Tourmaline – A Natural Wonder in Every Hue

Tourmaline spans nearly every shade imaginable, from deep greens and romantic pinks to electric blues and fiery reds. Some stones even display multiple colors in a single crystal, which adds to the long list of reasons why jewelers, lapidary artists, and collectors constantly seek them out.

Tourmaline forms in pegmatite veins, where mineral-rich fluids cool and crystallize over time. Its complex chemical composition engenders endless color variations, with elements like iron, manganese, and lithium influencing each stone’s appearance. Paraiba tourmaline, one of the rarest varieties, owes its vivid neon blues and greens to traces of copper. Watermelon tourmaline, another collector favorite, flamboyantly boasts a pink core enveloped by a green outer layer that resembles its namesake fruit.

Interesting tidbit: When heated or rubbed, tourmaline develops an electric charge that attracts dust and small particles. This effect, known as pyroelectricity, occurs because the stone generates a voltage when exposed to temperature changes or pressure. Scientists once used tourmaline to clean ash from tobacco pipes due to this unusual feature.

Tourmaline Properties:

• Color: Available in almost every hue, including bi-color and tri-color formations
• Luster: Vitreous with a brilliant surface shine
• Transparency: Transparent to opaque, depending on the variety
• Hardness: Mohs 7–7.5
• Cleavage: Indistinct
• Density: Approximately 3.0–3.2 g/cm³
• Chemical classification: Boron silicate

Tourmaline possesses the durability and color range that jewelers and collectors look for in a gemstone. Some varieties shift in color when viewed from different angles, a rare optical effect known as pleochroism. With a hardness that resists wear and a natural ability to hold a high polish, it works well for both faceted gemstones and cabochons.

Gallery TCR carries rough, cut, and rare tourmaline from top mining locations. Collectors prize these stones for their vivid hues and crystal formations, while lapidary artists cut and shape them into extraordinary designs. With its color variations and durability, there’s no question why tourmaline remains a favorite among artisans and mineral collectors alike.

Browse our selection of tourmaline for sale to find a stone that speaks to you and your creativity.