Tourmaline: October Birthstone
It’s the Tourmaline month. The name comes from the Sinhalese word "toramalli", which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. Very few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling array of colors.
Tourmalines are known for having a color for every mood. Among the most popular are the pink and red rubellites, the emerald green “chrome” tourmalines, and the neon green and blue-to-violet “paraíba” tourmalines.
Historically the Tourmalines have been confused with other stones. Red Tourmalines aka Rubellites have been confused with a ruby. One of the “rubies” in the Russian crown jewels, the “Caesar’s Ruby” pendant, is actually red (rubellite) tourmaline.
Green Tourmaline has often been confused with an emerald. The first ever tourmaline recorded was in Brazil by a Spanish Conquistador in the 1500s who mistook the stone as an Emerald and labelled it the "Brazilian Emerald".
In fact it wasn't until the 1800s until scientists recognized Tourmalines as a distinct mineral species.
The different shades of tourmaline are believed to have their own healing powers.
- Black tourmaline is thought to protect the wearer and provide a sense of confidence in self.
- Pink tourmaline embodies love and is associated with compassion and gentleness.
- Green tourmaline promotes courage, strength and stamina.
Tourmalines are most commonly found in Brazil, but they have also been mined in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar, and Mozambique to name a few. California and Maine are historically important producers of fine tourmaline in the United States.
