Tourmaline is the name of a large group of boron silicate minerals. These minerals share a common crystal structure & similar physical properties - but vary in chemical composition.
Tourmaline most commonly occurs as an accessory mineral in igneous & metamorphic rocks. Well-formed crystals of tourmaline form in cavities & fractures during hydrothermal activity.
Brazil has been the world's leading source of Tourmaline for nearly 500 years. In the 1500s Portuguese explorers obtained Green & Blue Tourmaline from indigenous people & from panning streams in search of gold. They thought that these colorful stones were emeralds & sapphires & sent them back to Portugal, where they were cut into gems & used to make jewelry for royalty & wealthy citizens.
The term tourmaline is derived from the Singhalese phrase turamali, meaning stone mixed with vibrant colors, & watermelon refers to Tourmaline with the color combination resembling the fruit of the same name.
Tourmalines are now divided into 11 different species depending on their properties & chemical composition. Elbaite is the name given to the most colorful members of the tourmaline mineral family. The red or pink Tourmalines known as Rubellites, the blue variety called Indicolite & the coveted Paraiba Tourmaline are all Elbaites, as is the multi-colored Watermelon Tourmaline.
Watermelon Tourmaline is said to soothe the heart & counter anger or resentment. It may assist in releasing stress, especially when used in meditation. It is thought to calm the mind & soothe emotions. It is known to deescalate drama with strong, heart-focused energy, maintaining a calm, balanced state of mind.
