Beyond Green: A Guide to the Unexpected Colors of Tourmaline - The Chameleon Gem That Puts Rainbows to Shame

When you hear "tourmaline," you might picture a stately green gem—the kind your great-aunt Ethel wore to bridge club. But darling, let me introduce you to tourmaline’s wilder, more fabulous side. This gemstone is basically nature’s mood ring, coming in more colors than a Pantone catalog after a hurricane in a paint factory. At Robinson’s Jewelers, we’re obsessed with tourmaline’s incredible range, from electric blues that would make the ocean jealous to pinks so vibrant they make flamingos look dull. Forget everything you thought you knew—this is the gem that refuses to be put in a box.

Seriously, tourmaline is the overachiever of the gem world. It doesn’t just come in one or two colors—it spans virtually the entire spectrum. What makes tourmaline truly special is its complex crystal structure that allows it to incorporate different elements during formation, creating this spectacular color variety. Iron and titanium give us those gorgeous greens and blues, while manganese creates those stunning reds and pinks. Sometimes, a single crystal can contain multiple colors, creating breathtaking bi-color and tri-color gems that look like miniature works of art.

The Pink Party: From Blushing Bride to Drama Queen

Let’s start with pink tourmaline, because who doesn’t love a good pink moment? These gems range from the palest whisper of pink to deep, saturated hues that could make a ruby do a double-take. The lighter pinks have this delicate, almost ethereal quality that looks absolutely stunning in engagement rings and pendants. But the deep magenta and hot pink varieties? They’re the life of the party—bold, confident, and utterly unforgettable.

What’s particularly wonderful about pink tourmaline is how flattering it is against all skin tones. The warmth of the stone seems to make everyone glow, which is probably why it’s become such a popular choice for bridal jewelry. At Robinson’s, we love pairing pink tourmalines with rose gold for that extra romantic vibe, or letting them shine solo in a simple solitaire setting that lets their natural beauty take center stage.

Watermelon Tourmaline: Nature’s Sweetest Trick

If you want to see something truly magical, check out watermelon tourmaline. These gems grow with pink centers and green rims—exactly like a slice of watermelon! It’s like nature decided to have a little fun and create the world’s most delicious-looking gemstone. When sliced and polished, the cross-sections reveal this stunning color zoning that looks almost too perfect to be natural.

We adore using watermelon tourmaline in cocktail rings and statement pieces where the unique coloring can really shine. They’re conversation starters—the kind of jewelry that makes people lean in closer and say, “Wait, is that real?” Our designers at Charles Krypell have created some breathtaking pieces featuring these bi-color beauties, often pairing them with diamonds to highlight both the pink and green sections.

Paraíba Tourmaline: The Electric Blue Superstar

Now let’s talk about the rockstar of the tourmaline family: Paraíba. Discovered in the late 1980s in Brazil’s Paraíba state, these gems hit the jewelry scene like a bolt of lightning with their neon blue and green hues that seem to glow from within. The secret to their electrifying color? Trace amounts of copper and manganese that give them an intensity you simply don’t see in other gemstones.

Paraíba tourmalines are the divas of the gem world—rare, demanding attention, and worth every penny. Their vibrant turquoise and electric blue colors look absolutely stunning in earrings and tennis bracelets, where they can catch the light from every angle. We’re proud to feature Paraíba tourmaline pieces from exceptional designers like Oscar Heyman, who understand how to let these extraordinary gems take center stage.

The Rainbow Connection: Tourmaline’s Color Spectrum

Beyond the famous pinks, greens, and Paraíba blues, tourmaline comes in a mind-boggling array of other colors. There’s canary yellow tourmaline that rivals the brightest citrine, rich burgundy tones that look like fine wine captured in crystal, and even colorless varieties that sparkle with a clean, modern beauty. Then there are the color-change tourmalines that shift from blue-green in daylight to reddish-purple in incandescent light—like having two gems in one!

At Robinson’s, we love helping customers explore this incredible variety. Whether you’re drawn to the sunny disposition of yellow tourmaline in a charm bracelet or the sophisticated depth of a deep purple tourmaline in a signet ring, there’s truly a color for every personality and occasion. Our collection from Ruchi New York features some particularly creative uses of these less common tourmaline colors.

Tourmaline in Fine Jewelry: Beyond the Ordinary

What makes tourmaline such a joy for jewelry designers is its versatility. It comes in all sizes and shapes, from tiny accent stones to substantial centerpieces, and its good hardness (7-7.5 on the Mohs scale) means it’s durable enough for everyday wear. At Robinson’s, we work with designers who understand how to highlight tourmaline’s unique qualities rather than forcing it into traditional settings.

We’ve seen incredible tourmaline pieces from Gumuchian that pair multiple colors of tourmaline together, creating miniature rainbows of gemstone beauty. Roberto Coin often uses tourmaline as the vibrant centerpiece in his iconic designs, while our lab-grown diamond collections feature tourmaline accents that add a pop of color to classic pieces.

Caring for Your Colorful Companions

While tourmaline is reasonably durable, it does appreciate a little TLC. We recommend removing tourmaline jewelry during vigorous activities (no, it doesn’t want to join your CrossFit class) and keeping it away from harsh chemicals. A gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush will keep your tourmaline pieces looking their vibrant best. Store them separately from harder gems like diamonds to prevent scratches—think of it as giving each piece its own private bedroom.

Finding Your Perfect Tourmaline at Robinson’s

The best part about tourmaline’s incredible color range? There’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the soothing greens, vibrant pinks, or electric blues, our team at Robinson’s Jewelers can help you find the perfect piece. October babies get tourmaline as their birthstone, but honestly, with this many color options, who wouldn’t want to claim it?

Come visit us and explore the rainbow. We promise you’ll never look at green the same way again. From stunning tourmaline rings to show-stopping necklaces, we have pieces that celebrate every color in tourmaline’s incredible spectrum. After all, life’s too short for boring jewelry—and with tourmaline, boring simply isn’t an option.