Today, we are going to discuss everything about Tourmaline in detail. We will discuss the important factors that you need to consider before buying Tourmaline. This guide will help you get the best piece according to your requirements.
Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone, which is mostly used in jewelry. The unique property of Tourmaline is that it is found in various colors. Its vast range of attractive color catches everyone's attention.
Buyers often get confused while buying Tourmaline. There are different characteristics that determine the final price of the piece, and you need to know everything before you buy one. Today, we are going to discuss everything about Tourmaline in detail. We will discuss the important factors that you need to consider before buying Tourmaline. This guide will help you get the best piece according to your requirements.
The clarity of Tourmaline is an important factor that can affect the price. Tourmalines usually have inclusions in them, and the inclusions of the clearest tourmaline will be somewhat easy to see under 10X magnification. The reason for inclusion is the area where it is found. Normally, it is found in liquid and gas rich areas, which is the reason it has gas and liquid inclusions. Due to high pressure on the stones, the cracks appear, and they are filled with liquid and gasses. These inclusions can be like hollow tubes, threads, and bubbles. However, some inclusions are very clear to the eye, while some are only visible under a microscope.
The inclusions that are in dark-colored tourmalines are not easily visible, while in blue and green tourmalines, inclusions can highly affect the value. If the inclusions are clearly visible and they are affecting the look of the stone, they will decrease the price of the piece.
In rare cases, inclusions can increase the price of tourmaline. If there is only one inclusion and the stone is precisely cut to keep the inclusion in the middle, it can increase the value. Such stones are often called Cat-eye tourmalines because they look like a cat's eye, and they are expensive as compared to other tourmalines.
GIA has divided gemstones into three types: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Tourmalines fall in all three types. Type I is the clearest, while Type III the least clear gemstone type. You need to know the type first to check the clarity on the grading scale.
There is a clarity grade for each type. The scale has ten grades that are,
These clarity grades are different for each type of gemstone. So, you need to identify the type of tourmaline first, and then you need to check the clarity. In simple words, checking only the clarity grade or type is not enough; you need to check both.
Tourmaline comes in a huge variety of colors. You will not find any other gemstone with such a range of colors. Even some tourmalines have two or more colors.
The color of the tourmaline also affects the value. No doubt, everyone has his/her preference of color, but tourmaline's price depends on its color. Some colors are rare, while some colors are in abundance. Moreover, tourmaline is famous for its pleochroism, which means it shows different colors at different angles.
There are various varieties of tourmaline, and all are known by different names.
|
Name |
Color |
|
Paraiba |
Blue to Green |
|
Rubellite |
Red |
|
Indicolite |
Blue |
|
Watermelon |
Green and Red |
|
Canary |
Yellow |
There are many varieties of tourmaline because of their vast range of colors. They also show different chemical and physical properties because of their composition. The color mainly depends on the origin of the tourmaline.
Paraiba Tourmaline is the most expensive variety, which was first discovered in Brazil. Now, it is also mined in Nigeria and Mozambique. It is a rare tourmaline, and its color is very attractive.
Other than the color, the tone of the tourmaline also matters. For instance, there can be different tones of blue. In simple words, tone refers to the lightness or darkness of the color. Some tourmaline colors range from light to dark, such as blue.
Color is an important factor while choosing the tourmaline as it governs the price, but it is not the only factor that can affect the price. You need to consider all factors while buying a tourmaline.
If you ever see an unpolished or raw tourmaline, you will never believe it's a tourmaline. The raw form of tourmaline has a haphazard shape and different impurities. After polishing and proper cutting, it becomes appealing. The cut of the tourmaline is very important. It is responsible for the reflection of light.
The true value of a gemstone is because of its reflection. If the gemstone is cut properly, it will offer excellent brilliance. Cut quality is critical because it makes the gemstone shiny and appealing.
People usually get confused with cut quality and shape. These are two different things. The shape could be a rectangle, oval, or something like that; however, the cut decides the symmetry of the piece. A gemstone is cut at certain angles to give it a nice look and allow it to reflect light.
Carat Weight
The carat weight of the tourmaline is the simplest thing. It is the major factor determining the price.
The carat weight also depends on the type of tourmaline. Different types of tourmalines have different carat weight ranges. If a type of tourmaline is found in 10 carats, it doesn’t mean all types of tourmalines will be available in the same carat weight.
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Trusted lab report is the most important thing that you should never forget. Which provides reports for colored gemstones, including tourmaline. The tourmaline report ensures that you are getting the real deal. The first thing that it clarifies is the carat weight. You won't be fooled by a low carat piece if there is a trusted lab report with it.
Other than the carat weight, there are other important things. The dimensions, shape, cutting style, transparency, and color are mentioned clearly. You can also get the original report as well.
Tourmaline can be enhanced to make it more appealing and attractive. Some enhancements are industry standards, and they increase the beauty of the piece; however, some enhancements affect the durability of the piece.
The most common treatment is heating. This is the standard treatment that does not affect the quality of the stone, but it lightens the tone of the piece. If the stone is too dark, then heating can lighten the tone of the color. There won't be any compromise on the durability after heat treatment.
Sometimes resins and oils are used to fill the fractures and gaps in the tourmaline, but this can affect the durability, and such stones require extra care. Other treatments, such as color treatments, are not preferred because the color does not last for long.
In simple words, heat treatment is not a problem because it improves the tone and doesn't affect the quality or durability. But other enhancement methods should be avoided because the stone loses its value.
Tourmalines are ideal for daily wear and are strong enough. On the hardness scale, all types of tourmalines fall between 7-7.5. This hardness is excellent for daily use. Tourmalines do not break with little tension.
Extreme temperatures may cause cracks in the stone. It may alter its color if exposed to high heat. Moreover, there can be a fracture due to heat.
A gentle wash with mild soap and water is recommended for washing.
Tourmalines are quite appealing, and they come in a variety of colors. Before you buy a tourmaline, you need to look at some important factors. We have discussed all factors in detail. Moreover, you may get trusted lab reports for the tourmaline you buy. It shows every characteristic of the stone. We have explained everything in detail, and we hope you have a clear idea of tourmaline and its characteristics.