalines. It wasn’t until the 19th century, with advancements in optical gem testing, that tourmaline was formally recognized as a distinct mineral species.
Ancient cultures attributed various beliefs to tourmaline. Bedouins believed opals, and by extension, the colorful tourmalines often confused with them, contained lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Ancient Greeks thought tourmaline bestowed the gift of prophecy and protection from disease. In Europe, the stone was associated with purity, hope, and truth, and was believed to embody the virtues of all colored stones. More recently, tourmaline has become a traditional gift for the eighth wedding anniversary.
Geological Formation and Sources
Tourmaline is a boron silicate mineral that typically forms in long, striated, and prismatic rods within the hexagonal (trigonal) crystal system. The gem’s formation occurs in a variety of geological environments, including pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermal veins.
While specific mining locations are not extensively detailed in the provided sources, Brazil and Sri Lanka are mentioned as historical sources. The early gem trade relied on gravel deposits in these regions, where tourmaline was found alongside other valuable gemstones. The sources do not provide a comprehensive list of current mining locations.
Gemological Properties
Tourmaline exhibits a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it relatively durable for jewelry use. A unique characteristic of tourmaline is its piezoelectricity – the ability to generate an electrical charge when heated or vibrated. This unusual property distinguishes tourmaline from many other gemstones.
The most notable gemological property of tourmaline is its exceptional range of colors. It can be found in transparent to almost opaque varieties, encompassing nearly every shade on the color wheel. Popular varieties include pink tourmaline, red tourmaline (rubellite), green tourmaline, and the highly sought-after blue-to-green paraiba tourmaline. Black tourmaline is particularly known for its protective qualities.
A table summarizing key gemological properties is provided below:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Boron Silicate |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 - 7.5 |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal (Trigonal) |
| Transparency | Transparent to Opaque |
| Special Property | Piezoelectric |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Different colors of tourmaline are associated with distinct symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Black tourmaline is widely regarded as a powerful protection stone, believed to shield the wearer from negative energy and enhance self-confidence. Pink tourmaline is linked to compassion, gentleness, and love, while green tourmaline is thought to promote courage, strength, and stamina. Pink tourmaline and watermelon tourmaline are known as Stones of Reconciliation, believed to help reconcile mind, body, and spirit and release past traumas.
The wide range of colors contributes to tourmaline’s appeal as a birthstone, offering a color to suit every mood and personality. Ancient mystics believed the gemstone could inspire artistic expression, likely due to its vibrant and diverse hues.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline is reasonably durable, but still requires careful handling. The sources do not provide specific cleaning instructions, but based on its properties, it is advisable to clean tourmaline jewelry with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners, as these may damage the stone. Regular cleaning will help maintain its brilliance and luster.
Conclusion
Tourmaline, with its captivating array of colors and unique properties, is a fitting and popular birthstone for those born in October. From its historical misidentification with other gemstones to its modern recognition as a distinct and valuable mineral species, tourmaline’s journey reflects the evolving understanding of gemology. Its diverse symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, coupled with its relative durability, make it a cherished gemstone for jewelry and collectors alike. The stone’s piezoelectricity adds a unique scientific dimension to its appeal, further solidifying its place as a remarkable gem.