What is Tourmaline? The Gemstone of Many Colours
What Is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline is one of the most versatile and captivating gemstones in the world of fine jewellery. Beloved for its astonishing range of colours and intriguing history, it is a gemstone that continues to enchant collectors and designers alike.
The story of tourmaline stretches back centuries. Though it was formally classified in the 18th century, the stone had already been admired – and often mistaken for other gems – for generations.
Tourmaline stone is a crystalline boron silicate mineral, formed deep within the Earth under intense pressure and heat. As molten rock cools, elements like iron, magnesium, and lithium influence the resulting colour – from vibrant pinks and greens to dramatic blues and jet blacks.
What sets tourmaline apart is its intricate internal structure. It often forms in long, slender crystals and has a distinct vertical striation that is characteristic of the stone. This unique structure gives tourmaline interesting properties, such as exceptional durability and striking natural pleochroism (which is the ability to show different colours depending on the angle of light).
Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in Platinum and 18ct Yellow Gold £2,995.00
What Colour is Tourmaline?
The word tourmaline comes from the ancient Sinhalese word, turmali which means "stone of many colours" or “mixed gems”. Tourmaline is renowned for its extraordinary spectrum of colours – few gemstones offer such a breathtaking variety. From soft blush pinks and forest greens to deep indigos and warm amber tones, tourmaline can be found in nearly every shade imaginable. Some even display multiple colours within a single crystal, such as the enchanting watermelon tourmaline, which blends pink and green in perfect harmony. These colours are influenced by the presence of different trace elements during formation, making each stone completely unique.
Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Three Stone Ring £3,475.00
Tourmaline Properties and Meanings
This gemstone is rich in symbolism and admired for its remarkable properties. Tourmaline is the birthstone for October as well as being the 8th anniversary stone, making tourmaline jewellery a meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or life’s significant milestones.
Spiritually, tourmaline is cherished as a stone of healing, emotional balance, and protection. Different colours are said to support different energies – black for grounding, pink for unconditional love, and green for growth. It’s often used in meditation and energy work to promote emotional clarity, dissolve negativity, and encourage a deeper inner connection to yourself.
On a practical level, tourmaline benefits from being a durable mineral with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it well-suited for everyday wear. It also possesses a unique property known as pyroelectricity, allowing it to generate an electric charge when heated or rubbed. While this trait is more scientific than spiritual, it adds to the stone’s fascinating character.
Are Tourmaline Stones Expensive?
Tourmaline stones vary widely in price, depending on their colour, clarity, size, and origin. While more common varieties tend to be relatively affordable, rare types – especially Paraiba tourmaline – can be extremely valuable. Other premium colours, like intense pink or bi-colour specimens, also come with higher price tags. Overall, tourmaline offers remarkable beauty and uniqueness at a range of price points, making it suitable for both everyday pieces and luxury jewellery.
Tourmaline & Diamond Necklace in White Gold £650.00
Tourmaline Jewellery
Tourmaline jewellery is as meaningful as it is beautiful. With its rich symbolism of love, protection, and emotional balance, it makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays – especially in October – as well as anniversaries and other important milestones. Its durability and variety of hues mean tourmaline can be worn every day or saved for special occasions, always offering a unique sense of personal style.
Caring for Your Tourmaline Jewellery
To keep your tourmaline jewellery looking its best, gentle care is essential. Start by mixing a small amount of mild soap with warm water and soaking your piece for 5–10 minutes. Use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the stone and setting gently, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or ultrasonic machines, as they may damage the stone. For a deeper clean, we recommend visiting a professional jeweller annually, depending on how often you wear the piece. Store your jewellery in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box, and avoid exposure to chemicals, water, or physical activity. Find out more about our jewellery care advice.
If your tourmaline jewellery gets damaged, take it to a professional immediately. Explore the repair and restoration services we offer to make your jewellery look its best self again.
Tourmaline & Diamond Three Stone Ring in Yellow Gold £1,095.00
Find Your Perfect Tourmaline Piece
At Timothy Roe, we create stunning, one-of-a-kind tourmaline pieces, including rings, earrings, pendants, and more. Each design is brought to life in our Chichester workshop, where exceptional craftsmanship meets a deep appreciation for this remarkable stone. For those with a particular vision, we also offer a bespoke service – ideal for crafting a tourmaline engagement ring or meaningful gift that’s entirely your own. Whether you're choosing from our collection or creating something bespoke, every piece of tourmaline jewellery from Timothy Roe is made with passion, care, and expertise.
