October has two birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline. Last year our October blog focused on the mysterious history to the Opal, so this year we wanted to share 10 random facts about Tourmaline.
1. Tourmaline is a group of minerals that come in a range of colors, including black, brown, pink, green, blue, and red.
2. Tourmaline is the birthstone for the month of October.
3. The name "tourmaline" comes from the Sinhalese word "turmali," which means "mixed colors," because tourmaline crystals can have multiple colors in one specimen.
4. Tourmaline is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, and the United States.
5. Tourmaline is a relatively hard mineral, with a rating of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for use in jewelry.
6. In ancient times, tourmaline was believed to have the power to protect the wearer from danger and to attract wealth and love.
7. Tourmaline crystals can have a unique property called "pyroelectricity," which means they can generate an electric charge when heated or cooled.
8. Tourmaline is often used in alternative medicine, as it is believed to have healing properties and can be used to treat various ailments.
9. Tourmaline is often cut into cabochons, beads, or faceted gemstones to enhance its beauty and color.
10. The largest tourmaline ever found weighed over 191 pounds and was discovered in Brazil in the 1980s.
1. Tourmaline is a group of minerals that come in a range of colors, including black, brown, pink, green, blue, and red.
2. Tourmaline is the birthstone for the month of October.
3. The name "tourmaline" comes from the Sinhalese word "turmali," which means "mixed colors," because tourmaline crystals can have multiple colors in one specimen.
4. Tourmaline is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, and the United States.
5. Tourmaline is a relatively hard mineral, with a rating of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for use in jewelry.
6. In ancient times, tourmaline was believed to have the power to protect the wearer from danger and to attract wealth and love.
7. Tourmaline crystals can have a unique property called "pyroelectricity," which means they can generate an electric charge when heated or cooled.
8. Tourmaline is often used in alternative medicine, as it is believed to have healing properties and can be used to treat various ailments.
9. Tourmaline is often cut into cabochons, beads, or faceted gemstones to enhance its beauty and color.
10. The largest tourmaline ever found weighed over 191 pounds and was discovered in Brazil in the 1980s.