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3 Φεβ 2024 · Are you curious about the different types of tourmaline? Read on as we discuss the unique properties and characteristics of these tourmaline types.
1 Ιουλ 2024 · Tourmaline is a fascinating gemstone that is known for its wide range of colors and unique properties. It is a crystalline mineral composed of complex borosilicate compounds and belongs to the cyclosilicate mineral group.
The pictures below show just one example of each individually named type of Tourmaline. For more images, see the specific pages on Elbaite, Schorl, Dravite, Uvite, Liddicoatite, and Buergerite.
The color of tourmaline is caused by the presence of different trace elements in the mineral. The most common color-causing elements are iron, manganese, chromium, copper, and vanadium. Iron: Iron can produce green, blue, and black tourmaline. Manganese: Manganese can produce pink, red, and yellow tourmaline.
Gemologists use a tourmaline’s properties and chemical composition to define its species. The major tourmaline species are elbaite, liddicoatite, dravite, uvite, and schorl. Most gem tourmalines are elbaites, which are rich in sodium, lithium, aluminum, and sometimes—but very rarely—copper.
Minerals and gems of the tourmaline group occur in every color of the spectrum. Tourmaline is also widely known for its beautiful zoning, bicolor gems and pleochroic colors.
Tourmaline is most commonly found as visible crystals within granitic rocks, especially pegmatites, aplites, and associated hydrothermal veins. It is present also in metamorphic rocks as an accessory phase and in sedimentary rocks as a detrital grain but it is generally too small therein to be detected in the field.
