Tourmaline is a type of boron silicate gemstone, and different tourmaline colors exist naturally in various locales. Tourmaline crystals are colorful, pretty, and they stand out as one of the most beautiful gems around. The sheer number of tourmaline colors will give any gem a run for their money, too.
What is interesting about the different kinds of tourmaline is how they differ chemically from each other.
But this is not surprising because gemstones get their colors from changes in their chemical composition. Even the slightest variations or inclusions that produce the various colors can also cause significant changes in the chemical structure of minerals.
Tourmaline occurs in different host rocks, from igneous rocks to metamorphic rocks. They typically form in cavities and crevices of the host rocks, thanks to unrelenting hydrothermal processes.
With a score of seven or 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, tourmaline can withstand plenty of punishment if it happens to be swept away by rivers and mined in alluvial systems.
The general durability of tourmaline allows it to be mined in large crystal pieces wherever it happens to form. Tourmaline can be found as granular crystals or even smoothened pebbles due to water activity.
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Types of Tourmaline
You need to be familiar with the most popular types of tourmaline based on their color if you want to start collecting tourmaline. Each one has specific traits, attributes, and histories that are equally as fascinating. Let’s begin!
Black tourmaline (Schori)
Black tourmaline or Schori is the most common variety of tourmaline in the world. It usually emerges or forms as an accessory mineral to its host rocks. Though not always cut as a gemstone for jewelry, when it is available, it can be turned into a beautiful black gem.
Also, black tourmaline isn’t purely black. Often, its hue is either dark brown or deep blue. The saturation of the color is so high that visually, the tourmaline turns black.
Schori is associated with grounding or the reversal of negative energies and is considered a primary defensive ward against negative energies and evil entities. It can help you find your lost self-confidence and protect you from demons that dwell on the Earth.
Pink tourmaline (Rubelite)
Pink tourmaline, or more commonly known as rubellite, occurs in nature in a spectrum of colors from oranges to pinks. There are also instances when the red mixes with pink or orange. The permutations of color are endless, and all of these red-hued combinations fall under the rubellite type of tourmaline. Market-wise, pink tourmaline is preferred to other gemstones that have red or orange inclinations, such as spinel.
Metaphysically, rubellite is associated with self-love, compassion, kindness, and unconditional love. It also encourages the wearer and those around the wearer to be gentler and kinder, overall. Wear rubellite if you would like people to be softer around you, to avoid more conflict.
Purple tourmaline (Siberite)
Siberite or purple tourmaline has a reddish-purple combination – a most exciting mix of hues that makes it perfect for mystical work and energy healing.
Siberite features high clarity and deep color, which makes it a wonder for gem collectors who love the color purple. Like other minerals, the purple of siberite changes depending on the location it was mined and the conditions of its formation.
Spiritually, siberite is closely linked with gentle or serene energies. It is a naturally grounding stone for removing negative or toxic energies, and may also be used for intense and more profound mental and physical relaxation. In our day and age, any energy healing method that causes the mind and body to relax correctly is a boon, so Siberite is definitely in our top ten list of powerful gemstones.
Neon blue tourmalines (Paraiba)
The neon blue tourmalines or the Paraiba subgroup is considered the most valuable type of tourmaline in the family.
Paraiba tourmalines can also occur as bright green specimens, and they were first found and mined in Brazil. Examples with even deeper hues with mixes of purple were later unearthed in other localities in the country.
It contains higher metal content than other gemstones, and thus it features more colors when observed under natural or artificial right.
The Paraiba tourmaline is associated with clarity of mind and developing a stronger sense of justice. The Paraiba is also a powerful healing stone that can deflect disease and reduce your sick days if you have gotten ill. Paraiba is also linked with the heart chakra and can help you overcome past heartbreaks, and it will also help you open up to others.
Light blue/blue-green tourmaline (Indicolite)
Indicolite tourmalines produce every conceivable variation and combination of blues and greens, from the lightest to the deepest. In terms of durability, indicolite tourmalines trump the other variants easily. Indicolite metaphysically possesses the traits of water and is touted for its ability to open and enhance communication among other people.
Green tourmaline (Verdilite)
Green tourmaline has a strong affinity with the universal forces of healing and is considered a healing stone primarily. Use green tourmaline to improve your recovery times and to guard yourself against future illness. The female counterpart of Verdilite is the pink tourmaline, and these two may be used in conjunction with one another.
Brown tourmaline (Dravite)
Dravite produces a most calming and centered effect on people when used in energy healing. In nature, it occurs as brown gems that are almost black because of the high saturation of color. Since this is an Earth gem, use it for grounding if you feel that you need to increase your release of negative energies. You can also use brown tourmaline if you think that you need more reassurance and confidence in life.
Multicolored tourmaline (Liddicoatite)
Liddicoatite or multicolored tourmaline has various angles of color, and it can appear pink, brown, or even blue at the same time. Liddicoatite is believed to possess properties that can significantly improve a person’s ability to reduce conflict and create harmony with others.
