Tourmaline
Hardness: 7-7.5 (Mohs' scale)
tourmaline density: 2.82-3.90g/cm³
Refractive index: 1.603-1.675
Tourmaline is one of the most popular gemstones, among other things for the wide range of colors in which it occurs - from blue tourmaline to green, pink, rubellite, to black tourmaline.
Traditionally, this stone has been associated with the eighth wedding anniversary. Furthermore, green tourmalines are sometimes used as a substitute for emerald.
It is considered to be a significant stone also from the spiritual point of view, especially for people born under the sign of Libra. In Vedic astrology, it is associated with the planets Saturn and Mercury. Traditional Hinduism, in turn, attributes tourmaline with the ability to help restore energetic balance in the body. Western astrology, alongside opal, recognises tourmaline as a protective stone for those of us born in October.
Green Tourmaline (Verdelite) – This variety is associated with a connection to the heart chakra Anahata, its activation and equalization. It is also said to support strength, vitality and endurance. It is found mainly in Brazil, the USA, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, the Czech Republic and Japan, but also in many other countries. Parents will certainly be pleased that it is supposed to calm very active children.
Blue Tourmaline (Indicolite) – Rare and captivating indicolite comes in shades ranging from light to oceanic dark with a slight hint of green. This variety also encompasses the famous and dazzlingly distinctive Paraíba tourmalines. Its color alone evokes feelings of peace, making it a stone of coming to terms with the past, and Ayurveda connects it to the throat chakra Vishuddha and the third eye chakra Ajna.
Pink Tourmaline – This variety of tourmaline is dominated by Venus. It is said to activate and balance the heart chakra and crown chakra Sahasrara, but also has a positive effect on adjacent organs such as the lungs and heart.
Red Tourmaline – A blood-red to fiery stone. The red-coloured variety of tourmaline rivals many popular red stones such as rubies or garnets. It is said to be a detoxifying stone for the blood circulation and blood vessels, as well as the liver and spleen.
Rubellite – A highly prized variety of tourmaline, known for its deep reddish-pink to pinkish-purple hue. To an untrained eye, it is easily confused with ruby. Unlike red tourmalines, it maintains its rich color under all circumstances.
Watermelon Tourmaline – Another rare and unique addition to the tourmaline family. Watermelon Tourmaline exhibits green and pink colors with a small white border. It is often referred to as bi-color tourmaline or tri-color tourmaline on gemstone certificates. This variety of tourmaline activates and balances the heart chakra. However, it is only one of the types of so-called bi-color tourmalines - transitions of nearly all kinds of tourmalines have been found as part of a bi-color tourmaline.
Yellow Tourmaline – Also known as Canary Tourmaline. This bright yellow variety can sometimes boast with golden highlights. According to Vedic astrology, yellow tourmaline can be worn to receive the benefits of the generous planet Jupiter. It is said to strengthen the wearer’s digestive health and immunity.
Chrome Tourmaline – This chromium-rich, bright green tourmaline is recognized as one of the highest quality gemstones among other tourmaline varieties. In addition to its aesthetic value, it is also considered to have a great grounding significance that we can reflect on in our relationships with friends and family, as well as ourselves.
Black Tourmaline – A semi-translucent to opaque variety of tourmaline that occurs in various blackish shades. This is the most common type of tourmaline, sometimes referred to either as dravite or scoryl.
Spiritually, it is attributed with a connection to metaphysical dimensions of being and the power to reflect negative energies and psychic attacks, and is said to activate and balance the root chakra.