10 Interesting Facts About Tourmaline

Tourmaline is one of the most captivating and colourful gemstones around. Beloved by jewellers and collectors alike, it appears in nearly every colour of the rainbow and is full of surprising quirks, historical moments, and scientific intrigue.

Here are ten fascinating facts about tourmaline that showcase why it holds such a special place in the gem world.

Tourmaline Was Long Mistaken for Other Gems

For centuries, tourmaline was confused with other well-known gemstones, green tourmaline was often sold as emerald, and blue varieties were mistaken for sapphire. It wasn’t until the 1800s that scientists officially recognised tourmaline as its own distinct mineral group, thanks to its unique crystal structure and chemistry.

Tourmaline is Found on Every Continent

While it's mined around the world, the most notable sources of gem-quality tourmaline include Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the United States. Its global distribution adds to its accessibility and appeal, though fine-quality stones remain rare.

California’s Himalaya Mine Has a Rich History

The Himalaya Mine in California has produced over 5 tonnes of gem-quality tourmaline since the late 1800s. Famous for its pink and red stones, the mine mine has been a global source of high-quality tourmaline, especially during the Empress Cixi era.

The Dowager Empress and Her Pink Obsession

In the early 1900s, Chinese Dowager Empress Cixi became enamoured with pink tourmaline. She purchased large quantities of the stone, especially from the Himalaya Mine in California, causing demand to skyrocket as others followed her lead. She loved this gemstone so much she is said to have been buried with pink tourmaline jewellery.

It Can Show True Electric Blue

Tourmaline is one of the rare gemstones that can display a true electric or neon blue colour, a vivid tone caused by trace amounts of copper in the crystal structure. These copper-bearing tourmalines, often from Mozambique or Brazil, are incredibly popular and can command high prices.

The Largest Faceted Tourmaline Weighs Over 190 Carats

The largest known faceted tourmaline is the "Ethnic Tourmaline," a 191.87 carat cushion-cut gem. Reportedly originating from Mozambique and sold by Bellerophon Gems, it showcases the incredible size and clarity that tourmaline crystals can achieve under the right geological conditions.

The "Jolly Green Giant" Weighs Over 10,000 Carats

One of the most famous rough tourmaline crystals ever found is affectionately known as the "Jolly Green Giant." Discovered in Maine, USA, this vibrant green tourmaline weighs more than 10,000 carats and remains a symbol of the state's rich pegmatite deposits.

Some Tourmaline Crystals Look Polished Right Out of the Ground

One of the magical features of tourmaline is that it can naturally form terminated points (sharp, glossy tips that resemble polished surfaces), even in rough form. These natural terminations are often preserved in mineral specimens and highly prized by collectors.

Tourmaline Often Shows Parallel Striations

One of tourmaline’s telltale visual features is its parallel striations, fine, grooved lines that run lengthwise along the crystal. These striations are a natural result of the gem’s vertical crystal growth and can help distinguish it from similar-looking stones.

Tourmaline is Popular for Gemstone Carvings

Thanks to its wide colour palette and relatively durable structure, tourmaline is a favourite among gemstone carvers. Artisans craft it into miniature animals, symbolic figures, and faces, creating intricate works of art from this versatile material.

Whether you’re drawn to its fascinating past or its striking range of colours, tourmaline is a gemstone full of surprises. From imperial fascination to giant crystals and neon hues, it offers a little bit of everything for gem lovers to admire.