All About Tourmaline Crystals
If you've shopped around Nova Lita Vintage, you know that we absolutely love incorporating tourmaline in our jewelry. We use it in so many of our pieces because of its beauty, wild colors, and natural energy properties. While you may have seen tourmaline crystals in our jewelry, you might not know much about this gemstone and where it comes from. There are tons of different varieties of tourmaline, and each species (yes, different gemstones are called species!) has its own unique properties and characteristics. Here are some interesting facts about tourmaline so you have a better idea of what you’re purchasing when looking at tourmaline jewelry.
History
Tourmaline is a gemstone that has been around for millions and millions of years. It’s found in many different geological settings all across the world, with some of the most famous tourmaline deposits being in Brazil (where it was first discovered by the Spanish), Madagascar, Afghanistan, and here in the United States. The oldest tourmaline crystals are estimated to be around 2.5 billion years old!
Hardness
Tourmaline is a relatively hard mineral, ranking 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Its hardness makes it perfect for jewelry making, as it's durable and resistant to scratching even when worn everyday.
Color Variations
You might have already noticed this, but tourmaline is a gemstone that comes in an amazing range of colors. In fact, it is one of the few gemstones that can be found in virtually every color of the rainbow, and sometimes a single crystal will even include multiple colors. Watermelon tourmaline might be the most famous of these bi-colored tourmalines and will be a combination of green and red/pink. The color of tourmaline can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the presence of other minerals, the temperature and pressure during the crystal formation, and the intensity and direction of light.
Spiritual Properties
In addition to its physical properties, tourmaline is believed to have incredible spiritual properties. Different colors of tourmaline are associated with different chakras, or energy centers, in the body. For example, pink tourmaline is said to be associated with the heart chakra, while green tourmaline is associated with the solar plexus chakra.
Tourmaline is also believed to have a grounding and balancing effect on the body and mind. It is said to help promote emotional stability and mental clarity, while also providing a sense of calm and relaxation. Tourmaline is also thought to be beneficial for those experiencing anxiety or stress, as it can help to soothe and calm the nervous system, and repel negative energy. Some people also use tourmaline as a tool for meditation or spiritual practice, as it is believed to enhance intuition and spiritual awareness.
Nova Lita Tourmaline Jewelry
Tourmaline is one of our favorite choices for jewelry making because of its unique beauty and versatility. It can be found in a variety of cuts and shapes, and can be used for all different styles of jewelry. When we’re designing tourmaline jewelry, we take into consideration the color and clarity of the stone, as well as its natural properties and energies.
There is no denying the allure of this versatile crystal. Tourmaline helps us create stunning jewelry pieces that are not only beautiful, but also incredibly meaningful and powerful.