Uncover The Secrets Of Identifying Tourmaline: Unveiling The Gemstone’s Unique Characteristics

Tourmaline is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that comes in a wide range of colors. It is a popular choice for jewelry, and it is also used in some industrial applications. If you are interested in learning more about tourmaline, or if you are simply curious about how to identify it, then this guide is for you.

Physical Properties of Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a silicate mineral that crystallizes in the hexagonal system. It has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, which means that it is relatively hard and durable. Tourmaline is also piezoelectric, which means that it can generate an electrical charge when it is subjected to pressure.

Color of Tourmaline

Tourmaline is available in a wide range of colors, including black, blue, green, pink, red, and yellow. The most common color of tourmaline is black, but blue and green tourmaline are also relatively common. Some tourmalines are even bi-colored or tri-colored.

Clarity of Tourmaline

Tourmaline can be found in both transparent and opaque forms. Transparent tourmaline is more valuable than opaque tourmaline. The clarity of tourmaline is also affected by the presence of inclusions. Inclusions are foreign materials that are trapped inside the gemstone. Some inclusions can be visible to the naked eye, while others can only be seen under a microscope.

Cut of Tourmaline

Tourmaline is typically cut into faceted gemstones. The most common cuts for tourmaline are the round brilliant cut, the oval cut, and the emerald cut. Tourmaline can also be cut into cabochons, which are smooth, rounded gemstones.

Value of Tourmaline

The value of tourmaline depends on a number of factors, including the color, clarity, cut, and size of the gemstone. The most valuable tourmalines are those that are transparent, have few inclusions, and are cut into desirable shapes.

How to Identify Tourmaline

There are a few things that you can look for to help you identify tourmaline.

• Color: Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors, but the most common colors are black, blue, green, pink, red, and yellow.
• Clarity: Tourmaline can be found in both transparent and opaque forms. Transparent tourmaline is more valuable than opaque tourmaline.
• Cut: Tourmaline is typically cut into faceted gemstones. The most common cuts for tourmaline are the round brilliant cut, the oval cut, and the emerald cut.
• Inclusions: Tourmaline often contains inclusions. Inclusions are foreign materials that are trapped inside the gemstone. Some inclusions can be visible to the naked eye, while others can only be seen under a microscope.
• Pleochroism: Tourmaline is pleochroic, which means that it can change color when it is viewed from different angles.

Caring for Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a relatively hard gemstone, but it can still be damaged if it is not properly cared for. Here are a few tips for caring for your tourmaline jewelry:

• Avoid exposing your tourmaline jewelry to extreme heat or cold. This can cause the gemstone to crack or break.
• Avoid wearing your tourmaline jewelry when you are doing manual labor or participating in sports. This can also cause the gemstone to crack or break.
• Clean your tourmaline jewelry regularly with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the gemstone.

Wrapping Up

Tourmaline is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that can be used in a variety of jewelry and industrial applications. If you are interested in learning more about tourmaline, or if you are simply curious about how to identify it, then this guide is for you.

Common Questions and Answers

1. What is the most common color of tourmaline?

The most common color of tourmaline is black.

2. What is the most valuable type of tourmaline?

The most valuable type of tourmaline is transparent, has few inclusions, and is cut into a desirable shape.

3. How can I tell if a tourmaline is real or fake?

There are a few things that you can look for to help you identify a real tourmaline. These include the color, clarity, cut, and inclusions of the gemstone. You can also take the gemstone to a jeweler for appraisal.