Almost every gemstone that can be processed as a piece of jewellery is particularly appealing because of its enchanting colour. Rubies, for example, are classically associated with red tones, while emeralds usually shine in green. But exceptions prove the rule…
In the unique world of gemology, there exists a stone that comes in over 100 different shades. So that you don’t run the risk of getting lost in the “maelstrom of colour diversity”, we will tell you all the important facts about the so-called “chameleon gemstone”.
Due to its extremely varied colour appearance, tourmaline is a small mystery not only for gemstone lovers but also for researchers. Similar to the topaz, the polychrome beauty belongs to the silicate minerals, more precisely to the ring silicates, and thus it represents one of the most complex rock-forming mineral groups.
As with many other gemstones, the history of tourmaline begins quite early. According to a legend from ancient Egypt, tourmaline travelled over a rainbow on its long journey from the earth’s interior up to the sun. In the process, it supposedly absorbed all the colours of the rainbow – and that is why it shines in so many different colour variations.