Tourmaline

Information About Tourmaline:

The name tourmaline comes from Sinhalese word 'turmali' meaning 'mixed'. The gem probably got this name because of the variety of colors it comes in and the fact that tourmaline can also be bi- or tri-colored.

It is one of the alternate birthstones for the month of October (Opal is the primary birthstone for this month).

Tourmaline is the national gem of the United States, but much of the world's supply is mined in Nigeria and Brazil.

COLORS: Green, Pink, and Blue are most common, but Tourmaline exists in more colors than any other natural gemstone. Often cut to display several bands of color in same stone.

HARDNESS ON MOH'S SCALE: 7.0 to 7.5

SHAPES FOR CUTTING: Suitable for all facet shapes and polished cabochons. Emerald Cut is favored for bicolor or tricolor specimens. Often carved into shaped beads such as flower shapes for making bracelets and necklaces.