What is tourmaline?

A member of the silicate family, tourmaline 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 stands out for its beauty and diversity. LEGION Paris invites you to discover this marvel.

Tourmaline's origins

The name tourmaline has its roots in the Sinhalese "turamali", which translates as "stone of mixed colors". This name echoes the remarkable chromatic diversity that characterizes this mineral.

The first written mention of tourmaline dates back to the 16th century. In fact, it was at this time that crystals were brought to Europe from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Since then, numerous tourmaline deposits have been identified around the globe.

Brazil, a veritable paradise for mineralogists, is home to some of the finest specimens. Afghanistan, the United States and several African countries also contribute to the global supply of quality tourmalines. As a result, bespoke jewelry is being created all over the world.

Tourmaline characteristics

Several aspects make tourmaline special. These include its chemical composition, color and physical properties.  

Chemical composition

Tourmaline is a mineral with a complex and variable chemical composition. It belongs to the borosilicate family, which means 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.

Sodium and lithium are also present in this mineral. 

Colors

Tourmaline is renowned for its incredible diversity of colors. The main hues 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, romantic color,
• Verte: verdite, a variety reminiscent of cool forests
• Blue: indicolite, a deep, mysterious hue

This palette of colors makes tourmaline a highly prized gemstone for jewelry designers and collectors alike. Each dye adds a unique, personal touch to jewelry creations.

Physical properties

Tourmaline has unique physical properties. In particular, it is pyroelectric, which means it can generate an electrical charge when subjected to temperature variations.

Tourmaline is also piezoelectric. It generates an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress, such as pressure.

These outstanding features find applications in a variety of industrial fields, such as pressure sensors, infrared detectors and electronic components.

Tourmaline at LEGION Paris

At LEGION Paris, we're passionate about gemstones. That's why we've chosen to highlight tourmaline, a gem with a thousand facets, to bring you exceptional jewelry.

Our team of experts carefully selects the finest tourmaline specimens, focusing on quality,brilliance and color diversity. Our artisan jewelers sublimate this precious stone in creations such as an original wedding rings. At LEGION Paris, you'll find the jewel that will seduce you and reflect your personality.