What color is natural tourmaline?
Tourmaline is classified as a semi-precious stone and comes in a wide variety of colors. It is a pyroelectric mineral, meaning that when heated, it attracts dust and other light particles. Gemologists mainly distinguish 4 types of tourmaline: 
rice. Types of tourmaline by color Although Elbait occurs in all color forms, the term in the gem trade is typically used to describe the green form of Tourmaline. Other colored forms of elbaite have their own variety names in the gemstone market. Traditional names for varieties of Tourmaline gemstones include Rubellite, the red or pink variety, Indicolite, the blue variety, and Watermelon Tourmaline, a multi-colored tourmaline in green and red colors. Tourmaline comes in many colors. Tourmaline colors have many different reasons. Typically, iron-rich tourmalines are black from bluish-black to dark brown, and magnesium-rich varieties are brown to yellow, and lithium-rich tourmalines are almost any color: blue, green, red, yellow, pink, etc. Rarely, it colorless. 
rice. Achroite (colorless tourmaline) Bi-colored and multi-colored crystals are also common, showing variations in chemical composition during the crystallization process. Crystals may be green on one end and pink on the other, or green on the outside and pink on the inside; this type is called watermelon tourmaline. Some forms of tourmaline are dichroic because they change color when viewed from all angles. All colored tourmalines exhibit pleochroism, which means their color changes when viewed from different angles. In some stones this effect is barely noticeable, while in others it is obvious. 
rice. Example of pleochroism in tourmaline The most expensive and valuable form of tourmaline is the rare “neon” blue form, known under the trade name Paraiba Tourmaline. This type of tourmaline was first discovered in pearl pegmatite in the Brazilian state of Paraiba in 1989. 
rice. Paraiba tourmaline
Verdelite
Verdelite tourmaline is also classified as a separate variety based on color. The mineral gets its name from the Italian verde – green and the Greek lithos – stone. Verdelite is one of the most common of the noble tourmalines. The green color is given to it by impurities of iron compounds. Shades of verdelite can vary from soft grassy to dark green. The uneven distribution of impurities often creates a bizarre play of colors in tourmaline-verdelite crystals. For example, there are verdelites with a red rubellite top, reminiscent of a Turkish fez. The most significant verdelite deposits are located in Brazil.
Schorl
The most popular type of tourmaline is Sherl (about 95% of all tourmaline). Opaque black schorl is an idiochromatic type of tourmaline (it has a high iron and manganese content), unlike other forms, it is not transparent. Externally, it consists of elongated prismatic crystals of a layered structure or short strong prismatic crystals.
Elbaite
Elbaite is one of the most famous and valuable forms of tourmaline. Most multi-colored tourmalines are of the Elbaitic variety. Elbaite is allochromatic* (a mineral in which the dyes are incidental impurities) and may be highly pleochroic. Elbaite comes in all colors of the rainbow and individual specimens can exhibit multi-color zoning. In some crystals, needle-shaped micro-inclusions can cause a cat’s eye effect (which becomes noticeable in polished cabochons).
Liddicoatite
Liddicoatite was not recognized as a distinct type of tourmaline until 1977. Until this time it was believed that it was elbaite. The color of liddicoatite is usually smoky brown, but also pink, red, green, blue or rarely white. Color zoning is abundantly located in a typical location parallel to the edges of the pyramid. This is due to changes in the solution during crystal growth.
Dravit
Dravite, also called brown tourmaline, is a magnesium-rich tourmaline. Varieties of dravite include dark green chronic dravite and vanadium dravite. In a dravite crystal, when exposed to friction or heating, polarization of the dielectric occurs. Dravite also exhibits spontaneous polarization (pyroelectric), like other tourmalines. *Allochromatism (from the Greek Allos – “foreign”) – a color that does not depend on the chemical nature of the mineral itself, but is caused by foreign mechanical and other impurities scattered in it, or by some other reasons. There are many examples where the same mineral can be painted in different colors and shades. For example, the blue color of corundum is caused by the finest intergrowths of ilmenite, the spotted red color of carnallite is caused by an admixture of hematite. 
The most remarkable property of the mineral is its polychrome, that is, multicolor. Until recently, it was in little demand. 
The tourmaline stone was brought to Europe by Dutch sailors from the island. Ceylon. The most remarkable property of the mineral is its polychrome, that is, multicolor. Until recently, it was in little demand. Almost no one knew about him. But over the past decade, tourmaline has begun to rapidly gain popularity. Today it is highly valued as a gemstone. The name comes from the word “turmali”, which in Sinhala means “attracting ashes (ash)”. The reason for this name was the property of the stone to become electrified when heated. Synonyms of tourmaline: schorl, crimson scherl, achroite, verdelite, dravite, sibirite, paraboite, indigolite, rubellite – all this is tourmaline stone.
