Tourmaline is one of the birthstones for October, along with opal. Tourmaline comes in a wide variety of colors and has a long history of lore and healing properties associated with it. Understanding the meaning behind tourmaline as a birthstone provides insight into its symbolic and emotional resonance for those born in October.
What is tourmaline?
Tourmaline is a crystalline mineral that is part of the cyclosilicate mineral group. It occurs in trigonal crystals and comes in every color, with red, green, blue, and watermelon tourmaline being the most popular varietals. The name “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese word “turamali” which means “stone of mixed colors”. This refers to the wide array of colors that tourmaline is found in due to trace elements that influence its hue.
Some key facts about tourmaline:
| Chemical composition | Borosilicate mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 7 – 7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.603 – 1.655 |
| Specific gravity | 3.02 – 3.25 |
The chemical composition of tourmaline is complex, containing boron, aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. It also may contain trace amounts of copper, chromium, or vanadium which influence its color.
Tourmaline deposits are found in Brazil, Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, India, Sri Lanka, and the US. Brazil produces the most vibrant and flawless tourmaline crystals in the world.
History and folklore of tourmaline
Tourmaline has a long history of mythical powers and healing properties in various cultures. Some key folklore and history include:
– Ancient Egyptian legend said tourmaline traveled along a rainbow and acquired its full spectrum of colors. This is why it is treasured for its variety of dazzling colors.
– Ancient practitioners believed tourmaline helped calm nerves, promote compassion, and encourage creativity.
– In India, tourmaline is considered a holy stone with the ability to turn one from darkness to light.
– Tourmaline found its way to Europe when the Spanish conquistadors discovered large tourmaline deposits in Brazil in the 16th century. They mistook it for emerald at first.
– Dutch children played with colorful Brazilian tourmaline crystals believing they were asafetida, a medicinal plant resin. Asafetida was thought to keep demons away from children.
– Some Native American tribes believed tourmaline could bring balance between the physical and the spiritual. Black tourmaline was thought to provide grounding energy.
– Black tourmaline was also valued in Africa as a stone of shamanic power and protection during ceremonies.
Tourmaline as a birthstone
Tourmaline first became recognized as a birthstone in 1952 when the Jewelry Industry Council officially adopted it as one of the birthstones for October. Along with opal, tourmaline represents those born in the month of October.
Some key meanings associated with tourmaline as an October birthstone include:
– **Balance** – Tourmaline’s ability to occur in balanced blends of multiple colors represents balance. It provides balance on an emotional, spiritual, and physical level.
– **Healing** – In healing lore, tourmaline was believed to help purify and detoxify the body and spirit. It promotes self-care and healing.
– **Insight** – The colors of tourmaline are linked to increased insight and clearer perception of complex situations. It promotes mental acuity.
– **Courage** – Tourmaline instills courage and reduces fear and anxiety. It allows one to act from their heart with confidence.
– **Compassion** – The soothing energy of tourmaline encourages empathy, gentleness, and compassion toward others and oneself.
– **Creativity** – Tourmaline is considered an inspiring stone that awakens creative energy and passion within an individual.
Tourmaline properties and colors
Tourmaline occurs naturally in every color of the rainbow due to trace elements. Some of the most popular tourmaline colors and properties include:
| Red | Passion, vitality |
| Deep pink | Love, compassion |
| Green | Healing, prosperity |
| Blue | Calm, tolerance |
| Yellow | Confidence, energy |
| Purple | Spirituality, wisdom |
| Black | Protection, resilience |
| Watermelon | Fun, relationships |
These correspond to the emotional and spiritual qualities associated with that color’s energy. When selecting tourmaline, people often choose colors that resonate with them personally.
How to care for tourmaline
While durable, tourmaline requires some care to preserve its brilliance. Here are some guidelines:
– Avoid excessive heat which can cause tourmaline to fracture internally. Do not leave it in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
– Use warm soapy water to clean tourmaline. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended.
