October Birthstone: Tourmaline
Tourmaline is the October birthstone. The name comes from the Gara word toramalli, which means "gem with mixed colors".
Because usually there are multiple colors in one crystal. Few gemstones have as dazzling colors as tourmaline.
Perhaps that's why ancient mystics believed this October birthstone inspired artistic expression—there's a color for every emotion.
The most popular are pink and red rubellite, emerald "chrome" tourmaline, and fluorescent green and blue-violet "Paraíba" tourmaline. Here are 5 of our favorite facts about Tourmaline:
Due to its variety of colors, tourmaline is often mistaken for other gemstones. One of the rubies in the Russian crown, "Caesar's ruby", is actually a red (rutile) tourmaline.
In the 16th century, a Spanish discovered green tourmaline in Brazil and confused it with jade. These and other cases of misidentification continued for centuries until scientists identified tourmaline as a different mineral species in the 19th century.
Different colors of tourmaline are believed to have different healing properties. Black tourmaline is believed to protect the wearer and give a sense of confidence.
Pink Tourmaline symbolizes love and is associated with compassion and tenderness. Green Tourmaline promotes courage, strength and perseverance.
Tourmaline can be used to commemorate the eighth wedding anniversary.
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