Gemstone: Achroite Tourmaline There are a plethora of different names and categories for the Tourmaline gemstone family, although these are all generally divided into the following sub-groups: Dravite, Schorl and Elbaite, which is named after the Italian island of Elba. Achroite Tourmaline is a member of the Elbaite sub-group of Tourmalines. Birthstone Month: Zodiac: Chemical Symbol: Chemical Make-up: History & Lore: Tourmaline is often referred to as the rainbow gemstone, due to the huge amout of colors that it is available in. This was certainly believed by the ancient Egyptians who believed that when Tourmaline traveled from its home in the earth's core to the surface, it did so along a rainbow, which subsequently gifted the gemstone with all of the colors of the rainbow. Tourmalines exhibit piezoelectricity and when these stones become warm they become electrically charged – positively at one end and negatively at the other, acting like a magnet and strong enough to attract small particles of dust or ash. It is for this reason that the Dutch of old used Tourmalines to clean their pipes! |
| As with most gemstones, ancient civilizations credited Tourmaline gems with magical and mystical powers, including having the power to guard against danger and misfortune. Tourmalines are said to have an especially strong influence over friendship and love, lending permanance and stability to both. Tourmaline gems help to amplify psychic ability / energy and are an excellent aid to increasing self-confidence and understanding. Tourmaline is believed to help assist with tranquil sleep, calm nerves, improve concentration and creative processes and to be an aid to curing cancer. Achroite Tourmaline is said to be especially effective at helping the wearer achieve a more harmonious relationship with higher beings / Gods. Availability: Of the many Tourmaline varieties available, the occurrence of natural Achroite, or colorless Tourmaline, is somewhat rare when compared to the other Tourmaline varieties. Sources: Evaluation: Found in an amazing variety, the sheer number of available Tourmaline colors is second to none and unmatched by any other gemstone. Tourmalines can be found in shades of blue, black, brown, colorless, green, orange, pink, red, yellow and other colors in varying shades and hues, varying from completely transparent to opaque. In addition to this there are also known occurances of bi-color, tri-color, multi-color and “Cat's Eye” Tourmalines, ensuring that the Tourmaline truly is a gemstone that is available in a color to suit all styles and tastes. Achroite Tourmaline is the colorless, or near colorless Tourmaline variety. A Tourmaline gemstone viewed from different angles will result in differing color intensities being visible. The only one thing that you can be sure of is that the deepest coloration will always be shown along the stone's main axis. When selecting a Tourmaline, go with the color that you like but generally try to steer clear of any stone that is cut too dark. Arguably the most desirable and valuable Tourmalines in today's market are known as “Paraiba” Tourmaline. These are vivid deep blue to bluish-green in color and originate from the Paraiba state in Brazil. Expect to pay a premium for this variety. There is also currently strong demand for the “Verdelith” Green Tourmaline and Pink Tourmaline (Pink Rubellite). Demand is also increasing expotentioally for many of the varieties of Bi, Tri and Multi-colored Tourmalines, most notably “Watermelon” Tourmaline, which are bi-colored stones with a green border enveloping a red center. Common Cuts: Routine Enhancements: Care & Cleaning: |
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