Thursday, March 27, 2014

Gem of the Week: Tourmaline

Tourmaline gemstones are generally thought of as green, but can occur in a number of colors. Tourmalines are often cut as long baguettes, emerald cuts, or ovals, because of their naturally occurring shape. Tourmaline gemstones are powerful gems used to strengthen the body and spirit. Green tourmaline gems are used to balance the male and pink to balance the female. Color: Green, Pink

  

Tourmaline was popularized by the Dutch East India Company trade with Sri Lanka. Tourmaline comes in another variety called Schorl. Schorl is black tourmaline normally found in Germany. 
Tourmaline comes in a variety of colors from black and brown to yellow and red-pink. Some crystals are bi-colored because of the fluidity of the formation process. 
Tourmaline can also be magnetic. Red Tourmaline is least magnetic and yellow, green, and blue are most magnetic. 
Tourmaline can be heat treated to enhance the color of pink gems and this method does not damage the value of the gem. However, doing a clarity treatment on a Tourmaline will damage its worth. 
Tourmaline has been found all over the world including the US, Brazil, Africa, and Afghanistan. 

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