Tourmaline vs. Other Colorful Gemstones: A Comparative Guide

Tourmaline is for sure one of the prettiest precious stones lined up with variety and peculiarity. While the majority of the gemstones exist in a lush range of colors, tourmaline stone is probably one that pops out in your mind when it comes to color range and individuality.

This comparative guide will walk you through how tourmaline compares to other colorful gemstones, highlighting its distinguishing features and may be the key choice for your jewelry collection.

Thus, it is a comparative guide about tourmaline vs. other colorful gemstones. Here we go.

Difference between Tourmaline and Other Colorful Gemstones

Tourmaline Color Spectrum

One of the greatest things that can be identified with a tourmaline Crystal is the variety of colors it has. It can be said that it is almost available in every color because stones of tourmaline are found in the following colors:

• Green

• Blue

• Red

• Pink

• Yellow

• Brown

• Black

Tourmaline displays multiple colors within one crystal. This phenomenon is referred to as "bi-color" or "watermelon" tourmaline, which comes with shades of pink and green.

That kind of color variety makes tourmaline a favorite among gem enthusiasts as well as jewelry designers.

On the contrary, Labradorite Stone and Moldavite Stone come in different tints, they are relatively more restricted. Sapphires occur primarily in blue, pink, yellow, and green. Emeralds occur typically green but depending on the mineral it may differ.

• Distinctive Optical Features

Tourmaline has the most interesting optical properties and is unique among gemstones. One of the properties is pleochroism, which allows it to show a changing color when viewed from different angles.

Essentially, one tourmaline stone can be seen to shift in color based on lighting and angle. Whereas other gemstones, such as tanzanite, can display pleochroism, none of these can equal the spectrum range present in tourmaline.

• Durability and Wearability

Tourmaline is between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, rendering it quite hard and robust for everyday use in all kinds of jewelry.

Many bright gemstones, such as opals or pearls, are much softer and might be easily scratched or damaged. That's why many people limit their application to everyday jewelry.

Therefore, if you are looking for a bright-colored gemstone that will go well with your everyday wear but is still catching the eye. Then tourmaline gemstone is the best choice.

Are you curious to know more about the difference between opal and pink tourmaline? Then have a look at: Opal and Pink Tourmaline: The Stunning October Birthstones.

Meaning and Cultural Significance

Each color of the tourmaline carries its meaning and importance. This gemstone has a rich tapestry of meanings that supports the appeal of the gemstone.

Other colorful gemstones also feature symbolic meanings; with sapphires seen to represent wisdom and loyalty, and rubies symbolizing passion and life. However, there are relatively fewer gemstones that offer the same breadth of symbolic associations as tourmaline.

Availability and Price

Tourmaline is far more accessible in general compared to some of the rarer gemstones for example the Paraíba tourmaline, or some types of sapphires.

Even while being very expensive at times, especially for rarer varieties like the Paraíba, many types of tourmaline remain within an affordable price range compared with most other colorful gems.

While a good-quality ruby is quite rare and its high prices run into many thousands per carat, there are tourmalines of all kinds coming onto the market at much lower prices without sacrificing beauty or uniqueness.

Treatment and Enhancements

Like many gemstones, tourmalines can also undergo certain treatments that enhance their attractiveness. Some of these treatments include heat treatment to either enhance the color clarity or lighten very dark stones.

On the other hand, precious stones like emeralds are occasionally treated with oil. This may make it a bit more challenging to properly care for the stone.

Conclusion

Tourmaline is the most colorful and versatile of all gemstones. While other colored gemstones have their appeal tourmaline's unparalleled diversity allows wearers to express themselves through color in ways that few other gems can match.

For one drawn either to aesthetic appeal or metaphysical properties, adding tourmaline to any collection may bring both beauty and meaning to the jewelry box.

This is all about tourmaline vs. other colorful gemstones; a comparative guide. Hence, choose wisely while shopping.