Over the millennial, tourmaline has been known by a whole host of names from tsiaisite, dravite, chromdravite, achroite and rubellite; this is the short list!   And interestingly enough, philosopher Theophrastus noted its magnetic properties by its ability to attract bits of straw and wood.   This effect is called pyroelectricity; this occurs when the crystal is heated causing it to have a positive charge at one end of the crystal and a negative on the either end of the crystal.   This might be a cool party trick and if pressure is applied a different effect known as piezoelectricity occurs. This allows tourmaline to be utilized in instruments that measure pressure. They are often used in machinery that measures pressure, as well as for their unusual optic properties, to polarize light.

   Tourmaline is one gemstones that can be found in all the colors of the rainbow, why? Well, I could give you the scientific explaination but, I much prefer the legend.   According to ancient legend the reason tourmaline is found in all colors is because the gemstone traveled along the  rainbow and gathered all the rainbow’s colors. So, along with diamonds, tourmaline maybe the best fashion accessory available!

   Tourmaline has long been the topic of myth and legend. Crystal healing experts say that tourmaline is able to strengthen the mind and the spirit and is particularly beneficial for the nervous system, blood circulation and lymph glands. It is also considered beneficial for artists and writers as it is said to inspire creativity. The stone is also known as “the peace stone,” because it is believed to dispel violence and promote peace.It also bears age-old associations with inspiration and creativity. The last Empress of China loved the stone so much that she possessed nearly a ton of it, including a carved pink tourmaline pillow. Once thought to be rubies, there are numerous brilliant pink tourmalines among the 17th century Russian crown jewels. 

   The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese term “turmali,” which was the name given to all colored crystals on the island of Sri Lanka at that time. This name indicates the inability of ancient gem dealers to differentiate tourmaline from other stones. In fact, at one time in history, pink tourmaline were thought to be rubies. Pink tourmaline tends to be pinker in color than ruby. However, their similarities in appearance are so strong that the stones in the Russian crown jewels believed to be rubies for centuries, are now thought to be tourmalines.

 This stone was first discovered by Dutch traders off the West Coast of Italy in the late 1600's or early 1700's.  Tourmalines are now found in Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and throughout the USA.