Where is Pink Tourmaline Found?

Tourmaline-Map Gemstones Unique Engagement Rings

Western United States – Both tourmaline and quartz crystals can be found in the Cryo-Genie mine located in San Diego County, California.

Eastern United States – Unusual yellowish-green tourmaline is mined from a source in Maine.

Brazil – Paraiba tourmaline, which is electric aqua blue, is found at the Mina da Batalha source in northeastern Brazil.

Nigeria – Central Nigeria is a source of reddish purple tourmaline.

Kenya – Tourmaline in greens and yellows is mined in Kenya.

Tanzania – The Umba Valley in Tanzania is known as an important source of many fine gemstones including tourmaline.

Namibia – Namibia is a source of fine-quality gem tourmaline including unique blue-green stones.

Zambia – Tourmaline can be found in small deposits at the Jagoda mine in Zambia.

Mozambique – Local miners search Mavuco in Mozambique for rare copper-bearing tourmaline.

Madagascar – Many tourmaline including purples can be found near Antananarivo in Madagascar.

Afghanistan – Afghanistan is a source of yellow and green tourmaline.

Pakistan

Myanmar – In 2006 a source of tourmaline was discovered in Letpanhla near Mogok, Myanmar.

Russia – Tourmaline can be found in the Transbaikal region of eastern Russia.

If you are lucky enough to have a special event, such as a anniversary or birthday, coupled to the month of October, let us at Knox Jewelers help you create a custom one-of-a-kind piece featuring a captivating rosy pink tourmaline. Tourmaline’s namesake comes from toramalli, which means “mixed gems” in Sinhalese, a language spoken in Sri Lanka. It happens to be a very appropriate title, as tourmaline has been discovered in a multitude of colors. Very few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling range of hues. The mineral variations include deep reds, pastel pinks, flattering peach, vivid greens, vibrant yellows and rich blues. Due to its wide array of colors, tourmaline throughout history has been mistaken for many other gemstones. People have probably used tourmaline gemstones for centuries, but until the development of modern technology, they identified it as some other stone, like sapphire or ruby, based on its coloring. The pink hue is the shade used as the birthstone for the month. This flattering hue would make an amazing mother’s ring or anniversary band.

All of our custom designs including rings, bands or pendants can be altered to hold this colorful birthstone. The possibility are endless with a rainbow gemstone naturally mined in so many saturated hues. A Knox Jewelers custom created piece, featuring a beautiful pink or any intensely colored tourmaline, is the perfect way to celebrate your special occasion falling within the month. Contact us today and let’s get started. We can always search our cutters’ inventory for your perfect gemstone, or we have a selection of eye-catching pink tourmaline in a variety of sizes and cuts already available!

Pink Tourmaline – October’s Vivid Gemstone

You might know that tourmaline is the birthstone for October (alongside opal), but did you know that pink tourmaline has been used to inspire creative writers and artists throughout history? Or that the most expensive tourmaline was up-for-sale for a whopping $25 million? Here are the most interesting facts about this colorful gemstone that you need to know about!

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1. Tourmaline comes from Singhalese

Not many people know that the word ‘tourmaline’ comes from ‘touramalli’ – a Singhalese word that means ‘mixed colored stones.’ Although the phrase was originally used to describe a variety of different colored stones, it’s now used to refer to this precious gemstone. Other names for tourmaline in the past have included ‘uvite’, ‘feruvite’ and ‘rubellite’.

2. Tourmalines come in different colors

Although pink tourmaline is one of the most popular varieties used in jewelry today, tourmaline comes in various colors, as well as combinations of two or three different colors. You might find the color at the center of the crystal, or at each end, depending on the stone. ‘Watermelon tourmaline’ is used to describe crystals that have a green rind and pink center – similar colors to the fruit.

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3. Tourmalines can generate an electrical charge

Yes, that’s right – an electrical charge can be generated in some tourmaline stones just by applying some pressure on the crystal. The process – known as piezoelectricity – has been used in science for many years, and tourmaline was even used in the first ever atomic bomb. The crystal can also attract bits of wood and other lightweight substances when it’s heated.

4. Tourmaline has been popular throughout history

Tourmalines have been popular as a gem for centuries and are commonly associated with the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who ruled China in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The last Empress of the Ch’ing Dynasty purchased large quantities of the crystal when a new tourmaline mine was opened in California. Today, the gemstone still evokes connotations of strength and royalty, and can be used to decorate buttons in jackets.

5. Tourmalines are found around the world.

Tourmalines can originate from mines around the world, including Kenya, Madagascar, the USA, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Brail, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Depending on where they are found, this October birthstone will have different patterns or qualities. Ancient legend says that this crystal can be found in all different colors because it’s traveled along a rainbow and gathered all the colors along the way!

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6. Tourmalines have inspired writers and artists

Tourmaline has inspired creative minds for centuries and has been mentioned in the work of artists and writers from around the world.

7. Tourmalines need love and care

Tourmalines are easy to clean but will need regular maintenance to keep them looking shiny and new. To clean the gemstone, use a very soft toothbrush or cloth and rub it gently. Mild soap can also be used to clean the crystal, especially when tourmaline scratches easily.

8. The world’s largest tourmaline was pretty huge

The biggest tourmaline in the world was around 192 karats and was valued for over $25 million!

Custom Create the Perfect Birthstone Jewelry

Tourmaline Gemstones Unique Engagement Rings

If you are looking for a ring that will be cherished for a lifetime by your loved one, we are here to help. Knox Jewelers specializes in unique custom jewelry designs and engagement rings. Pink tourmaline in any shape or size can add  color to one of our custom created jewelry designs for a one-of-a-kind look!

Contact Knox Jewelers to find out more about our products or services, including our custom jewelry design service. We look forward to hearing from you!