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Tourmalines exhibit piezoelectricity and when these stones become warm they become
electrically charged – positively at one end and negatively at the other, acting
like a magnet and strong enough to attract small particles of dust or ash. It is
for this reason that the Dutch of old used Tourmalines to clean their pipes!
As with most gemstones, ancient civilizations credited Tourmaline gems with magical
and mystical powers, including having the power to guard against danger and misfortune.
Tourmalines are said to have an especially strong influence over friendship and
love, lending permanence and stability to both. Tourmaline gems help to amplify
psychic ability / energy and are an excellent aid to increasing self-confidence
and understanding. Tourmaline is believed to help assist with tranquil sleep, calm
nerves, improve concentration and creative processes and to be an aid to curing
cancer.
Availability:
Orange Tourmalines are quite rare and will maintain an intermediate value as long
as there is no visible brown undertones as this can greatly reduce the stones value.
Bright Orange Tourmalines are highly sought after by collectors and occasionally
seen in commercial jewelry.
Sources:
There are known Tourmaline deposits throughout the world including, Afghanistan,
Africa, Brazil, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria,
Pakistan, Siberia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States (California, Connecticut,
Maine and Utah).
Evaluation:
Tourmaline (regardless of variety) is rated at 7 – 7.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness
and as such is suitable for all jewelry uses and is considered durable enough to
be worn everyday.
Found in an amazing variety, the sheer number of available Tourmaline colors is
second to none and unmatched by any other gemstone. Tourmalines can be found in
shades of blue, black, brown, colorless, green, orange, pink, red, yellow and other
colors in varying shades and hues, varying from completely transparent to opaque.
In addition to this there are also known occurrences of bi-color, tri-color, multi-color
and “Cat's Eye” Tourmalines, ensuring that the Tourmaline truly is a gemstone that
is available in a color to suit all styles and tastes.
A Tourmaline gemstone viewed from different angles will result in differing color
intensities being visible. The only one thing that you can be sure of is that the
deepest coloration will always be shown along the stone's main axis. When selecting
a Tourmaline, go with the color that you like but generally try to steer clear of
any stone that is cut too dark.
Orange Tourmalines can be found in shades ranging from a brownish orange, a vibrant
bright orange, and a slight pinkish orange, with the brownish orange colors being
the least desired. Some Orange Tourmaline specimens are reminiscent of Padparadscha
Sapphire with the price being much more modest. Because of Orange Tourmalines scarceness,
they offer great potential for increasing value over the years.
Common Cuts:
Owing to the fact that Tourmaline crystals are long and narrow in shape Tourmaline
gems are most commonly, although not exclusively cut into square or rectangular
stepped shapes.
Routine Enhancements:
Orange Tourmalines are often heat-treated in order to lighten colors and to remove
“silk” (a form of natural imperfection / inclusion). Some colored Tourmalines actually
transform into other Tourmalines (most commonly the Achroite Tourmaline variety),
during this heating process.
Care & Cleaning:
Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to clean Tourmaline. Ultrasonic cleaners
are generally safe. Never use chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid or ammonium fluoride
to clean Tourmaline because it can erode the stone. Much like many gemstones, Tourmaline
should be kept away from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat and light as this
can cause permanent color change. Always keep your Orange Tourmaline jewelry in
a fabric-lined box, away from other jewelry, in order to avoid damage / scratching.
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