Hardness: 7.50
Refractive Index: 1.62-1.64
Specific Gravity: 3.06
Birthstone: May (green)
Astral Stone: Sagittarius (yellow), Capricorn (black, green), Scorpio (black)
Anniversary Stone: 8th
Origination: Sri Lanka, Brazil, Africa, Australia, Mexico 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:
The tourmaline mineral group is said to span over 100 different colors. The most common tourmalines are those of bottle green, yellow & yellow-green hues.
Green tourmaline is often linked to the planet Mercury.
Tourmaline can be seen faceted in a beautiful crystal form, or cut en cabochon to display a vivid cat�s-eye effect. This particular variety is seldom seen at retail.
Astrologers link cat�s-eye tourmaline with Ketu, the southern lunar node.
The most important source for tourmaline today is Brazil, home of the legendary Paraiba mine, and the rare turquoise gem known as the �Paraiba tourmaline�.
Another much sought after gem is the chromium enriched emerald green tourmaline that was first discovered in Brazil during the 16th century. This gem, originally known as �Brazilian Emerald�, can also be found today in Africa.
Tourmaline deposits can be found in Maine, Connecticut, New York State, California, Texas, North Carolina and other parts of the United States.
A black tourmaline known as �schorl� was formerly used as mourning jewelry.
Despite its rather dark, depressing look, some ancient people believed the black tourmaline to be a stone that protects and strengthens the heart.
Ancients believed that a dream of tourmaline was a sign of impending disaster.
In all, the tourmaline mineral group is viewed by certain cultures even today as the most positive family in the gem and mineral world.
For additional information, see "indicolite, rubellite, pink tourmaline, and watermelon tourmaline."