Different Types of Tourmaline Gemstone

Tourmaline, one of the most versatile and fascinating gemstones, dazzles with its incredible variety of colors and forms. Its unique charm lies in its ability to display a spectrum of hues, each more captivating than the last. Whether you're a seasoned gem enthusiast or just beginning your journey into the world of fine jewelry, tourmaline offers something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of this enchanting gemstone, and what makes each one so special.

First, we need to understand that tourmaline is not a single stone, but a group of closely related minerals, each with its own unique characteristics. Known for its wide range of colors, tourmaline can be found in shades of red, green, blue, and even multi-colored varieties. This variability is caused by the different trace elements present during its formation. Let’s explore the main types that make tourmaline so beloved in the jewelry world.

Rubellite

If you love rich, red gemstones, rubellite tourmaline is sure to catch your eye. With hues ranging from soft pink to deep red, rubellite gets its color from the presence of manganese. Often compared to fine rubies, rubellite stands out for its consistent color under various lighting conditions. It’s a striking choice for rings or necklaces that make a bold statement.

Indicolite

For those who adore blue gemstones, indicolite is a beautiful variant of tourmaline. Its striking blue tones, ranging from pale to deep ocean hues, are due to iron in its structure. Known for its rarity, indicolite is often used in exquisite jewelry pieces, offering a unique alternative to more common blue stones like sapphire. Whether set in a ring or pendant, indicolite brings an exotic touch to any jewelry collection.

Verdelite

This lush green variety of tourmaline is known as verdelite. Like indicolite, its color comes from iron, but verdelite ranges from bright grassy greens to deep forest hues. It’s the perfect gemstone for nature lovers, as its rich tones reflect the beauty of the natural world. You can find verdelite in rings, earrings, and other fine jewelry items.

Watermelon Tourmaline

Perhaps the most playful variety of tourmaline, watermelon tourmaline lives up to its name with its vivid color combination of pink and green. This gemstone mimics the look of a slice of watermelon, with a pink center surrounded by a green outer layer. Its whimsical appearance makes it a favorite for bohemian-style jewelry, and it's perfect for unique rings or pendants.

Paraiba Tourmaline

No discussion of tourmaline would be complete without mentioning the rare and stunning Paraiba tourmaline. With neon hues of blue and green, Paraiba tourmaline is one of the most prized and expensive types. Discovered in the 1980s in Brazil, this gem owes its electric color to copper. Its scarcity and vibrant tones make Paraiba tourmaline a coveted choice for high-end jewelry, especially in rings and pendants.

Black Tourmaline

If you’re looking for a stone with a more mysterious vibe, black tourmaline, also known as schorl, is the one to explore. Unlike other types of tourmaline, schorl is opaque and appears in shades of deep black or bluish-black. It’s often used for its protective qualities and is popular in bohemian and spiritual jewelry designs.

The world of tourmaline is vast and varied, offering something for every style and preference. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colors of rubellite and verdelite or the rare beauty of Paraiba, tourmaline remains a gemstone that can surprise and delight. Browse our collection at Robinson's Jewelers and discover the tourmaline that speaks to you.