Tourmaline jewelry belongs to a large family of gemstones where there is the availability of more than a hundred shades. Where does the name come from? The name, as has been learnt, has derived from the Sinhalese Turmali, which denoted to a combination of gemstones, as there happens to be a singular kind of propensity in confusing tourmaline with other color gems.
It should be kept in consideration, that the tourmaline jewelry had its origin from Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, but was introduced to the domain of Europe by the Dutch traders in the late 1600′s or early 1700′s. From the outset the gem has been believed to promote continued good health, and this has made it a favorite jewelry stone of many.
It is to be noted that right from the beginning the tourmaline jewelry has been attributed the ability to build valuable friendships and business contracts, to enhance knowledge and intuition and also to make a notable contribution in the creation of harmony and social reputation. Now is this all? Or are there other features that have made the jewelry an interesting one? What about the outward show?
If you ever come across any tourmaline jewelry you will find the presence of sparkling colors combined with a diamond-like brilliance. They can be cut in a variety of facets and shapes and thus shall resemble as truly unique. The green stones that are present in the design are known as elbaites, and are considered by many to be the most popular and green stones are often cut to rectangular shapes that can bear a resemblance to fine quality emeralds very much. Indicolites are considered equally as popular and are known by their beautiful blue, sapphire-like appearance. Red stones are sometimes mistaken for rubies. On the whole, in the global spectrum there are eleven recognized varieties of tourmaline jewelry that have been differentiated by the application of unique chemical structures. Some stones of the tourmaline jewelry when heated have been found to display property called pyro-electricity, where the stone is found to strengthen opposite polarities with a negative charge one end and a positive charge on the other.
Still another unusual occurrence called piezoelectricity develops much like the static electricity that is generated when two air-filled balloons are rubbed together or against ones hair. Thus, by now you have perhaps understood that the presence of several features within the tourmaline jewelry have been entirely responsible for its immense and also growing popularity. For instance, the presence of indicolites are found in areas of North America, notably in Maine and California, the island nation of Sri Lanka and Brazil. Other varieties of tourmaline jewelry can be found in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and across the Middle East. On the other hand the introduction of the tourmaline jewelry to the mainland of Europe increased its popularity to the greatest extent. Now, you may ask whether the beautiful appearance is solely responsible for its recognition in the global spectrum.
Not at all! Like many other varieties of crystal stones, the tourmaline jewelry is believed to possess a lot of different metaphysical qualities, which according to traditions have played a great role in the lives of several persons. Notable among the ancient myths is the belief that the stone could ward off depression and sadness and help the wearer overcome feelings of grief and loss. In conjunction with it, the unique electrical properties of these stones have made many believe that the wearer may experiences positive of negative changes in the bodies own electrical and magnetic fields. There are also trivial beliefs, but all these have led to the growth of the popularity of this very stone.