Tourmaline’s Journey Through Time: From Egypt’s Rainbow to Andes Magic

Tourmaline’s Journey Through Time: From Egypt’s Rainbow to Andes Magic

 Tourmaline is one of my favorite gemstones to incorporate into my jewelry designs. With its remarkable range of colors, it's no surprise that it's often referred to as "the rainbow gem." 

 Tourmaline History:

1500s: The first discovery of tourmaline by Spanish conquistadors in Brazil led them to mistake it for an emerald due to its vibrant green hue. Tourmaline has been mined in California and Maine however Brazil produces the largest volume of tourmaline, as well as the widest color variety. 

Types of Tourmaline:

  • Rubellite – Red or pinks
  • Indicolite – Blues
  • Verdelite – Greens
  • Watermelon – A unique variety with pink centers and green outer edges, resembling a slice of watermelon.
  • Paraíba – A rare and highly sought-after variety with vivid neon blue to green hues, typically from Brazil.
  • Liddicoatite – A rare and unique type of tourmaline known for its striking multicolored, triangular cross-sections. It often exhibits complex color zoning.

    • Tourmaline Lore:

    Tourmaline has been associated with powerful lore. In ancient Egypt, it was believed that tourmaline traveled through a rainbow as it emerged from the Earth, which is why it comes in so many colors. In Africa was used to awaken people from "the dream of illusion". Magicians in the Andes used tourmaline to create magical staffs that accessed ancient knowledge. Across many cultures, tourmaline is revered as a stone of protection and balance, thought to shield its wearer from negative energies and promote emotional healing.

    Shop tourmaline jewelry at karinluvaas.com

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