Tourmaline Meaning and Healing Properties (2024)

THE BASICS--

October is a month filled with color as autumn advances and nature's fall foliage show reaches its peak with rich tones of yellow, red, orange, gold, bronze, and burgundy. Anyone celebrating in October has an equally richly-colored stone to enjoy if they embrace this month's birthstone, the beautifully varied tourmaline.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• What is Tourmaline?
• Tourmaline Color
• Tourmaline Mines
• Tourmaline Structure
• Tourmaline Meaning
• Protection
• Emotional and Spiritual Healing
• Grounding and Balancing
• Birthstone of October
• Tourmaline Rings and Jewelry
• Other October Birthstones
• Is a Tourmaline Ring Right For Me?

What is Tourmaline?

Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone that occurs in more colors than any other semi-precious gemstone, including black, brown, green, yellow, peach, red, pink, orange, blue, purple, blue-green, and colorless. It even occurs naturally in bi-colored and multicolored shades, transitioning between contrasting colors in the same stone. "Watermelon" tourmaline is one of the most popular and desirable varieties, characterized by a transition from bold green to rich pink within the same stone. Tourmaline is a relatively hard and durable boron silicate mineral with different elements embedded in its crystal structure. Depending on the element — sodium, lithium, titanium, aluminum, iron, magnesium, or potassium — the color of the crystal changes.

Tourmaline Color

Tourmaline, the birthstone for October, is known for its captivating range of colors and special qualities. Here are some key facts about tourmaline:

• Color Variety: Tourmaline comes in a vast array of colors, including black, green, red, pink, blue, yellow, and even colorless.
• Unique Transition: "Watermelon" tourmaline features a striking color transition from green to pink, resembling a watermelon.
• Special Names: Tourmalines are often named by their color, such as rubellite (red), indicolite (blue), and schorl (black).
• Rarity: Bright neon blue is the rarest and most valuable shade of tourmaline.

Tourmaline Mines

Tourmaline is sourced from various parts of the world, with Brazil leading as the largest producer of this vibrant gemstone. Here are some key locations where tourmaline is mined:

• Brazil: Home to the most productive and largest tourmaline mines.
• Africa: High-quality mines are found in Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, and Malawi.
• Asia: Mines are located in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India.
• Europe: Tourmaline can be mined in Russia, Italy, and Greenland.
• United States: Significant tourmaline mines are found in Maine and California.

Tourmaline Structure

Tourmaline's crystal structure is trigonal, characterized by elongated prisms with distinctive striations. Here are some key facts about tourmaline's structure and composition:

• Crystal Structure: Trigonal, forming elongated prisms often with noticeable striations.
• Chemical Composition: Contains elements such as aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, and potassium, which contribute to its wide range of colors.
• Hardness: Ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for various types of jewelry, including engagement rings and cocktail rings.

“I've purchased two vintage rings from Suzanne over the past decade and my wife has loved both. Great service, communication and speedy delivery.”

—Lee S verified buyer

Tourmaline Meaning

Because of this stone’s variety, it also has many symbolic associations and meanings. Tourmaline is believed to help with both mental and physical detoxification, stimulating circulation, and boosting the immune system. The stone can help alleviate stress and promote a healthy mood, improving energy and vitality. Tourmaline is believed to help strengthen bones and teeth, eliminate negative energy, and facilitate a healthy mood. The stone helps foster a love of humanity, and increases compassion, charity, and productivity, as well as eases reconciliation and provides personal protection and purification.

• Protection

Tourmaline is often regarded as a protective stone. It is thought to shield the wearer from negative energies and harmful influences, creating a protective barrier that can safeguard both physical and emotional well-being.

• Emotional and Spiritual Healing

Tourmaline is believed to promote emotional healing and stress relief. It is said to help individuals release tension and negative energy, promoting a sense of calm and balance. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking emotional stability and mental clarity.

• Grounding and Balancing

The gemstone is also associated with grounding and balancing energies. It is believed to help align the chakras and balance the body's energy flow, promoting a harmonious and centered state of being.

“Suzanne was amazing! I utilized the layaway service and it was a breeze. Ring made its way to Texas and was even more gorgeous in person."
—Chloe G verified buyer

• Birthstone of October

Tourmaline is the official birthstone for the month of October. In addition to its aesthetic beauty, it is believed to bring healing, protection, and emotional balance to those born in this month, it is also the official gemstone for the eighth wedding anniversary, and pink tourmaline is associated with the fifth wedding anniversary. Tourmaline was often presented as a funeral gift in Native American cultures, and is associated with the planets Venus and Pluto for symbolic purposes.

Tourmaline Rings and Jewelry

This gemstone's crystal structure can grow quite large, resulting in stunning pieces ideal for use in pendants and other statement jewelry. But tourmaline is equally popular in all types of jewelry, including bracelets, earrings, and rings, especially Art Deco and other vintage designs where color is highlighted. These stones are often set alongside pearls and diamonds for additional luster and flair, and tourmaline is cut into a wide range of different stone shapes to suit many types of settings and designs. The stone has been popular in jewelry for centuries, and in fact some stones in the Russian crown jewels were originally believed to be rubies but are now believed to be tourmaline.

Other October Birthstones

While tourmaline is a stunning gem that offers many possibilities for beautiful jewelry for any October occasion, it may not be right for everyone. Opal is another birthstone associated with October, and additional alternative stones include jasper and aquamarine. The October Zodiac sign Libra (September 23 through October 22) is associated with peridot and lapis lazuli, while Scorpio (October 23 through November 21) is linked to ruby and yellow topaz. Therefore, just in case tourmaline isn’t the best choice, there are many other stunning gems to celebrate any birthday, anniversary, or other special day in this colorful autumn month.

Is a Tourmaline Ring Right For Me?

Ultimately, the decision to choose a vintage tourmaline ring rests with the individual or couple. It can serve as a meaningful way to integrate personal values and preferences into a deeply personal and memorable ring. Such a ring symbolizes not only the couple's love but also their aspirations for the life they aim to create together.

Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:

No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored gemstones have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations. If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring that tells the world that you’re passionately in love, a vintage ring is a stunning choice. Find your dream ring today!

Find The Perfect Antique Engagement Ring:

Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you're looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Tourmaline Rings today!

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.

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