Pink Tourmaline Birthstone Origins & History
The Pink Tourmaline is the newer October Birithstone, acording to the UK’s National Association of Jewelers standardized the list. The traditional version of the birthstone, acording to some sources indicate that opals have been October’s birthstone since the 15th century.
The name Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word “toramalli”, which means “stone with mixed colors.” That’s because even though the “pink tourmaline” is designated as October’s birthstone, beeing the most popular hue, the gem comes in more colors than any other precious stone in the world, and sometimes it even has multiple colors in one crystal, as is the case with the “watermelon” tourmaline, which is pink and green.
Because of the wide range of colours for tourmaline, they have often been mistaken for other gemstones. The famous “Caesar’s Ruby” pendant, which is part of Russia’s crown jewels, is actually a red tourmaline variety known as rubellite. And spanish conquistadors often confused green tourmalines for emeralds, and it wasn’t until the 1800s that scientists began to differentiate between tourmaline and other gemstone types.
“Caesar’s Ruby” pendant, part of Russia’s Crown Jewels
Watermelon Tourmaline with hues of pink and green
Pink Tourmaline October Birthstone Origins & History
This October birthstone is most commonly found in Brazil, but it is also mined in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique (among other countries in Africa). Southern California and Maine are also historically important producers of fine tourmaline in the United States.
Most of the tourmaline mined in Brazil over the centuries comes from pegmatites in the state of Minas Gerais. These subterranean intrusions of magma are the source of a virtual kaleidoscope of gem minerals. In the late 1980s, however, electric green, blue and violet tourmalines entered the gem market from pegmatites in Brazil’s Paraíba State.
Mines in California’s San Diego County were also famed for producing rubellite for China’s Empress Dowager Cixi, who loved the color. Between 1902 and 1910, these mines shipped 120 tons of rubellite to China. With the death of Cixi in 1908 and the subsequent overthrow of the Qing dynasty, the heyday of tourmaline mining in California ended. Today, only a few mines in San Diego County occasionally produce gem-quality tourmaline.
Colourful tourmalin from Sapo Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Different shades of pink in rough Tourmaline
Pink Tourmaline's Special Properties
One of the most intriguing and unique qualities of Tourmaline comes from its complex molecular structure. It becomes electrically charged when warmed by heat (pyroelectric) or by friction from rubbing (piezoelectric). Either method results in a negative charge and a positive charge at opposite ends of the stone. In its charged state, Tourmaline will attract lightweight particulate matter like dust and small paper scraps.
Pink tourmaline measures 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it fairly durable. It is suitable for everyday wear, but excessive heat can be damaging.
How valuable is Tourmaline?
The value of Tourmaline can vary from crystal to crystal. Colour being the most important denominator when pricing a tourmaline gemstone. The most expensive tourmaline is the Paraiba variety, a neon blue-green stone with traces of copper. Prices for the best Paraíba and Paraíba-type tourmalines easily surpass other tourmalines due to their vivid hues, higher color saturation and greater rarity.
Tourmaline demands a lower per carat price than other gemstones with equally impressive color ranges such as Emerald or Ruby and often Sapphire. A 3 carat brilliant green Tourmaline will be a fraction of the cost of similar sized Emerald.
The largest cut Tourmaline is the Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba, a Paraiba tourmaline with a mass of nearly 192 carats and valued between $25 million and $125 million, which currently holds the Guiness World Record title for the Largest Cut Paraiba Tourmaline.
The largest cut tourmaline specimen, the Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba
Legend of how the Tourmaline got it's colours
October Birthstone Meanings, Symbolism and Folklore
In general, Tourmaline is believed to be an excellent tool for energizing and balancing the chakras. Tourmaline aids in understanding oneself and others and promotes self-confidence and diminishes fear. Tourmaline releases tension, making it helpful for spinal adjustments and balances the yin and yang in the body.
Different tourmaline colors are believed to have different healing properties or powers. The October Birthstone pink tourmaline is associated with gentleness, compassion, joy, and love. In addition to being one of October’s gems, tourmaline is also the 8th anniversary gift.
Egyptian legend say that during its formation, Tourmaline passed over a rainbow as it made its journey from the Earth’s center which led to it assuming the seven colors of the rainbow.
The ancients attributed Pink Tourmaline with remarkable powers. In India, Rubellite was associated with fire, the sun, and positive energy. It was believed to bring insight to those seeking goodness and reveal any blockages to achieving goodness. It would give its users awareness of any unsuspected dangers. Romans used Pink Tourmaline as an aid for stress reduction and troublesome sleep and artists and writers, from the Renaissance through the Victorian Age, used it to stimulate their creativity.
Pink tourmaline represents a love of humanity and humanitarianism. It is worn to promote sympathy towards others. It is an excellent stone for healers and counselors because it promotes better listening and understanding. It carries the virtue of unconditional love and friendship.
The October birthstone also helps calm ones emotions in times of distress, and is the perfect stone to carry if you suffer from daily episodes of anxiety. This stone is such a strong healing stone due to it commonly being formed within quartz masses. Quartz naturally amplifies any stone placed near it, so Pink Tourmaline is recommend to anyone suffering from heavy emotional pain weighing on the heart.
Buying & Gifting October Birthstone Jewellery
The versatile pink tourmaline is worthy of any jewellery collection, whether or not you can claim it as your birthstone. If you were born in October you are very fortunate indeed to have such a stunning and versatile gemstone as your birthstone.
October Birthstone Earring Studs – Pink Tourmaline Gemstone in Silver
October Birthstone Jewellery Set with Pink Tourmaline – Studs and Charm Necklace
October Birthstone Necklace – Pink Tourmaline Charm Pendant in Silver
October Birthstone Ring with Pink Tourmaline Gemstone in Silver
Tourmaline’s diversity suits all moods, which is why it is regarded as the gem of love and friendship. So, you can add it to your own collection of earrings, rings or necklaces in Pink Tourmaline, or you can gift it to a friend or loved one.