– Store tourmaline separately from other gems. Wrap in soft cloth or place in individual pouch to prevent scratches.
– Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acid which can erode tourmaline.
– Consider having tourmaline set in protective styles like a bezel to avoid chipping.
– Tourmaline is brittle and prone to cracks. Avoid banging or dropping it on hard surfaces.
With proper care, tourmaline can remain lustrous and vibrant for many years while retaining its mystical energy. Regular cleansing keeps the stone attuned to your personal vitality.
How to use tourmaline
There are many ways to harness the healing properties of tourmaline:
– Wear tourmaline jewelry like a ring, bracelet, or necklace to keep its energies close throughout the day. Match the color to your intention.
– Place tourmaline stones in your home or office to enhance the environment with its balancing properties.
– Hold tourmaline in your hands during meditation to deepen relaxation and access its spiritual wisdom.
– Place watermelon tourmaline in social areas to stimulate friendly gatherings and enjoyable company.
– Put black tourmaline by doorways or windows to provide protective energies.
– Wear green tourmaline to boost prosperity and abundance in your life.
– Give blue tourmaline to someone going through challenging times to impart calm and healing.
– Gift someone creative a purple tourmaline for inspiration.
– Carry red tourmaline for passion, pink for love, and yellow for optimism.
Let your intuition guide you to the ideal way to benefit from tourmaline in your life.
Tourmaline value
Tourmaline prices vary enormously based on color, clarity, carat, and cut. On average, these are normal retail price ranges:
| Red tourmaline | $500 – $1000 per carat |
| Green tourmaline | $200 – $800 per carat |
| Blue tourmaline | $100 – $600 per carat |
| Watermelon tourmaline | $2000 – $5000 per carat |
| Bi-color tourmaline | $100 – $1500 per carat |
| Black tourmaline | $50 – $300 per carat |
| Pink tourmaline | $1000 – $5000 per carat |
| Yellow/golden tourmaline | $800 – $1500 per carat |
Rarer Paraiba tourmaline can surpass $5000 per carat depending on quality factors. Like other colored gemstones, the value rises for larger, high clarity tourmaline. Oversupply can lower prices in some years.
Notable tourmalines
Some of the most famous tourmalines give a glimpse of this gemstone’s spectacular potential:
– **The Watermelon Tourmaline Crystal** – This carved tourmaline art piece features a stunning watermelon slice design weighing over 5,000 carats. It took master cutters years to transform the raw crystal into this museum-quality marvel.
– **The Rainbow Tourmaline Necklace** – Cartier created a one-of-a-kind statement necklace featuring over 600 carats of multicolored tourmaline stones. It embodies the full color spectrum that tourmaline is loved for.
– **The Blue Heart Tourmaline** – Discovered in Brazil, this 30-carat heart-shaped blue tourmaline of flawless clarity was purchased in 2012 for a record $1.3 million per carat.
– **The Candelabra Tourmaline** – Mined in Minas Gerais, this stunning tourmaline crystal cluster resembles a golden candelabra. The matrix of terminally terminated tourmaline crystals is valued at over $3 million.
– **The Imperial Green Tourmaline** – At over 15 carats, the Imperial Green is one of the rarest and most valuable tourmalines ever mined. Its rich emerald color has never been duplicated.
These exquisite examples demonstrate why fine tourmaline is among the most precious gems in the world.
Conclusion
In summary, the October birthstone tourmaline has a special meaning tied to its inspiring rainbow of colors. It embodies light, healing, spirituality, and compassion while promoting inner balance. From ancient legends to modern jewelers, tourmaline’s allure spans centuries and cultures. Its striking vibrancy in all shades conveys life’s joyful possibilities. Whether set in jewelry or gifted loose, tourmaline makes a meaningful and protective talisman for anyone born in October or seeking to harness this stone’s uplifting energy. Let the rainbow brilliance of tourmaline brighten your life.
