Tourmaline: The Radiant Rainbow of October
Tourmaline is October’s other birthstone (sharing the month with opal), loved for its astonishing color range—from soft pastels to neon electric hues. It’s versatile, durable enough for everyday jewelry, and full of cool science-y surprises.
A Rainbow of Colors (and what they’re called)
Tourmaline occurs on multiple continents. Historically and today you’ll see important finds from Brazil (including the original Paraíba), Mozambique and Nigeria (major sources of copper-bearing material), Afghanistan and Pakistan (fine pinks, greens, and blues), Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and the United States—notably Maine and California.
Paraíba: The Neon Legend
Copper-bearing tourmaline was first discovered in Brazil’s Paraíba state in the late 1980s. Material with similar chemistry was later found in Nigeria and Mozambique, but “Paraíba” in trade refers to that vivid copper-colored blue-to-green look rather than strictly the Brazilian origin. These stones are among the most coveted colored gems today.
Durability & Everyday Wear
Tourmaline measures about 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a solid choice for rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets with sensible care. Some stones may have inclusions or growth features—so treat them kindly and avoid hard knocks.
How to Care for Tourmaline (Easy & Safe)
Bring Your Tourmaline Vision to Life at D’Errico
Whether you love neon Paraíba, a romantic rubellite, or a slice of watermelon tourmaline, our in-house team can source the right gem and craft a custom piece—from sketch to setting—right here in our workshop. If you’re dreaming it, we can make it.
Check Out Our Tourmaline Styles: https://www.derricojewelry.com/jewelry?sortSpec=newest&kw=tourmaline
Source: https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/october-birthstones?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Tourmaline is October’s other birthstone (sharing the month with opal), loved for its astonishing color range—from soft pastels to neon electric hues. It’s versatile, durable enough for everyday jewelry, and full of cool science-y surprises.
A Rainbow of Colors (and what they’re called)
- Pink to red: often called rubellite when the color is vibrant and saturated.
- Green: from mint to deep bluish-green (sometimes sold as verdelite).
- Blue: typically indicolite—can lean teal.
- Bi-/Tri-colors: famous watermelon tourmaline (green rim, pink core).
- Neon blue-green: copper-bearing Paraíba tourmaline—glows with a distinctive “electric” look.
Tourmaline occurs on multiple continents. Historically and today you’ll see important finds from Brazil (including the original Paraíba), Mozambique and Nigeria (major sources of copper-bearing material), Afghanistan and Pakistan (fine pinks, greens, and blues), Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and the United States—notably Maine and California.
Paraíba: The Neon Legend
Copper-bearing tourmaline was first discovered in Brazil’s Paraíba state in the late 1980s. Material with similar chemistry was later found in Nigeria and Mozambique, but “Paraíba” in trade refers to that vivid copper-colored blue-to-green look rather than strictly the Brazilian origin. These stones are among the most coveted colored gems today.
Durability & Everyday Wear
Tourmaline measures about 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a solid choice for rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets with sensible care. Some stones may have inclusions or growth features—so treat them kindly and avoid hard knocks.
How to Care for Tourmaline (Easy & Safe)
- Best cleaning method: warm water + mild soap + soft brush.
- Avoid: ultrasonic and steam cleaners (vibration/heat can stress inclusions).
- Keep away from extremes: avoid sudden temperature changes and prolonged high heat.
- Store separately: to prevent scratching by harder gems.
- It’s piezoelectric & pyroelectric: tourmaline can build an electrical charge when squeezed or heated—early scientists used it to attract ash and dust in experiments!
- A color chameleon: many tourmalines are pleochroic, showing different intensities (or even different hues) when viewed from different directions—cutting angle matters.
- A modern star: the Paraíba discovery in the late ’80s transformed tourmaline’s market status; demand for neon blue-green stones remains strong among high-jewelry houses.
- Color first: even, vivid saturation without overly dark or gray areas commands a premium.
- Clarity & cut: clean stones with precise cutting show brighter color; with pleochroism, a smart cut can amplify the best axis of color.
- Origin & treatment disclosure: heat or irradiation may be used to adjust color—ask for full disclosure and lab reporting on high-value pieces (especially copper-bearing).
Bring Your Tourmaline Vision to Life at D’Errico
Whether you love neon Paraíba, a romantic rubellite, or a slice of watermelon tourmaline, our in-house team can source the right gem and craft a custom piece—from sketch to setting—right here in our workshop. If you’re dreaming it, we can make it.
Check Out Our Tourmaline Styles: https://www.derricojewelry.com/jewelry?sortSpec=newest&kw=tourmaline
Source: https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/october-birthstones?utm_source=chatgpt.com