The Many Colours of Tourmaline: Meaning, Price and Care

Tourmaline comes in almost every colour of the rainbow. You can find it in pink, red, green, blue, yellow and black, and even with two or three colours in one stone.

The many colours of tourmaline have their own trade names — rubellite, verdelite, indicolite, schorl, Paraiba and watermelon — and each one carries its own traditional meaning. Tourmaline is also the birthstone for October, which makes it a popular gift for October birthdays.

This guide explains each colour, why tourmaline has so many, what the colours mean, how to choose jewellery, what sets the price and how to care for it. Browse our full tourmaline stone collection.

What is tourmaline?

A "mixed gem". The name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning "mixed gems". Sinhalese is a language of Sri Lanka. Tourmaline is made up of many minerals, which is why it has such a range of colours.

Long, natural crystals. Tourmaline grows in long crystals deep in the earth. Its colour can change depending on how the light hits it, and some crystals show two or three colours at once.

An "electric" stone. When tourmaline is heated or rubbed, it can hold an electric charge and pull in small bits of dust or ash. This piezoelectric property made it a stone of mystery for centuries and useful in scientific instruments in the past.

Tough enough for every day. With a hardness of 7.5, it is strong enough for everyday rings and necklaces. To learn more about how it forms, see the GIA tourmaline guide.

The different colours of tourmaline

The colour meanings below are cultural traditions, shared for interest. They are not proven facts.

Pink tourmaline (rubellite)

The most loved tourmaline. It ranges from soft light pink to deep magenta and is a favourite for rings and necklaces.

Meaning: love, compassion and kindness. It is a popular gift for family members to show a deep, loving bond.

Red tourmaline

Often mistaken for ruby. Deep red tourmaline has a rich, warm glow that looks very like an expensive ruby.

Meaning: passion and strength. It is thought to bring confidence and courage.

Green tourmaline (verdelite)

From mint to forest green. Some green tourmalines are light and soft, while others are deep and bold enough to look like emeralds. Nature lovers often choose it because it reminds them of the outdoors.

Meaning: growth, energy and vitality.

Blue tourmaline (indicolite)

Rare and calm. Indicolite ranges from light sky blue to deep ocean blue, perfect for anyone who loves cool colours.

Meaning: peace, calm and relaxation.

Paraiba tourmaline

The neon blue star. Paraiba is a rare, glowing blue tourmaline. It is the most expensive type of tourmaline because its neon colour is so hard to find.

Watermelon tourmaline

Pink in the middle, green outside. The crystal looks just like a slice of watermelon. It is rare and valuable, and many people see it as a piece of art made by nature.

Meaning: it is believed to bring balance between feelings and thoughts.

Multicoloured tourmaline

Some tourmalines mix pink, green, blue or other shades in a single stone. Each one is unique, which makes it a great choice if you want something truly one of a kind.

Yellow tourmaline

Bright and sunny. Its golden-yellow colour looks like a small ray of sunshine.

Meaning: happiness, joy and optimism.

Black tourmaline (schorl)

The most popular version. A deep, solid black with a strong, classic look.

Meaning: protection and grounding. Many people wear it to keep negative energy away, and in many parts of the world it was kept in homes as a "shield" against bad luck.

Why does tourmaline have so many colours?

It comes down to the elements inside. As tourmaline forms, elements such as iron, magnesium and lithium change its colour.

• Iron gives green or blue shades.
• Manganese gives pink and red tones.

Tourmaline meaning and symbolism

Across many cultures, tourmaline as a whole is seen as a stone of balance and protection. Many people wear it to feel more balanced in busy lives.

• A shield for the mind: traditionally worn to push away negative thoughts and keep a happy, positive outlook.
• Calm and focus: believed to help "quiet the noise" of a busy day and keep you grounded, especially when starting something new like a business or job.
• Creative inspiration: because of its many colours, artists often wear it to spark fresh ideas.
• Self-confidence: a symbol of inner strength that helps the wearer feel brave and focused.
• Protection: in ancient times, people believed tourmaline could protect them from danger and evil spirits.

Tourmaline jewellery designs

Why it works so well in jewellery. Tourmaline is strong, comes in so many colours and looks beautiful in silver, yellow gold or platinum. You will find it in rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Every stone has its own natural "fingerprint".

Style ideas for women

• Princess style: a square-cut pink or green stone on a shiny band — a royal look many women love for anniversaries.
• Infinity rings: a centre stone with twisted lines on the band, which stands for "forever". It looks lovely with watermelon tourmaline.
• Swirl settings: a round stone held by swirling metal arms for a modern, artistic look.

Style ideas for men

• Black signet rings: a flat, polished black stone in a heavy silver setting gives a strong, professional look.
• Rough stone pendants: many men like raw, uncut black crystals on a simple chain for a rugged, natural feel.

Custom tourmaline jewellery at Raza Gems

We can turn your chosen stone into a custom tourmaline ring, pendant or necklace.

• Any colour: pick your favourite shade from our natural collection.
• Any metal: we work with 925 silver, 18K gold and platinum.
• Handmade: each piece is crafted to last.

Tourmaline price: what decides it

The price of tourmaline depends mostly on its colour and how clear the stone is.

1. Affordable: black and light pink stones are usually very budget-friendly.
2. Mid-range: deep greens and bright pinks cost more but are still affordable for most jewellery lovers.
3. Premium: neon blue Paraiba is one of the most expensive gems in the world because it is so rare.

For more choice, see our wider range of natural gemstones.

How to care for tourmaline

• Easy cleaning: use warm water with a little mild soap, then dry with a soft cloth.
• Avoid high heat: don't clean it with very hot steam, as this can sometimes damage the inside of the stone.
• Safe storage: keep it in its own soft bag so harder stones like diamonds can't scratch it.

FAQs

Is tourmaline a real gemstone?

Yes. It is a 100% natural stone found in the earth and is very popular in fine jewellery.

Can I wear tourmaline every day?

Yes. It is strong enough to wear every day in rings or bracelets.

Is black tourmaline good for men?

Yes. Its strong, dark look makes it one of the top choices for men's jewellery.

Does tourmaline colour fade?

No. The colours of tourmaline are natural and stay bright.

Gemstone traditions are cultural beliefs, not medical advice. See our gemstone and healing disclaimer.