The Underwoods Journal
Tour of Tourmaline
The tourmaline gemstone is commonly known as the “Gemstone of the Rainbow” because of its wide variety of colors; such as pink, orchid, blue, green, red, yellow, black, brown and watermelon tourmaline. The formations of these colors have many different causes. For instance, trace amounts of iron and titanium induce the green and blue colors found in tourmaline, which range from a soft light mint color to a deep rich forest green. These colors are unique because many of the green tourmaline gemstones have pleochroism- which is an optical phenomenon where different colors can be perceived at various angles.PleochrosimThe rarest of color is found in the Paraiba Tourmaline. It is one of the most sought-after in the world because none of the other gemstones, including other tourmalines, have the vivid blue glow found in Paraiba. The difference is the small amounts of copper apparent in its formation, causing an incandescent glow that appears to light up the stone from within. Paraiba comes in colors ranging from turquoise to majestic blue-green and is almost always custom cut because of its extremely high value.Paraiba TourmalineTourmaline’s spectrum of colors doesn’t stop there. When manganese is present in the formation, it produces beautiful reds, pinks, and even yellows. These Underwood pieces are a perfect example of different shades that tourmaline can have. Notice the bracelet featuring an entire rainbow of tourmaline hues, from a light-yellow to deep red, blue, and brown, as pictured below. Finally, Watermelon Tourmaline is a popular, but rare, kind of tourmaline that exhibits pink, white, and green colors all within one crystal. It is known as a Master Heart crystal because its green and pink colors represent the colors of the heart. It is also said to have healing energies that work well with the heart’s emotions and energy. Watermelon Tourmaline is often used to assist in balancing and merging all the other tourmaline energies because it exhibits its most common hues all at once.Visit us at Underwoods Fine Jewelers in Fayetteville or explore our online website to view all the colors of tourmaline we have to offer. Each item is custom-made and displays the gem in a way that is just as unique as the person you are looking for. If you have any questions, you can find us at 611 W. Dickson Street from 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm Sat or contact us at 479-521-2000 and info@underwoods.com. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Opal and Tourmaline Offer Dazzlingly Unique Birthstones for October
Opal Opals are the most individual gemstones. Every opal is as unique as a fingerprint, with a one-of-a-kind combination of colors. Long ago, opal was called the “Queen of Gems” because the colors of all other gems can be found inside it. An ideal opal includes every color of the rainbow, but some hues may be more prevalent than others in individual gemstones. From those swept up by oceanic blues and greens to those blazing with reds and yellows, there is a unique opal to fit every person’s preference. The word “opal” comes from the Greek word opallos, meaning "to see a change (of color),” and the source of this name becomes clear as you rotate an opal and watch the colors shift in the changing light. Tourmaline Tourmaline, from the ancient Singhalese phrase tura mali, means “stone with mixed colors” - an apt name for a gem that can be several colors at once. An old Egyptian legend explains this mixture of colors by saying tourmaline, journeying up from the center of the Earth, passed over a rainbow and assumed all the colors of the spectrum. Still called the “Gemstone of the Rainbow” today, tourmaline comes in a dazzling spectrum of hues, from bright red and magenta to delicate pink and orange, from vibrant yellow and forest green to ocean blue and violet. Bi-color and tri-color tourmaline gems come in many different combinations. You can even find a multi-color variety called Watermelon Tourmaline, which has green, pink, and white bands. Jewelers cut this gemstone to resemble a watermelon, with each slice sporting a pink center, white ring, and green outer edge. Both opal and tourmaline gemstones come in a dazzling array of unique colors and combinations, ensuring that you will find the perfect gem to represent you or your loved one. To find a birthstone gem as unique as the person wearing it, visit our shop on Dickson Street in Fayetteville or call 479-521-2000 for more information. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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