TOURMALINE

What gemstone comes in almost every color imaginable and becomes electrically charged when under pressure? Tourmaline, of course. This unique group of gems consisting of four different varieties is collectively known as Tourmaline. The most common gemstone variety is called Elbaite, which produces most of the colors we are familiar with in the jewelry industry. Tourmalines are usually found in greens, blues, reds and pinks, to mention a few of the rainbow of colors that occur in this gem.

The reason, according to an old Egyptian legend, is that the Tourmaline, on its long journey up from the centre of the Earth, passed over a rainbow. In doing so, it assumed all the colors of the rainbow. The most predominate color of Tourmaline is green, but that does not describe the range of hues the gem can exhibit. From the emerald green of Chrome Tourmaline to the blue green of Paraiba Tourmaline, this gem showcases them all. Tourmaline crystals are generally long and narrow and frequently are of multiple colors.

The colors can range from different shades of blue and green to complete changes from green to pink. Tourmaline also has a trademark of strong dichroism, which will exhibit different colors depending on the angle from which you view it. This can create a challenge for the gem cutter, as they must pay great attention to the crystal axis when lining up the gem to cut and polish it.

Not only do jewelers love Tourmaline for its amazing array of colors, but scientists are intrigued because of its physical qualities, for tourmalines can become electrically charged when they are heated and then allowed to cool. Then, they have a positive charge at one end and a negative one at the other. The gemstone also becomes charged under pressure, the polarity subsequently changing when the pressure is taken off. When the charge changes the tourmaline begins to oscillate, similar to a rock crystal. Coffin and Trout loves the versatility of Tourmaline and invites you to experience the many colors of the Tourmaline rainbow in our exclusive designs available only at Coffin & Trout Fine Jewellers.