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October Birthstone: Tourmaline Explanation

Vibrant Rainbow Gemstone: None Compares to Tourmaline's Spectrum, Offering Excellent Durability and Rich Hues.

Birthstone Reference: Tourmaline for Individuals Born in October Month
Birthstone Reference: Tourmaline for Individuals Born in October Month

October Birthstone: Tourmaline Explanation

In the realm of gemstones, tourmaline stands out for its impressive array of colours and good durability. First discovered in the 1500s in both Brazil and Italy, this rainbow-coloured gemstone has since captivated jewellers and collectors alike.

Tourmaline is easily identified by its rounded 3-sided or 6-sided cross sections, often long and prismatic with heavy striations down the length of the crystal and topped with either a pyramid or a flat pinacoid. Its pyroelectricity, the ability to become charged when heated, causes it to readily attract dust.

Recognition of tourmaline as its own gem species occurred in the 1800s due to advancements in mineralogy. Tourmaline is a complex boro-silicate of aluminium, magnesium, and iron, with different layers of colour due to trace impurities and colour centres.

The hues, tones, and saturations of tourmaline range from soft shades to vibrant colours, with desirability and price influenced by the vividness and rarity of the colour. Many tourmalines have commercial names such as rubellite for pink to red tourmaline.

One of the most coveted and valuable colours of tourmaline is the electric-blue Paraiba tourmaline. This variety is especially prized for its striking neon electric-blue colour, caused by trace amounts of copper within the stone. Its vivid, glowing colour and rarity make it one of the most sought-after tourmalines worldwide. The intensity and saturation of this neon blue significantly influence its value, often more so than clarity.

Apart from colour, factors like saturation, hue, clarity, and size influence value. Paraiba varieties with their intense neon blue and sometimes neon green hues fetch premium prices due to rarity and demand in the jewellery market.

Tourmaline offers an extraordinary palette, including classic greens, pinks, reds (rubellite), purples, and rare bi-color or watermelon varieties. Each colour has its unique appeal and symbolism. Red (rubellite) resembles ruby, symbolizing passion and love, while pink is often highly prized for its beauty. Green is classic and popular for its lush tones, and purple is affordable yet captivating, often with good clarity. Bi-color and watermelon tourmalines are unique multi-hued stones with collectors' appeal.

In conclusion, the electric-blue Paraiba tourmaline is the most coveted and valuable colour of tourmaline, prized for its neon glow and rarity, followed by neon green Paraiba and richly saturated reds and pinks such as rubellite. The name "tourmaline" originates from the Sinhalese phrase tura mali, which means "unknown stones of mixed colours".

References: [1] Griffith, J. (2017). The Jeweller. National Association of Jewellers. Oct/Nov 2017 issue. [2] GIA (2021). Tourmaline. Gemological Institute of America. Retrieved from https://www.gia.edu/gem-notes/tourmaline [3] AGTA (2021). Tourmaline. American Gem Trade Association. Retrieved from https://www.americangemsociety.org/tourmaline [4] WJA (2021). Tourmaline. Women's Jewelry Association. Retrieved from https://www.womensjewelryassociation.org/education/gemology/tourmaline/

Tourmaline's unique appeal as a gemstone extends beyond its diverse colors and durability, as it offers various membership opportunities for those interested in gemmology. For instance, the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) provide courses and workshops for enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of this fascinating subject. Additionally, one might find gemstone-related publications that highlight research in the field of science, as well as; lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden articles that incorporate tourmaline jewelry into daily living. Undeniably, the love for gemstones has transcended the realms of just collectors and jewellers, permeating into the broader public's lifestyle.

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