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Jewelers of America

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October - tourmaline

Tourmaline has been used in science because it can develop electrical vibration and builds up electrical charge when heated. The Dutch called tourmaline "ashentrekers" for they used the gem crystals to draw ashes from  their pipes.

Varieties, Qualities & Origins
Tourmaline comes in the widest array of colors of any colored gemstone. The most valuable shades include the vibrant, greenish-blue "Paraiba", to deep rich greens reminiscent of emerald, to pink, purple, orange and yellow. Tourmaline is also known for displaying several colors in the same gem such as "bi-color" or "tri-color" gems and even that is called "watermelon" with green and pink hues in combination.

Gemstone Enhancements
Most tourmaline is commonly subjected to enhancement by heat and/or irradiation as a normal part of the fashioning process to improve its color. Generally, no special care is required.

Hardness (Scratch Resistance) 7-71/2 on the moh's scale

Toughness (Chip & Crack resistance) Fair

Stability (To heat, Light, Chemicals) Avoid intense heat, sudden temperature change. Generally stable to light and chemicals.

Cleaning Best to avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning.

Repair Usually remove from mounting when heat is involved. Multicolored gems are more fragile at color boundaries.

Occasions October Birthstone with Opal 8th Wedding Anniversary