The Queen of Gemstones, the Rainbow Gem, Tourmaline is an exquisite but very complex formula that has never been synthesized or made in the laboratory, so there are no fakes, only shabby look-alikes. The name probably derives from the Austrian sponsored expeditions to Asia by Marco Polo c.1254 to 1324 AD, where the Sanskrit name “Turmali” was given to stones possessing multiple colors, rainbow colors. Upon his return, these were accepted as “Turmali Stein” which became our word in English: Tourmaline. Significantly, it appears that the variety of colors of tourmaline have no limit. Here at the Stewart Lithia Mine, we have a great spectrum of colors in our Elbaite Tourmalines, from Black (Schorl) to Green to Blue to Versicolor to Watermelon, and most famously acclaimed worldwide as the purest and finest Pink ever found. A breathtaking gemstone that is durable and that also enchants with curious nuances of shade within hue within color.
Formula:(Na,Ca)(Mg,Li,Al,Fe2,Fe3)3(Al,Mg)6(BO3)Si6O18(OH,O,F)4.
• Hardness: 7.5
• Density: 2.92 to 3.34
• Morphology: Trigonal/Hexagonal