Tourmaline is a very valuable stone, referred to as the most colorful mineral found in nature. Hence the origin of its name, from the Syngallic word “Turmali", meaning "multicolored". No wonder, it occurs in almost every color known in geology. It is a hard mineral, beautifully reflecting light. Pink and green varieties are particularly valued, as well as unique, gradient mixtures of these colors, for example - Watermelon Tourmalines.
This mineral has been visually intriguing since its formation in nature. This type of crystal is called a barrel and resembles long, colorful columns. Their cross-section is also characteristic, with a triangular shape with rounded corners.
Some kinds of tourmaline have unusual, memorable names. For example, a light green tourmaline with a contrasting black tip is called the "Maura head". The red one with the intense green tip is being called the "Turkish head”. In Sote we are very fond of green turmalines - deep, dark coloured ones called wedelites, which are especially suitable for silver. They also match perfectly with the rubelite varieties of a subdued pink colour, that blends beautifully with gold. 
There are several places in the world that are known for their tourmalines. The first one that should be mentioned is Madagascar, because you can find varieties in all possible colors - from green, through blue, yellow, orange, red to brown. You can also find the very valuable one -  colorless, called Achroit. Another place where the extraction of this mineral is very significant is Brazil, where beautiful green and red types come from.
An interesting story is connected with Paraiba Tourmaline, which comes from the Brazilian region of the same name. It was discovered in 1989 by Heitor Dimas Barbosa, who dug the region in search of unique mineral specimens. After it was mined, it quickly became one of the most desirable stones, with a very intense, distinguishing turquoise colour. It turned out to be so rare that only one in 10,000 diamonds contain a mined Paraiba Tourmaline! So far, in addition to the Brazilian Paraiba district this mineral species has been found only in Mozambique and Nigeria. Although at first glance they are almost identical, they turn out to be inferior to Brazilian specimens, because of their difference in purity.
A mysterious and exciting mineral, tourmaline is often used as an amulet. It is believed to be a stone of equilibrium that works perfectly with meditation, relaxation and energy therapy.
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