The Beauty of Tourmaline: The Color Variations and Properties of This Fascinating Gem That Will Make You Ditch Diamonds
If you think the most exciting thing about gemstones is their sparkle, prepare to have your mind blown by tourmaline jewelry. This gemstone is like that friend who shows up to brunch wearing seven different colors at once and somehow makes it work flawlessly. Tourmaline doesn’t just come in one or two colors—it boasts a rainbow of options that would make a peacock jealous. At Robinson’s Jewelers, we’ve fallen head over heels for this chameleon-like gem, and after reading this, we bet you will too. Forget what you know about predictable gems; tourmaline is here to party.
What makes tourmaline truly special isn’t just its color range—it’s the science and magic behind how it forms. Born from the fiery depths of the Earth’s crust under intense pressure and heat, tourmaline crystals grow in environments rich with various minerals. These mineral guests crash the crystal’s formation party and bring their own colorful personalities, resulting in the stunning spectrum we adore. The gem’s very name comes from the Sinhalese word ‘turmali,’ which basically means ‘mixed gemstone parcel’—an ancient nod to its delightful unpredictability.
A Rainbow in Your Hand: The Incredible Color Spectrum
Tourmaline is the overachiever of the gem world when it comes to color variety. While most gems are famous for one specific hue (looking at you, ruby and emerald), tourmaline says, “Why choose?” Let’s break down this magnificent color parade:
Pink and Red Tourmaline: Often called rubellite, these gems range from soft ballet slipper pink to deep, passionate reds that can rival the finest ruby rings. The pink varieties are particularly beloved for their gentle, romantic energy. They’re like the gem equivalent of a heartfelt love letter.
Green Tourmaline: From light mint to forest depths that give emerald necklaces a run for their money, green tourmaline is nature’s favorite color in gem form. It’s believed to promote courage and strength—perfect for when you need an extra boost of confidence during a big presentation or a awkward first date.
Watermelon Tourmaline: This is where tourmaline shows off its sense of humor. These gems feature pink centers surrounded by green rims, just like everyone’s favorite summer fruit. They’re nature’s proof that playing with your food (or gems) can be fabulous. We love seeing these set in unique pendants where their cross-section beauty can truly shine.
Blue and Green Indicolite: These rare beauties range from sky blue to deep aquamarine shades. They’re like having a piece of the ocean with you at all times, but significantly more sparkly and less likely to get your shirt wet.
Paraiba Tourmaline: The rockstar of the tourmaline family, Paraiba boasts electric neon blue and green hues that seem to glow from within. Discovered in Brazil in the 1980s, these gems contain trace amounts of copper that give them their signature electric vibe. They’re rare, they’re radiant, and they definitely know how to make an entrance.
Color-Changing Tourmaline: Yes, some tourmalines actually change color depending on the lighting! It’s like having two gems in one—the jewelry equivalent of a multitasking superhero.
More Than Just a Pretty Face: Tourmaline’s Unique Properties
Tourmaline isn’t just about good looks—this gem has some seriously cool tricks up its sleeve. For starters, tourmaline is piezoelectric, meaning it can generate an electrical charge when heated or put under pressure. In fact, ancient sailors used heated tourmaline crystals to attract ash from their pipes, earning it the nickname ‘the ash puller.’ Today, we appreciate this property more for its metaphysical benefits than its pipe-cleaning abilities.
The gem is also pleochroic, which is a fancy way of saying it shows different colors when viewed from different angles. This means your tourmaline earrings will dance with color as you move, creating a living light show that’s far more impressive than any TikTok filter.
With a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline is durable enough for everyday wear in rings and bracelets, though we recommend a little TLC to keep it looking its best. Think of it as that friend who’s tough but still appreciates gentle handling.
Tourmaline in Fine Jewelry: How the Pros Make It Shine
At Robinson’s Jewelers, we work with incredible designers who know how to highlight tourmaline’s natural beauty. Brands like Oscar Heyman and Roberto Coin create stunning pieces that let the gem’s personality take center stage. The cut is particularly important with tourmaline—since the crystals are often long and narrow, cutters must balance maximizing carat weight with bringing out the best color and brilliance.
Many designers embrace tourmaline’s organic variations by using freeform or cabochon cuts that celebrate its natural shape. Others prefer precision cutting to create dazzling facets that play with light. Whether set in elegant tennis necklaces or statement cocktail rings, tourmaline always brings something special to the party.
We particularly love pairing tourmaline with diamonds in halo settings—the contrast makes the central stone’s color pop like fireworks against a night sky. Or for a more modern look, try tourmaline beads in a lariat necklace that you can style multiple ways.
October’s Other Birthstone: Your Perfect Excuse for New Jewelry
If you’re an October baby, you hit the birthstone jackpot! Tourmaline shares the October spotlight with opal, giving you twice the justification for treating yourself. While opals are known for their fiery play-of-color, tourmaline offers something different: consistent, wearable beauty in every color of the rainbow. This means you can choose a tourmaline that matches your personal style—whether you’re into bold statement rings or delicate stud earrings.
Even if you’re not an October baby, tourmaline makes a meaningful gift for celebrating 8th anniversaries—or any occasion where ‘because I saw it and it’s gorgeous’ is reason enough.
Caring for Your Tourmaline Treasures
Keeping your tourmaline jewelry looking fabulous is easier than deciding what to watch on Netflix. A gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush will remove everyday grime. Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes—tourmaline may be tough, but it appreciates being treated with care. Store your pieces separately to prevent scratches, because even the most easygoing gem deserves its personal space.
At Robinson’s Jewelers, we recommend bringing your tourmaline jewelry in for professional cleaning and inspection every six months. It’s like a spa day for your gems, and who doesn’t deserve that?
Find Your Perfect Tourmaline at Robinson’s Jewelers
Ready to add some tourmaline magic to your collection? Visit our tourmaline jewelry collection to explore stunning pieces that showcase this gem’s incredible variety. From engagement rings that break from tradition to pendants that add a pop of color to any outfit, we have something for every style and story.
What makes tourmaline truly special is its ability to reflect personality. Whether you’re drawn to the calming blues of indicolite, the passionate pinks of rubellite, or the electric energy of Paraiba, there’s a tourmaline that feels like it was made just for you. Come visit us at Robinson’s Jewelers and let us help you discover the tourmaline that speaks to your soul—we promise it’s more fun than trying to choose just one flavor at an ice cream shop.