Tourmaline

  • Colour: Known as the rainbow stone, tourmaline occurs in nearly every color: lush greens, neon Paraiba blues, soft pinks, cherry reds, bi-color “watermelon” (pink core, green edge), and mysterious black.

  • Origin: Brazil, Mozambique, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan.

  • Hardness: 7–7.5.

  • Energy: A stone of balance and protection. Green brings vitality, pink represents love, black shields against negativity, and blue fosters serenity.

  • Trivia:

    • Tourmaline becomes electrically charged when heated, earning it the Dutch nickname “aschentrekker” (ash-puller), once used to attract tobacco ash.

    • Beloved by Empress Dowager Cixi of China, who hoarded pink tourmaline.

    • Highly prized during the Art Deco era for its vivid spectrum.

  • Care: Strong but avoid sharp blows and heat. Clean gently with mild soap.

HOW TO CARE FOR ALL GEMSTONES

  • Store separately in soft pouches to prevent scratches.
  • Remove jewelry before exercising, swimming, or handling chemicals.
  • Clean gently with lukewarm water and mild soap unless otherwise noted.