What is tourmaline?

Tourmaline, a member of the silicate family, is a group of minerals ubiquitous in the Earth's crust. It is distinguished by its complex chemical composition and properties.

Among the countless gems adorning the planet, tourmaline shines with its beauty and diversity. LEGION Paris invites you to discover this marvel.

Origins of tourmaline

The name tourmaline has its roots in the Sinhala word "turamali," which translates to "stone of mixed colors." This name reflects the remarkable chromatic diversity that characterizes this mineral.

The first written records of tourmaline date back to the 16th century. In fact, it was during this time that crystals were brought from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to Europe. Since this discovery, numerous tourmaline deposits have been identified around the world.

Brazil, a veritable paradise for mineralogists, is home to some of the most beautiful specimens. Afghanistan, the United States, and several African countries also contribute to the global supply of quality tourmalines. This is how custom jewelry creation is emerging all over the world.

Characteristics of tourmaline

There are several aspects that make tourmaline special. These include its chemical composition, its colors, and its physical properties.

Chemical composition

Tourmaline is a mineral with a complex and variable chemical composition. It belongs to the borosilicate family , which means that it contains boron, silicon, and oxygen in its crystalline structure.

But that's not all! Tourmaline incorporates a wide variety of other chemical elements, such as:

• aluminum,
• iron, and
• magnesium.

Added to this are sodium and lithium , which are also present in this mineral.

Colors

Tourmaline is renowned for its incredible diversity of colors. The main shades that can be found are:

• Black : the most common variety, known as schorl
• Brown : a warm, natural shade, often associated with dravite
• Red : rubellite tourmaline, highly prized for its intensity
• Pink : a soft and romantic color,
• Green : verdite, a variety that recalls the freshness of forests
• Blue : indicolite, a deep and mysterious shade

This color palette makes tourmaline a highly prized gemstone among jewelry designers and collectors. Each hue adds a unique and personal touch to jewelry creations.

Physical properties

Tourmaline has unique physical properties. It is notably pyroelectric , which means it can generate an electrical charge when subjected to temperature changes.

Additionally, tourmaline is piezoelectric . It produces an electrical charge under mechanical stress, such as pressure.

These remarkable characteristics find applications in various industrial fields, such as pressure sensors, infrared detectors and electronic components.

Tourmaline at LEGION Paris

At LEGION Paris , we are passionate about precious stones . We have therefore chosen to highlight tourmaline, this gem with a thousand facets, to offer you exceptional jewelry.

Our team of experts carefully selects the most beautiful tourmaline specimens, focusing on quality , brilliance and a variety of colors . Our artisan jewelers enhance this precious stone in creations such as the creation of an original wedding ring . At LEGION Paris, you will find the jewel that will seduce you and reflect your personality.