Tourmaline gemstone deposit
It is believed that the origin of the gem is volcanic. Most often, crystals are found in areas with high air temperatures. Technical characteristics of tourmaline The gem is found in pegmatites (dravite, scherl, elbaite), granites (sherl), metamorphic rocks, greisen and skarn. Excellent specimens are found in Russia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Madagascar. And in the USA and Canada, jewelry stones are mined. The colored varieties found in Brazil are traded as “Brazilian emerald”, “Brazilian sapphire”, “Brazilian ruby”. Brazil accounts for 80% of the world’s mineral production. More recently, remarkable examples of pink and light green tones began to be mined in Nuristan (Afghanistan). Varieties of the mineral from Madagascar and Mozambique can be found on the market occasionally. Recently, the attention of gem lovers has been attracted by gems from a new deposit in Zambia. Small but excellent quality emerald green crystals are brought from Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
What color is tourmaline?
The color of the mined mineral depends on the chemical composition. Taking into account color and transparency, tourmalines are divided into precious stones and semi-precious stones. Crimson and pink tourmaline are often found in nature, yellow and blue crystals are less common. Transparent varieties of gemstones of blue, green, red-raspberry color, as well as beautiful polychrome – green-red crystals, are more highly valued. In polychrome samples, several colors can be present simultaneously. The total number of colors and shades found in the mineral reaches 50. The color is distributed throughout the stone in an amazing way: the intensity of the color can change depending on the angle from which the stone is viewed. There are samples with a “cat’s eye” effect (asterism) and with an alexandrite effect, that is, changing color depending on the lighting. 
Depending on the shade, tourmaline acquires a special name. Green tourmaline is a classic stone. There are both transparent and opaque varieties.
Properties of tourmaline stone
The gem is a boron-containing aluminosilicate. Tourmaline stone, the properties of which can vary, contains 26 microelements from the periodic table. Variable chemical composition is the main feature of the mineral. In appearance, the crystal is a triangular elongated prism or several prisms with longitudinal hatching along the main axis. Characterized by glass luster. 
For the most part, the mineral is homogeneous and the chemical and physical characteristics are the same for the entire mass. The crystals are characterized by strong dichroism. Some varieties tend to lose the intensity of their color when heated to 650 °C. Pink crystals become discolored, and brown-red crystals take on a pink tint. With the presence of manganese, yellow and pink tones are enhanced, but during the next annealing, the pink color will completely disappear, but the yellow color will remain. The titanium and iron content causes the appearance of brown, blue and green tones, and sometimes the appearance of a polychrome pink-green color. 
Under artificial light, the brightness and play of color of the stone deteriorates, so it is considered to be a stone of the day and daylight. Research by scientists has led to the conclusion that tourmaline is the only mineral on Earth with a constant electric field, that is, the crystal is capable of generating thermal energy and negative ions. The stone tends to become electrified even when rubbing against fabric.
Varieties of tourmaline
Today there are many varieties of this mineral. Depending on the chemical composition, crystals are divided into: 
Schorl – black tourmaline, predominance of iron; 
Tsilaisite – predominance of sodium, potassium and aluminum; 
Elbaite – predominance of magnesium; 
Dravit – lack of dominance. The most popular jewelry varieties of stone are: 
Indicolite – blue tourmaline. The name comes from the minerals found in a variety of blue shades. Rare variety. Indigolite samples can have not only a pure blue color, but also a greenish-blue or bluish-black color. Synonyms: Brazilian or Ceylon sapphire. It is believed that the stone helps you fall asleep peacefully. Brings peace, tranquility, promotes contemplation and wisdom. 
Rubellite – a stone with shades from pink to red. The most prized are ruby red and red tourmaline. This is a popular variety of mineral, recognized as precious and deservedly displayed in pendants, pendants, earrings, and rings. Rubellite deposits are found in California, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Russia. The largest gems, 130 cm long, were found in Brazil. The cost of such copies reached several thousand dollars. 
Verdelite – a green variety of gem. The most prized stone is emerald green; green tourmaline of this color is also called “Brazilian emerald.” This is one of the most common varieties of the mineral. 
Sibirit – deep crimson, lilac-red, red-violet variety of tourmalines. The stone received its name in honor of Siberia, the place where it was found. Although crystals were first found in the Urals. 
Achroite – a rare colorless or almost colorless stone. White tourmaline is the most precious. However, this variety lacks all attractive characteristics and is valued only for its rarity. 
Dravit – yellow-brown and brown tourmaline. The name comes from the location of the discovery of Drave (Austria). Rare yellow or golden tourmaline is found in Kenya and is called dravite-uvite. 
Chrome tourmaline – emerald green crystal. 
Chameleonite – an amazing variety of mineral that has an “Alexandrite” effect: olive-green in daylight and red-brown in artificial light. 
watermelon tourmaline – the most amazing polychrome variety, parts of which are painted either green or red. Very often the crystal is a slice of watermelon (which is why it got its name): the red core is surrounded by a green border. 
Paraiba – a gem with shades from blue to blue-green. This variety represents high quality specimens and is today a real treasure. 
