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Gemstones have fascinated humans for centuries, captivating our imaginations with their vibrant colours and mystical properties. Many different types of gemstones are available, allowing people to display their unique tastes through jewellery.
Among these treasures, tourmaline is a captivating gem with a rich history and profound significance in jewellery. Tourmaline is a crystalline boron silicate mineral that comes in various colours, occurring in shades such as green, pink, red, blue, and black. The name “tourmaline” is derived from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “mixed colours.” This is because tourmaline crystals often contain a combination of different colours.
At our jewellery store in Toronto, we carry jewellery incorporating a wide range of unique gemstones, including a tourmaline ring. This allows our customers to explore different gemstones and choose one that best suits their tastes and needs. Made You Look also values education when it comes to gemstones, so here is a guide to help you make informed purchasing decisions when exploring the tourmaline crystal or stone.
What is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline is classified as a semi-precious gemstone and is widely used in jewelry. Its popularity is partly due to its wide range of colours and unique ability to become electrically charged when heated or rubbed, leading to its use in specific industrial applications.
One attractive property of tourmaline is its ability to generate an electric charge when subjected to pressure or temperature changes. This phenomenon is known as piezoelectricity. Additionally, tourmaline can exhibit another electrical property called pyroelectricity, which becomes electrically charged when heated or cooled.
Origins and Formation of Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone known for its dazzling colours, ranging from deep reds and vibrant greens to electric blues. This diversity in colour results from its complex crystal structure and the presence of various elements, such as iron, manganese, and lithium. The gemstone is formed in metamorphic rocks under high pressure and temperature, creating an environment that gives the tourmaline its unique appearance.
Historically, tourmaline has been discovered in diverse locations around the globe, including Brazil, Afghanistan, and the United States. Each area produces tourmaline with distinct colours and characteristics, making it a gemstone with a truly global presence.
Tourmaline in Ancient Cultures
Tourmaline’s history can be traced back thousands of years, with its presence in various ancient cultures and civilizations. The Egyptians, for instance, believed that tourmaline obtained its vibrant colours by passing through a rainbow on its journey from the Earth’s core. In the European Renaissance, tourmaline became popular among the nobility for its vibrant colours, becoming a fashionable gem for jewellery and accessories.
In China, tourmaline was linked to yin and yang energies and employed in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. On the other hand, the tourmaline gemstone was used in rituals and ceremonies and as a talisman for spiritual guidance in Indigenous cultures.
Over time, it has also become the ideal gift for individuals with an October birthday. The tourmaline birthstone can be incorporated into different forms of jewellery and gifted to close friends or family. Contact our store to learn more about the different types of tourmaline jewellery we can create for you. Depending on your taste, you can customize a tourmaline necklace, bracelet, or ring.
Modern Uses of Tourmaline Stones in Jewellery
While tourmaline dances through the corridors of history, its true renaissance occurs in the modern era, as jewellery designers embrace its diversity and versatility. The gemstone, once associated with ancient beliefs and symbolism, now takes center stage in contemporary jewelry designs. From traditional settings to avant-garde creations, tourmaline is a canvas upon which artistic visions come to life.
You can find a beautiful tourmaline beaded necklace made by one of our specialized designers when you visit us online or in-store. This unique stone’s ability to harmonize with various metals and gemstones allows designers to craft pieces that evoke individuality and celebrate the wearer’s unique style. Many people also like incorporating the tourmaline birthstone into their jewellery to create a piece close to their hearts.
Tourmaline Benefits
The tourmaline gemstone is believed to offer several benefits to its users. Some of these benefits are beliefs based on certain cultures. Here are some tourmaline benefits you should consider when learning about the gemstone.
Physical Healing
Tourmaline is believed to have various physical healing properties. It is said to promote detoxification by helping the body eliminate waste and toxins. Additionally, it may enhance the immune system, increase circulation, and relieve conditions such as arthritis and muscle pain.
May Improve Functions of White Blood cells (Leukocytes)
A study investigated the impact of materials emitting far infrared radiation, such as tourmaline, granite, ceramic disks, hot spring water, and human palmar energy (“Kikoh”), on human leukocyte activity and lipid peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids.
The findings indicated that these materials significantly increased intracellular calcium ion concentration, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species generation in neutrophils, and the blastogenetic response of lymphocytes to mitogens. The results suggest that far infrared-emitting materials, commonly used in Japan for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, may enhance leukocyte functions without causing oxidative injury.
Mental and Emotional Balance
This stone is thought to have a calming effect on the mind and emotions. It may help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting a sense of balance and tranquillity. Tourmaline is also believed to enhance mental clarity and focus, making it beneficial for concentration and decision-making.
If you’re interested in exploring the potential benefits of tourmaline crystals or stones, you can either purchase the gemstone on its own or in the form of jewellery, such as a tourmaline bracelet or tourmaline necklace. You can also check Made You Look’s beautiful blue tourmaline ring sterling silver created by our expert jewellery smith.
Spiritual Growth
In the context of spiritual benefits, tourmaline is said to aid in spiritual growth and awareness. It is believed to open and activate the chakras, particularly the heart and third eye chakras, fostering a deeper connection with one’s inner self and promoting spiritual insight. Some people may wear a tourmaline bracelet daily for these potential benefits.
Protection and Grounding
Tourmaline is often associated with protecting negative energies and psychic attacks. It is thought to create a shield that guards against harmful influences, making it a popular choice for energy workers and those seeking spiritual protection. Additionally, it is considered a grounding stone, helping to anchor and stabilize energy in the physical body.
Conclusion
From its fiery creation in the Earth’s depths to its starring role in modern jewellery, tourmaline captivates with its kaleidoscope of colours and rich history. This unique gemstone timeless link connects human imagination with the wonders of our planet. Whether you’re looking for a gift for an October baby or curious to test out the gem’s potential healing properties with a tourmaline ring, Made You Look can help you find the perfect piece of jewellery based on your unique taste.