The tourmaline is a gemstone of endless fascination, admired for its remarkable brilliance and astonishing range of colors. Unlike most gemstones, which occur in a limited palette, tourmaline is found in nearly every hue imaginable, from lush greens and oceanic blues to fiery reds, deep purples, golden yellows, and even rare bi-color and tri-color formations. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5, tourmaline has intrigued civilizations for centuries. Dutch traders in the 18th century named it “Turmali,” meaning “stone of mixed colors,” after discovering its ability to attract dust and ash when heated—a property known as pyroelectricity. Its most breathtaking varieties include the “watermelon tourmaline,” with a striking pink-to-green gradient, and the coveted Paraíba tourmaline, famous for its neon blue-green glow.
Associated with energy, creativity, and protection, tourmaline has been a talisman of inspiration and vitality. Found primarily in Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Namibia, this mesmerizing gem continues to captivate those drawn to its boundless spectrum of color and mystique.