Such varieties as “Turk’s head” and “Moor’s head” are in demand among collectors. The first type of crystal is light in color and has a black head, while the second type is characterized by light color and a black head.
Uses of tourmaline stone
The piezoelectric properties of the mineral are used to synthesize negative ions in modern medical devices for air ionization. Crystals, especially large ones, are used in radio engineering. The polarization of light was discovered on them. 
In jewelry, transparent gemstones of blue, green, red-crimson, as well as polychrome ones are highly valued. Polychrome varieties, red rubellite, bright green chrome tourmaline and verdelite are of very high value as collection material. 
Jewelry craftsmen consider the mineral to be an excellent working material, as the stone easily tolerates cutting, engraving and carving. It is often cabochonized. During this processing, the polished stone acquires an oval or spherical shape. 
The crystals are cut like most gems: brilliant on top, stepped on bottom. The gemstone tourmaline is often used in Orthodox culture. They decorate church regalia and church utensils. The mineral often occupied a place of honor in the crowns of royalty. It is believed that it was rubellite, and not ruby, that was in the crown of the Czech kings, from which those who wore it and did not have legal rights to the throne died. 
In ancient times, red stones were considered the most valuable. In Rus’, stones of all shades of red were used to decorate clothing, icon frames, church regalia and vessels.
The healing properties of tourmaline
Crystals of the mineral emit infrared rays, which promote the expansion of blood capillaries. Due to them, the metabolic process is accelerated, the work of the body’s cells is activated, negative ions are released and the balance of the external environment is restored. The surrounding air, filled with oxygen ions, is cleared of dust. It was this property of crystals that Professor Chizhevsky used in the famous lamp of the same name, which was successfully used in medicine. 
According to folk medicine, the mineral has a positive effect on the endocrine system. At the same time, the healing properties of the crystal depend on its color. Green tourmaline stone is used for liver diseases. Blue gems quickly relieve nervous tension, improve sleep, alleviate the effects of stress, and help get rid of nightmares and insomnia. 
The black gem is a good remedy for the prevention of colds. And the properties of schorl allow it to be used in the fight against cancer. Blue crystals help improve vision and relieve headaches. Lithotherapists are confident that the stone helps improve immunity and gives the owner a feeling of peace and joy. In addition, the gem improves memory, charges plasma and cleanses blood vessels. 
Red crystals, in particular rubellites, improve complexion, blood circulation, and have a positive effect on potency and sexual function. And watermelon tourmaline successfully combines the positive properties of pink and green stones. 
To remove excess charge, you need to hold the stone a little under running water, and to charge it, hold it a little in the sun.
Famous tourmaline stones
In 1777, King Gustav VIII of Sweden presented Catherine II with a raspberry-red tourmaline grape frame framed with green enamel leaves as a sign of respect and friendship. The weight of this masterpiece was 255 carats. But Catherine II was not the only Russian empress who owned this stone. Anna Ioanovna’s crown was also decorated with tourmaline, but weighing 500 carats. 
In the Annunciation Cathedral (Moscow Kremlin) there is a golden tabernacle, decorated with a unique rubellite, the mass of which is 645 carats! The discovered fusion of numerous rubellite crystals was called the “Flower of Brazil.” Its size was 43X33 cm with a mass of 27 kg. 
A verdelite sample called “Rocket” with dimensions of 106×20 cm was sold for $2 million.
Buying precious tourmaline
This mineral is one of the most expensive, although many varieties are not very expensive – only $20-50 per carat. However, the price of high-quality Paraiba reaches $4000-6000 per carat, and the cost of individual specimens reaches $10 per carat. A non-specialist can easily confuse varieties of the mineral with ruby, amethyst, zircon, and chrysolite. In recent years, the cost of the mineral has increased sharply. If we compare it with diamonds, the price of which has doubled over the past 000 years, then this gem has increased 35 times! 
The most transparent and pure crystals are considered the most expensive specimens. The less transparent the stone, the cheaper it costs, but the larger the inserts and beads from this gem can be. It is believed that this is an exclusively natural mineral that has no artificial analogues. But it is not so. Today, the technology for synthesizing stone has already been developed. But it is expensive, as it is based on methods of exposing silicon workpieces to metal ions at elevated temperature and pressure. Due to such an expensive method, the production of artificial stones is not economically profitable. 
When purchasing gemstones, it is very important to understand what you are buying. Very often, the terms used to refer to one or another color of a stone are misleading. Thus, “Brazilian emerald” (green tourmaline), “Brazilian sapphire” (mineral of blue shades), “Brazilian peridot” (yellow-green), “Ceylon peridot” and “Ceylon peridot” are perceived literally by an inexperienced buyer. Sapphire, emerald, peridot are beryl, olivine, corundum and have nothing in common with tourmaline.
Tourmaline care
The processed stone looks very attractive and does not require special care. They don’t clean it too often. To do this, use a warm soapy solution and a soft cloth. Steam and ultrasonic treatments are not allowed. The recommended frequency of “washing” is once every 2-3 months. Natural green tourmaline on video:
