Rare African Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a gemstone that has been revered for centuries. It carries the distinction of having the widest variety of colors of any gem mineral. Its name is derived from the Sinhalese word "thoramalli" and it is one of the most complicated groups of Silicate Minerals. It belongs to the Trigonal Crystal System and occurs as hexagonal columnar crystals. The main sources of Tourmaline in the world are Brazil, Africa and Afghanistan.

Tourmaline is an ancient gemstone and has been used by man for health and practical benefits for centuries – for example, it was used by the Dutch to remove the ash from their Meirshaum pipes as Tourmaline is pyroelectric - it becomes magnetic when heated. Warmed Tourmaline crystals were pushed into the pipes and when removed they would pull out the ash! Tourmaline is also piezoelectric which means it becomes magnetic when put under pressure. Its physical properties translate in a number of health benefits according to the ancient art of metaphysics. These include detoxification and fat loss. Improving blood circulation and regeneration of the liver and kidneys whilst helping to remove toxic metals from the body. Tourmaline is also believed to promote a balanced mood.

Different varieties of Tourmaline carry different values due to their differing rarities. The neon blue variety known as Paraiba Tourmaline is the most expensive with the finest pieces going for tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Rubellite, the red variety and Indicolite, the blue variety are also expensive as they are rare in top grades. Chrome Tourmaline which is a deep, pure green is another high value Tourmaline and can go for up to $800 per carat.

Prices for Tourmaline of all colors have been rising in recent years due to a decrease in supply in the world market, particularly of fine pieces.

Tourmaline has the widest variety of colors in the gem kingdom. Some are very rare and others more abundant. The rarest Tourmalines are an electric blue variety called Paraiba Tourmalines (named after the Paraiba district of Brazil where they were discovered). Fine, larger Paraiba Tourmalines are extremely rare and command very high prices. Chrome Tourmaline, which is a vivid, pure green variety is also rare and can go for up to $800 per carat. Indicolites (Blue Tourmalines) are very rare in fine grades too as are the stunning bluish greens from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Red Tourmalines which feature a deep, intense red are known as Rubellite Tourmaline and these are rare too. More common are the browns and brown modifiers as well as desaturated greens and yellows.