In this article
Written by Sameer
Reviewed on
Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
Few gems come in as many colours as tourmaline. Green, pink, red, blue, yellow, black, and stones with two or three colours in a single crystal. It is mined in northern Pakistan, so buyers here get to see a wider range than most. This page covers what tradition says about wearing it, and the practical points to sort out before you buy one.
What tradition says it is for
In South Asian astrology tourmaline is tied to Mercury (Budh) and worn for balance and protection. Some astrologers suggest green tourmaline in place of emerald, and practitioners don't all agree on which colour suits which person. These are beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes, and we make no promises about results. Settle the colour, weight, metal and finger with your astrologer before a ring is made; our rashi guide lists the usual pairings.
Why the colour matters so much
Tourmaline's colour comes from its chemistry, and the value moves with it. Vivid, pure greens, pinks and reds are popular, and bright blue-green stones are especially sought after. Bi-colour stones, like the pink-and-green "watermelon" tourmaline, have fans of their own. Whatever colour you go for, look for a lively, even shade without dark or dead patches.
Pleochroism: a test built into the stone
Tourmaline is strongly pleochroic, which means its shade or depth of colour changes depending on the direction you look through it. Turn the stone and you will often see it go noticeably darker along one axis. Glass looks the same from every angle and may have round bubbles in it. Assembled stones, two pieces glued together, show a join line when you look from the side. Ask for "natural tourmaline" to be written on your invoice.
An odd little habit
Warm a tourmaline or squeeze it and it picks up an electric charge. That is why a tourmaline sitting in a warm display case can gather dust. It is harmless, and a quick wipe takes care of it.
Wearing and cleaning it
At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale tourmaline copes with daily wear in a ring. A sharp knock on a corner can chip it, so a bezel or other protective setting is worth thinking about. Mild soap and water is all it needs to stay clean.
Price
How strong and pure the colour is drives the price most, then clarity, cut and size. We price each stone on its own.
Before you buy
Make sure the stone is natural, that any treatment is in writing and that the weight is for the cut stone. We check every stone and photograph each one by itself. Browse tourmaline, or compare aqeeq and green agate. The Urdu and English names are on our gem names page. We deliver with Cash on Delivery across Karachi, usually in 1–2 working days, and to Lahore and every other city.
References
