Multi-colors Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a crystalline boron silicate mineral compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. Tourmaline is classified as a semi-precious stone and the gemstone comes in a wide variety of colors.

Tourmaline is a complex silicate mineral with a wide range of colors and properties. It is one of the most versatile gemstones, used in jewelry, carvings, and other decorative objects. Tourmaline is also used in a variety of industrial applications, including electronics, optics, and medicine.

Marvelous Multi-colors Tourmaline From Sapo Mine, Ferruginha, Conselheiro Pena, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Photo Credit: Am Mizunaka FMF

Physical Properties of Tourmaline

• Mohs hardness: 7 to 7.5
• Specific gravity: 3.0 to 3.3
• Color: Tourmaline can be found in a wide range of colors, including black, blue, green, pink, purple, red, yellow, and colorless.
• Transparency: Tourmaline can be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
• Luster: Tourmaline has a glassy luster.
• Cleavage: Tourmaline has three perfect cleavages, which means it can be easily broken along three different planes.
• Fracture: Tourmaline has a conchoidal fracture, which means it breaks with a smooth, curved surface.