Are tourmalines valuable?
These multicolor stones are popular with collectors and high quality specimens sell for prices in the range of $300 to $600 per carat. Other colors of tourmaline tend to be less expensive, but any fine material with vivid color can be quite valuable, especially in larger sizes.
What is the rarest tourmaline?
The rarest Tourmaline is called Paraiba. Along with being the rarest, it is also the most expensive. We only come across great Paraiba one every few years. The easiest way to see if a Tourmaline is Paraiba is by the neon-like blue and green with traces of copper.
What are tourmalines made of?
boron silicate minerals
Tourmaline is the name of a large group of boron silicate minerals. These minerals share a common crystal structure and similar physical properties – but vary tremendously in chemical composition.
How much is a tourmaline stone worth?
Most expensive are the Paraíba tourmalines, which may reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Chrome tourmalines, rubellites and fine indicolites and bi-colors may sell for as much as $1000/ct. or more. Other varieties are available for prices between $50–750/ct., depending on the richness of the color.
Can tourmaline be man made?
Tourmaline has never been synthesized, but a number of imitations exist, including natural stones and man-made imitations such as glass.
What is the breakage of tourmaline?
| Tourmaline | |
|---|---|
| Crystal habit | Parallel and elongated. Acicular prisms, sometimes radiating. Massive. Scattered grains (in granite). |
| Cleavage | Indistinct |
| Fracture | Uneven, small conchoidal, brittle |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
Does tourmaline scratch easily?
With a hardness of 7 to 7.5, a tourmaline has a greater susceptibility to scratches than a diamond or sapphire. So, while it’s still durable enough for daily wear, some prefer a harder stone for their engagement ring.
What is so special about tourmaline?
Tourmaline has been said to be a stone of reconciliation, a stone that fosters compassion and cool headedness, radiates the energy that attracts money, healing and friendship, and is used for grounding purposes, to stabilize, and reaffirm our Earth roots.