Chrome Tourmaline

Hardness: 7-7.5 Mohs

Enhancement Code: Natural

Quality Information:

Gem Medium: Medium to medium dark slightly yellowish green; eye clean to slight imperfections; good cut; good polishGem Dark: Dark slightly yellowish green;eye clean to slight imperfections; good cut; good polish

Care: Rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Major Sources: Tanzania

Found only in the east African country of Tanzania, chrome tourmaline is a rare and wonderful gem. Among the most vivid, intense greens found in the world of jewels, chrome tourmaline owes its name to the chromium content that gives this gem its dense, forest green hue. Not surprisingly, chromium also gives emerald its colour.

Green Tourmaline

Hardness: 7-7.5 Mohs

Enhancement Code: Heating

Quality Information:

A: Cabochon-cut: Medium to dark yellowish green; slight imperfections; medium dome

AA: Medium light to dark yellowish green; eye clean to slight imperfections; good cut

Care: Rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Major Sources: Afghanistan, Brazil, China, East Africa, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United States

Tourmaline comes in many colours, but for most people the name conjures varying shades of green. Ranging from fresh leek green to an rich intense green — with a multitude of nuances in between — it is highly prized for its verdant palette. Tourmaline honors 8th anniversaries and is Maine’s state gemstone.

Pink Tourmaline

Hardness: 7-7.5 Mohs

Enhancement Code: Heating

Quality Information:

AA: Medium to medium dark pink; slightly included to eye clean; good cut

Care: Rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Major Sources: Afghanistan, Brazil, China, East Africa, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States

Charmingly pretty, pink tourmaline flashes its femininity in a sparkling display. One of the more rare colour varieties of tourmaline, the pink ranges from a pale bubblegum to vibrant, light cherry. The cheerful colour so enchanted the last empress of China that she valued it above all gemstones. In addition to sharing the honor of celebrating 8th anniversaries with its other-colour cousins and October births with opal, pink tourmaline also is used to honor five years of wedded bliss.