Tourmaline is one of the most diverse gemstones in the world. Its wide variety of colours makes it a popular choice among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. However, not all colours of tourmaline are created equal. Some hues are rarer than others, making them more valuable in the market. In this article, we will explore the rarest colours of tourmaline, their properties, benefits, and significance in the jewelry industry.
The Beauty of Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a gemstone that comes in every color of the rainbow, including some hues that are not found in other stones. The diversity of tourmaline colours is attributed to the complex chemical composition of the stone. This variety makes it an attractive option for jewelers looking to create unique, custom pieces for their clients.
Tourmaline Colours: A Spectrum of Possibilities
Tourmaline colours are largely determined by the presence of various trace elements. These elements affect the absorption and reflection of light within the crystal, creating different shades. The most common colours of tourmaline include pink, green, blue, yellow, and red. But it’s the rarer colours that often captivate collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.
The Rarest Colour: Paraiba Tourmaline
Among the many colours of tourmaline, the rarest is the vibrant, electric blue to green Paraiba tourmaline. Discovered in the state of Paraíba in Brazil in the 1980s, this tourmaline is famous for its neon-like glow. The unique colour of Paraiba tourmaline is caused by the presence of copper within its crystal structure. The copper gives it a luminescent quality that sets it apart from other gemstones.
Due to its rarity and unique appearance, Paraiba tourmaline is considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. The mines in Paraíba have been exhausted, making these stones even more difficult to find and driving their value even higher. High-quality Paraiba tourmaline can fetch thousands of dollars per carat, depending on its size and colour saturation.
Other Rare Tourmaline Colours
While Paraiba tourmaline is the rarest, there are other rare and valuable colours of this gemstone. One of the most sought-after is the watermelon tourmaline, which has a striking combination of green and pink hues. This bi-coloured stone is highly prized for its beauty and rarity, especially when the colours are well-defined.
Another rare type of tourmaline is the chromium tourmaline, which ranges from rich red to purple. This variety is extremely rare and is often found in small quantities. It is prized for its deep, intense colour and its ability to change hue under different lighting conditions.
Tourmaline Meaning and Significance
Beyond its beauty, tourmaline meaning is significant in various cultures. This gemstone is believed to have healing properties, with different colours associated with specific benefits. For example, pink tourmaline is thought to promote emotional healing, while green tourmaline is believed to attract prosperity and good fortune. Some people believe that tourmaline can help with stress relief and improve mental clarity.
The tourmaline benefits are not just spiritual but also physical. For centuries, people have used tourmaline to improve energy flow and balance within the body. While modern science does not fully support these claims, the cultural significance of tourmaline persists.
Tourmaline Properties
The tourmaline properties make it a versatile gemstone for both collectors and jewelers. It is a durable stone, with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it suitable for daily wear in rings, necklaces, and earrings. Tourmaline is also known for its pleochroism, meaning it can show different colours when viewed from different angles. This property makes it even more fascinating for collectors.
Tourmaline’s ability to be cut into a variety of shapes also adds to its popularity in jewelry. From classic round cuts to more intricate custom shapes, tourmaline can be crafted into stunning pieces that showcase its colours and properties. Its versatility and range of colours make it an attractive option for anyone looking to add a unique gemstone to their collection.
The Market for Rare Tourmaline
The demand for rare tourmaline, especially Paraiba tourmaline, has skyrocketed in recent years. Collectors and investors are drawn to the rarity and beauty of these gemstones, and their value continues to rise. However, the scarcity of high-quality specimens makes them difficult to acquire, and prices can vary greatly depending on the quality and origin of the stone.
Tourmaline’s value is also influenced by its size and clarity. Larger stones with fewer inclusions are more valuable, but even small, high-quality tourmaline can command impressive prices. The market for tourmaline is complex and can be influenced by various factors, including demand, rarity, and the specific properties of the stone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rarest colour of tourmaline is undoubtedly the Paraiba tourmaline, known for its unique neon blue-green hue. This gemstone is highly prized for its rarity, striking appearance, and vibrant colour, which is caused by the presence of copper. However, other rare tourmaline colours, such as watermelon and chromium tourmaline, also hold significant value in the market.
Whether for their beauty, their healing properties, or their rarity, tourmaline gemstones continue to be highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. With its vast range of colours and exceptional properties, tourmaline will undoubtedly remain one of the most beloved gemstones in the world.
Related topic:
- Where Pink Tourmaline is Most Commonly Found?
- Discover the Origins of Green Tourmaline: Top Sources
- How Much Is Green Tourmaline Per Gram?
