October Birthstone – Tourmaline
Tourmaline Lore
Tourmaline is a gemstone believed to increase flexibility, happiness, hope, objectivity, compassion and serenity….and if that’s not enough, it also enhances tolerance and understanding.
Well October babies, you have one very special birthstone! Tourmaline is found in an array of colors and hues, if blue is your preference there is a hue for you. Green, pink even white – combined that’s called “watermelon Tourmaline” and it’s lovely.
A Little History
Since around the 1500’s this multi-color gemstone was mistaken for Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald due to its intense colors. Around the 1800’s scientists recognized Tourmaline as its own species and the name is derived from a language from Sri Lanka meaning “mixed-gems”.
Red and Pink are the most desirable colors
From the early 1800’s, China was the largest consumer of Tourmaline. The Chinese Dowager Empress Tz’u Hsi was especially fond of the pink and red colors. Chinese craftsmen carved these tourmalines into snuff boxes and many other objects including jewelry. These Tourmalines were mined primarily in San Diego, California until 1912 when the Tourmaline market collapsed due to change in the Chinese government. The famed Tourmaline mines were called Tourmaline Queen, Tourmaline King, Stewart, Pala Chief and Himalaya.
Did you know? Tourmalines are a very protecting gemstone and are often associated with the heart chakra.
In the mid twentieth century Brazil began yielding large deposits and in the 1950’s more finds were being discovered in Madagascar and Afghanistan.
Tourmaline Care
In previous blogs we’ve mentioned the Mohs scale which measures the gems level of toughness. Tourmaline is considered FAIR 7-7.5 which means it can easily scratch and abrade with everyday wear. It does depend greatly on the wearer, if you tend to be hard on your jewelry, Tourmaline should be an “occasional wear” gem unless it is set into earrings or necklaces.
Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning Tourmaline. The use of ultrasonic and steam cleaners is not recommended.
Did you know? As a balancing gemstone, watermelon tourmaline is believed to function as a combination of male and female energies, both Yin and Yang together in one crystal.
Characteristics of Libra Babies (born September 23 to October 22)
Strengths: Cooperative, diplomatic, gracious, fair-minded, social
Weaknesses: Indecisive, avoids confrontations, will carry a grudge, self-pity
Libra likes: Harmony, gentleness, sharing with others, the outdoors
Libra dislikes: Violence, injustice, loudmouths and conformity
Characteristics of Scorpio Babies (born October 24th and November 21st)
Strengths: Resourceful, brave, passionate, stubborn, a true friend
Weaknesses: Distrusting, jealous, secretive, violent
Scorpio likes: Truth, facts, being right, longtime friends, teasing, a grand passion
Scorpio dislikes: Dishonesty, revealing secrets, passive people
Did you know? Manganese and copper are the most common minerals affecting a Tourmalines color.
Tourmalines are found in the most beautiful color ranges
At LFX our love affair with Tourmaline is a long one…as this amazing gemstone can inspire creativity, so shall our designers continue to deliver inspiring creations to the world!