Hardness: 7.50
Refractive Index: 1.62-1.64
Specific Gravity: 3.06
Birthstone: October
Astral Stone:
Anniversary Stone: 8th
Origination: Brazil, Myanmar, the former Russia, Madagascar, East Africa and the United States.
Care & Cleaning: Clean with a soft polishing cloth, plain water rinse, mild solution of soap & water or commercial jewelry cleaner.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
Pink Tourmaline is often thought of as a gem of the season of autumn.
The value of pink tourmaline is directly related to its depth of color.
When its color crosses the arbitrary line from pink to red, it becomes a rubellite.
Pink tourmaline was highly regarded by Oriental cultures, who fashioned it into many varieties of jewelry and artifacts.
Demand for pink tourmaline was at its highest peak during the 18th century.
At one time, the United States was the worlds� leading source for pink tourmaline.
Today, lovely specimens can still be found in Maine, California, New York State and other areas.
Pink and green tourmaline sometimes combine in the same crystal, producing a colorful gem known as the �watermelon tourmaline�.
For additional information, see �tourmaline� and �watermelon tourmaline�.