GEMSTONES

TOURMALINE

alternate October birthstone
is it a Ruby or is it Tourmaline?


This species has the largest variety of colors of any species known to man. The most popular color is green. "Rubellite", which can easily be mistaken for a ruby, is extraordinarily beautiful.  Like other hues, it and its counterparts come in a variety of tones and intensities. "Indicolite" is a magnificent blue and can be confused with sapphire.


Some of the more unusual varieties are the parti-colors. "Watermelon" has been very popular, having a green exterior, white intermediate layer and a red center. If the crystal is sliced "cross-grain", it will appear to be a slice of "watermelon!"
Brazil is the primary source for most tourmaline, however, the San Diego area produces a sizeable quantity of very fine stones

Special care instructions:   It is a very hard and durable stone and will wear better than many other gemstones. It doesn't require any unusual care.