October Gemstone: Tourmaline

October 05, 2023 2 min read

If ever there was a gemstone that seems to have it all it is tourmaline. October babies are incredibly spoilt for choice and variety with this one. The name Tourmaline is derived from the Sinhalese (a language of Sri Lanka) word toramalli, which means many colored.

Dubbed the 'chameleon stone' by many; tourmaline certainly has a knack for mistaken identity. Parading in gorgeous reds, striking pinks, dazzling emeralds, pretty yellows and mysterious blues and electric violets it is not surprising that this gem has fooled Emperors and Kings. One of the “rubies” in the Russian crown jewels, the “Caesar’s Ruby” pendant, is actually red (rubellite) tourmaline. The confusion about the stone's identity carried on until scientists recognized tourmaline as a distinct mineral species in the 1800s.

Tourmaline is the Gemstone for the 8th Anniversary

When you look at a selection of tourmaline it is easy to see why the Ancient Egyptians believed that they got their amazing colors because they broke through a rainbow while pushing their way up through the earth. Not only do tourmalines come in various colors AND various shades, they also come in bi-color and multi color tourmaline!

When it comes to strength and durability, tourmaline holds up pretty well. It is rated 7 to .5 on Mohs scale of hardness - that is a little bit harder than Quartz. This means it is generally suitable for everyday wear. It is stable enough to withstand light and most chemicals but can be damaged by heat. As for cleaning, warm soapy water and a soft brush tends to work best.

We currently have tourmalines in our Entwined Gemstone ring and Flame Lily Necklace. If you are a jewellery-lover with a penchant for color consider tourmaline!!

Client Reviews

from 59 reviews

Varaidzo V. Yvette Mahlahla

Butterfly Ring Size N

Butterfly ring

As usual, top notch service from Eileen. I love my ring and I have been wearing it every day since I received it

01/22/2024

Victor Steenbergen

Flame Lily earrings

Great earrings

12/27/2023

Keith Kanyowa

Africa Map Chain - Silver

silver men's chain

Great piece! Love it!

12/21/2023

Emmaculate Magugu

Green Labradorite Chain

A beautiful piece. Its so stunning. I will orer again

12/20/2023

Keitha Taylor

Msasa Pod chain

Fantastic service delivering a beautiful necklace - thank you so much!

10/06/2023

Phatie

Mystery Box 2

Totally amazing!

I loved everything that was in box. Every piece was unique and special in its own. It also felt like the items were tailor made for me. Like I prefer hook earrings to those with stoppers and I got an amazing pair of hook earrings. The box brought brightened my day :-)

09/18/2023

Petrina Lança

Mystery Box 2

Mysteriously Delighted

From taking the chance at trying out the mystery box✨ to waiting for it to arrive I had butterflies in my tummy. 🦋 What a delight to receive it and being surprised with such a wonderful treat. 🧚🏻‍♀️ In my mind I thought I’d regift the items for the many birthdays that are coming up but….. now I don’t know that I can 🤭
From ordering to receiving is always such a smooth ride. Thank you! … and I guess I’ll be shopping again soon 🥰

08/17/2023

Jessica Folkertsen

Mystery Box 2

Delighted

Last year I saw a particular piece that I adored in the Mystery Boxes but never ordered anything, this year I saw the same piece and when I asked Eileen how much the piece was on its own I thought I may as well go for the Mystery Box and hope for the best, so I crossed everything and ordered and I received my Mystery Box that I am so totally delighted with - I received the very special chain that I had my eye on, plus a stunning ring that I haven't seen in Eileen's shop and a beautfiul pair of earrings. I feel greedy keeping it all so may gift something forward but I also don't want to share! lol
Thank you Eileen for your stunning jewelry and this wonderful Mystery Box idea!

08/15/2023

S.S.

www.eileenmjewellery.com

$150 gift box

I am so extremely happy with my gift box. I can't tell you how ecstatic I was to receive my box. And then to see that I received the mystery necklace as well! I'm over the moon with what I received! Rhank you Eileen for making my weekend so very special!!

08/15/2023

Tadiwanashe Kainga

www.eileenmjewellery.com

Great service and product

08/02/2023