Green Tourmaline: Gemstone and Jewelry

Green tourmaline, also known as Verdelite, is a gemstone of the tourmaline mineral family that has gained unimaginable popularity in recent years. It is treasured by gem and jewelry enthusiasts around the world for its unique properties, amazing beauty, and affordability. Green tourmaline comes in a wide range of shades, from dark and deep forest green to bright and sparkling lime green. It is also one of the few gemstones that are found in bi-color and tri-color varieties, which makes it a versatile and highly sought-after gemstone for jewelry making.

History of Green Tourmaline: 

Tourmaline was discovered in Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) by Dutch traders in the early 18th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that the green variety of tourmaline was identified as a separate mineral species. Green tourmaline was first found in the United States in the early 1900s, in Maine and California. Since then, it has been found in many other locations across the globe, including Brazil, Tanzania, and Namibia.

The word tourmaline is believed to have been derived from the Sinhalese term 'tura mali,' which means stone of mixed colors. This is appropriate as tourmaline is found in a wide range of colors, and many of the stones are multi-colored or have color zoning. Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone and is considered by many to be the most versatile of all gemstones.

Properties of Green Tourmaline:  

Green tourmaline is a powerful gemstone with many unique properties. It is believed to have tremendous healing and grounding powers. It facilitates communication with the spiritual world, promoting inner peace and enlightenment. Green tourmaline is also known for its protective properties, providing a shield against negative energy and promoting emotional balance and stability.

Green tourmaline has a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone that can withstand wear and tear. It has a specific gravity of 3.06-3.08 and is pleochroic, displaying different colors when viewed from different angles. Green tourmaline is also piezoelectric, meaning that it can generate an electric charge when under pressure.

Green Tourmaline Jewelry: 

The beauty and versatility of green tourmaline make it an ideal gemstone for jewelry making. It can be cut into a wide range of shapes, including round, oval, pear, marquise, and emerald. It is also an excellent gemstone for carving and can be fashioned into intricate designs and patterns. Green tourmaline is often paired with other gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, to create stunning pieces of jewelry.

It is also used in combination with other tourmaline colors, such as pink and blue, to make bi-color and tri-color pieces. This makes it a versatile gemstone that can complement any outfit or occasion. Green tourmaline is popular in all types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. It is also a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands. Green tourmaline engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique beauty and affordability.

Care and Maintenance of Green Tourmaline:  

Green tourmaline, like all gemstones, requires proper care and maintenance to preserve its beauty and value. It is recommended that green tourmaline be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the gemstone.

Green tourmaline should also be protected from extreme heat and cold. It is not recommended to wear green tourmaline jewelry while doing activities that may expose it to extreme temperatures or impact, such as gardening or playing contact sports.

Green tourmaline is a gemstone of immense beauty, versatility, and affordability. It is treasured by gem and jewelry enthusiasts around the world for its unique properties and healing powers. It is an excellent gemstone for jewelry making, and its unique beauty makes it a popular and versatile choice for all types of jewelry. Proper care and maintenance of green tourmaline is essential to preserve its beauty and value, and it is recommended that it be cleaned with warm soapy water and protected from extreme heat and cold. With its unique properties and stunning beauty, green tourmaline is an excellent addition to any gem or jewelry collection.