Some gemstones are beautiful, others fascinating. And then there is tourmaline—a gemstone that is both and endlessly surprising.
Ever since my childhood, tourmaline has enchanted me. As a bit of a magpie, I collected the raw varieties, and tourmaline always had a magical attraction for me. Now, years later, that hasn’t changed. Tourmaline comes in so many colours and varieties that I can never have enough of it. It feels a bit like shoes: there is always room for another pair … or in this case, another gemstone (or two).
What makes tourmaline so unique?
Each tourmaline is like a small work of nature’s art, with its unique colour palette and character. The subtle lustre, playful inclusions and surprising gradients of colour mean I never tire of this gemstone.
– Colors – Tourmaline comes in almost every colour imaginable, from soft pastels to deeply saturated hues. Some stones even contain multiple colours in one crystal, such as the famous watermelon tourmaline with its pink and green layering.
– Inclusions and colour play – Many tourmalines have natural inclusions, which give them a distinctive character. In addition, some stones exhibit pleochroism, meaning the colour changes depending on the angle at which you view them.
– Gloss and clarity – Tourmaline has a subtle, almost mysterious lustre that is not too pronounced but continues to captivate throughout.
Durability—With a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline is strong enough for jewellery but slightly softer than sapphire or diamonds. This means that careful handling of the stone is important, especially with rings.
How is the colour of tourmaline created?
The colour of tourmaline occurs because the stone absorbs small particles (trace elements) from the surrounding earth as it grows. You can compare it to a sponge sucking up water: the basic structure remains the same, but the minerals absorbed give the stone its colour. For example, iron provides green, manganese provides pink, and copper provides the striking blue hues of Paraiba tourmaline.
💡 Fun fact: Each gemstone has its own “building block” or unique crystal lattice. This determines the colour, how solid the stone is, and how light shines through it. Tourmaline, for example, has a hexagonal structure, absorbing many colours. On the other hand, diamonds have a tight, square structure, so they are incredibly hard to handle. You can compare it to different types of Lego bricks: some allow more variation than others.
– Green tourmaline (verdelite) – gets its colour from the presence of iron or chromium.
– Pink and red tourmaline (rubellite) – owes its hue to manganese.
– Blue tourmaline (indigolite) – contains iron and copper.
Neon blue Paraiba tourmaline is one of the rarest and most sought-after varieties. It is coloured with copper and manganese, creating an almost luminous effect.
– Brown and yellow tourmaline (dravite) – contains magnesium and iron.
Because tourmaline can occur in many different environments, it is one of the most colourful gemstones.
Where is tourmaline found?
Tourmaline is mined worldwide, with major deposits in:
Brazil is the largest and most famous source of tourmaline, which comes in a wide variety of colours, including the famous Paraiba tourmaline.
– Madagascar – often supplies pink, green and bi-coloured tourmalines.
– Afghanistan & Pakistan – are known for their deep blue and bright pink tourmalines.
– Africa (Namibia, Nigeria, Mozambique) – provides some of the brightest and most colourful tourmalines.
– United States (Maine and California) – mainly pink and green tourmalines are here.
The diversity of sites contributes to the enormous variety of colours and qualities.
Tourmaline in my jewellery
Working with tourmaline is all about the right selection. I choose my stones carefully, looking at colour, clarity and character. Not every tourmaline is suitable for every design, and this search for the perfect stone makes the craft unique.
This is where I can spend a whole day. I work with some regular vendors, and with some, I can sit for hours, shuffling gemstones, making combinations and comparing until I get exactly what I’m looking for – or until I find that one stone that feels right.
Tourmaline combines beautifully with gold. Tourmaline is essential in my Sirius collection, where I work with refined structures and textures. The stone adds depth and character to any design. Tourmaline is also featured heavily in my Elevance collection, where gemstones take centre stage. It remains a stone that inspires me every time.
How do you choose the right tourmaline?
Many people find it difficult to choose a gemstone. Unsure which colour or shape suits you best? In my studio, I would love to help you find the perfect tourmaline—whether it is a deep ruby gemstone or a playful bi-colored variety. Sometimes, it’s love at first sight, and sometimes, it’s a process of discovery and comparison.
Tourmaline: suitable for any budget
Tourmalines with an intense neon blue colour – also called Paraiba tourmaline – are among the most valuable and rare varieties.
On the other hand, beautiful green and pink tourmalines are much more affordable in terms of price but still have the unique look of this stone.
Symbolism and spiritual meaning
Whether or not the spiritual effects of gemstones are true, what matters to me is that they feel good to the person wearing them.
Tourmaline has been valued in various cultures for centuries for its protective and balancing properties.
– Black tourmaline (schörl) – protector against negative energy and electromagnetic radiation.
– Green tourmaline (verdelite) is associated with balance and growth.
– Pink tourmaline (rubellite) – is associated with love and emotional healing.
– Blue tourmaline (indigolite) is said to help with communication and intuition.
– Watermelon tourmaline – brings harmony and joy.
Whether you value these meanings or simply enjoy tourmaline’s beauty, it remains a gemstone that evokes admiration in many ways.
Why I never get tired of tourmaline
Tourmaline is a gemstone that continues to surprise. No two stones are the same, which makes working with them so inspiring.
Are you also fascinated by the beauty of tourmaline? My studio has an extensive collection of tourmalines in various colours and shapes. You are welcome to come by and look together for the perfect stone for your jewellery.
