Tourmaline is a highly valued gemstone, recognized as one of the birthstones for October, alongside opal. Distinguished by its remarkable range of colors, often displaying multiple hues within a single stone, tourmaline has captivated people for centuries. The name itself originates from the Sinhalese word touramalli or tura mali, meaning “stone with mixed colors,” a fitting description of this vibrant gem. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of tourmaline, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Ancient peoples believed that tourmaline possessed the power to stimulate artistic genius, its varied colors mirroring every mood and inspiring creative expression. Egyptian mystics associated the gemstone’s diverse hues with its passage through a rainbow on its journey from the Earth’s core. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, tourmaline was considered a protective charm against evil.
A notable historical anecdote involves the Russian Crown Jewels. In the 1800s, it was discovered that some of the “rubies” adorning the crown were, in fact, misidentified tourmaline rubellites – pink and red varieties of the stone. This highlights the close similarities in appearance between tourmaline and other precious gemstones, and the potential for historical misattribution.
More recently, in 1912, the American National Retail Jeweler’s Association formally recognized tourmaline as a birthstone for October, supplementing the traditional choice of opal. This addition broadened the options for those seeking a gemstone to represent the month.
Geological Formation and Sources
While specific details regarding the geological formation of tourmaline are limited within the provided sources, it is known that tourmaline is found in diverse locations around the world. Historically, opals were first brought to the Western world from India, where in Sanskrit it was called upala, meaning “precious stone.” However, tourmaline’s origins are traced to Sri Lanka, where the Sinhalese name originated.
The sources do not provide a comprehensive list of current mining locations for tourmaline, but Ethiopia and Australia are mentioned as sources for opal, suggesting a global distribution of gemstone mining.
Gemological Properties
Tourmaline exhibits a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, indicating good durability and making it suitable for everyday wear. This hardness surpasses that of opal, which ranges from 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making tourmaline a more resistant choice for jewelry.
The defining characteristic of tourmaline is its exceptional range of colors. It can be found in pink, green, blue, purple, and even stones displaying gradations of multiple colors within a single gem. The most rare and valuable variety is Paraíba tourmaline, known for its distinctive neon blue or green coloration. This wide spectrum of hues contributes to tourmaline’s nickname, “the king of colors.” The name itself, derived from the Sinhalese turamalli, directly translates to “stone with mixed colors,” underscoring this key property.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Tourmaline is often associated with love, prosperity, and harmony. The soft, sweet hue of pink tourmaline, in particular, makes it a popular symbol of affection. Beyond these general associations, ancient Greeks believed opals bestowed the gift of prophecy and protection from disease, while Europeans maintained it symbolized purity, hope, and truth. Hundreds of years ago, opal was believed to embody the virtues and powers of all colored stones.
The dramatic play-of-color exhibited by opal has inspired comparisons to fireworks, galaxies, and volcanoes, reflecting its dynamic and captivating appearance. Bedouins once believed opal held lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms, further emphasizing its connection to powerful natural forces.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its relatively lower hardness (5-6.5 on the Mohs scale), opal is more susceptible to scratches and wear. It is recommended that opal jewelry be worn only for special occasions and stored separately from other pieces to prevent damage. Cleaning should be performed with warm, soapy water, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive methods that could harm the stone or any protective coating it may have.
Tourmaline, with its greater hardness, is more durable and suitable for everyday wear. However, all gemstones benefit from gentle care. Regular cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth will help maintain its brilliance.
Conclusion
Tourmaline, as one of October’s birthstones, offers a captivating blend of history, beauty, and symbolism. Its diverse range of colors, from the delicate pinks to the vibrant neon blues of Paraíba tourmaline, makes it a versatile and cherished gemstone. With a hardness of 7-7.5, it provides good durability for jewelry, while its historical associations with artistic inspiration and protection add to its allure. Whether chosen for its aesthetic appeal, symbolic meaning, or as a representation of an October birthday, tourmaline continues to be a treasured gem.