How many stones can say that they exhibit every color of the imagination? Just one and that is the versatile multi-colored tourmaline gemstone.

What is this stone of many colors?

It has the unique composition of aluminum boron silicate and mixed crystals. No two stones are alike and finding one with a single color is rare. Most are multi-colored and have pleochroismatic properties as well. This means that by changing the angle of the stone and the direction of the light the colors or shades change.

Each color has its own name and they range from colorless to black. Here are some of the more common colors:

Rubellite is a deep vibrant red color, but it must keep this color in any light. If it changes, it is more likely a pink tourmaline.

Indicolite covers shades of blues and blue greens. This variety is rarer than other colors. One of the most coveted and valuable blue green variety is known as a Paraiba tourmaline. It has a bright neon-like intensity that is blindingly beautiful.

Verdelite is a green variety. If the shade is an emerald-green then there is chrome present in the stone.

Multi-colored stones exhibit layers of colors that show well when sliced in half. A popular and unique stone is the watermelon tourmaline. It displays a pink center with a green outer band.

The science of tourmaline

An interesting characteristic of this multi-colored gemstone is that when heated, it acquires an electrical charge with positive and negative charges at opposite ends. This gives the stone a magnetic quality. The Dutch first discovered this and used the magnetized stones to clean ash residue from their pipes.

Today, the beauty industry is capitalizing on this magnetic ability by incorporating crushed bits of the stone in beauty creams. The claim is that they pull impurities out of the skin.

History and meaning

The name comes from Sri Lanka. The word tura mali roughly translates to "mixed colored stone." Because of the magnetic properties, they are believed to have therapeutic effects on the body.

It is also a believed to enhance or bring out creativity, perhaps because of the wondrous multi-colored beauty they express. It is also said to enhance and strength bonds of love and friendship. Tourmaline jewelry is a great way to express your appreciation for the special people in your life.

Keeping the gemstones looking like new

It is easy to clean your tourmaline jewelry. Warm water and a gentle cleaner are all you need to return them to their lustrous color. If necessary, a toothbrush can be used on the stone and setting to get that hard to reach residue. Because some of the stones may be heat-treated or have resin fillers, do not use in a hot ultrasonic cleaner or steamer as the finish and color may be compromised.

This gemstone is quite durable with a 7.5 ranking on the Mohs scale of hardness. So, wearing a pink tourmaline ring or bracelet every day is okay.

This gemstone is truly unique and because of its array of colors, there is a special piece of jewelry out there for everyone.

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