Tourmaline

Tourmaline is one of the accepted birthstones for Octoer and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the eighth year of marriage. It occurs in a wider range of colors than any other gemstone. Colors such as green, blue-green, pink, red, yellow, orange, brown, and violet make up the palette of tourmaline. There is a tourmaline that looks like almost any other gemstone. A cut gemstone of tourmaline will display several hues. Stones are easily available in sizes of up to 5 carats.

Tourmaline is a hard and durable gemstone which can withstand years of wear.

Origin & Mining - The gem Tourmaline gets its name from the ancient Sinhalese work "Turmali" which means multi-colored gems. Tourmaline occurs in every color of the rainbow and combinations of two or three colors. Almost every color of tourmaline can be found in Brazil. In addition, tourmaline is also mined in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and in California and Maine in the US. Because of its vivid colors and relatively affordable cost, this gemstone is a popular choice for fine jewelry of all kinds.

Folklore - Tourmaline was thought to be an aid to meditation, fostering compassion and cool headedness. It was said to protect its wearer against many dangers, particularly that of falling. Scientists are also interested in tourmaline because it changes its electrical charge when heated. It becomes a polarized crystalline magnet and can attract light objects.

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Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a blue variety of the mineral zoisite. Colors range from lilac to deep blue. Because of its rarity and increased demand, deep colored, larger tanzanites are becoming more valuable every year. Pale color, smaller gems are getting pricier, but still are fairly reasonable.

Origin & Mining - Tanzanite was named in 1970 by Tiffany and Co, after its country of origin. It is relatively soft so is not recommended for everyday use. Tanzanite is a fairly rare gem. It comes from only one location and supply is limited in comparison to other gemstones. Tanzanite gives you two colors in the same stone. From one angle it is seen as blue and from another, purple.

Folklore - Because tanzanite was only recently discovered, thee are no legends or superstitions connected with it.

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