In this article
GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
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Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
Tourmaline comes in more colours than almost any other gem: green, pink, red, blue, yellow, black and stones with two or three colours in one crystal. Northern Pakistan is one of the places it is mined, so Pakistani buyers see a wide range. Here is what tradition says about wearing it, and the practical points to settle before you buy.
What it is traditionally worn for
In South Asian astrology tourmaline is linked with Mercury (Budh) and is worn for balance and protection. Some astrologers suggest green tourmaline as an alternative to emerald, and practitioners differ on which colour suits which person. These are beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes, and we do not promise results. Agree the colour, weight, metal and finger with your astrologer before a ring is made; our rashi guide sets out the common pairings.
Why colour matters so much
Tourmaline's colour depends on its chemistry, and value changes with it. Vivid, pure greens, pinks and reds are popular; bright blue-green stones are especially prized. Bi-colour stones, such as pink and green "watermelon" tourmaline, have their own following. Whatever colour you choose, look for a lively, even shade without dark or dull patches.
Pleochroism: the built-in authenticity check
Tourmaline is strongly pleochroic, meaning it shows a different shade or depth of colour when seen along different directions. Turn the stone and you will often see it darken noticeably along one axis. Glass shows the same colour from every angle and may contain round bubbles. Assembled stones, two pieces glued together, show a join line when viewed from the side. Ask for natural tourmaline to be written on the invoice.
A curious property
Tourmaline becomes electrically charged when warmed or squeezed, which is why a tourmaline left in a warm display case can attract dust. It is a harmless quirk, and a quick wipe solves it.
Wear and care
At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale tourmaline handles daily ring wear. A sharp knock on a corner can chip it, so a bezel or protected setting is worth considering. Clean with mild soap and water.
Price
Colour intensity and purity drive the price, followed by clarity, cut and size. We price each stone individually.
Before you buy
Confirm the stone is natural, any treatment is in writing and the weight is the cut stone's. We inspect every stone and photograph each one alone. Browse tourmaline, or compare aqeeq and green agate. Urdu and English names are on our gem names page, and Cash on Delivery reaches Lahore, Karachi and every other city.
References
