Pink Tourmaline

Pink tourmaline is a valuable gemstone admired for its striking pink shades, ranging from baby pink to vibrant Barbie pinks. It is a durable stone with excellent brilliance, making it a favoured choice for custom jewellery. Tourmaline has a unique trait; it can develop an electrical charge when subjected to heat or friction, causing it to attract tiny particles like dust.

Chemical Composition: Complex boro-silicate of aluminium, magnesium and iron

Crystal System: Triagonal

Refractive Index: 1.62 to 1.65

Specific Gravity: 3.0 to 3.1

Double Refraction: 0.014 to 0.021

Mohs Hardness: 7 - 7.5

Lustre: Vitreous

Pink tourmaline is sourced from several countries, with significant deposits found in Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Afghanistan and the United States. Brazil is known for producing high-quality pink tourmaline, including the rubellite variety. Madagascar and Nigeria also yield exceptional stones with strong colour saturation. Each origin influences the gemstone's hue, clarity, and overall value, making origin an essential factor in the appeal of pink tourmaline.

Pink tourmaline is a beautiful choice for an engagement ring, but it requires mindful care. With a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, it is durable enough for daily wear but still prone to scratches over time. A protective setting such as a bezel or halo can help shield the gemstone to enhance its longevity. Its vibrant pink hues and unique character make it a stunning and meaningful alternative to traditional engagement stones.

The value of pink tourmaline is determined by its colour, clarity, size, and origin. The most sought-after stones have rich, saturated pink hues, with deeper shades like rubellite being especially prized. High transparency and minimal inclusions increase a gem’s worth, as does a larger carat size. Pink tourmaline from renowned sources, such as Brazil and Madagascar, can command higher prices due to their exceptional quality and colour intensity.

Generally, pink tourmaline does not undergo treatment. However, on occasion, it is sometimes heat-treated to enhance its colour. Heat treatment can remove brown or grey undertones, making the pink hue more vibrant. In rare cases, irradiation is used to intensify the gemstone's saturation, especially in lighter pink varieties. These treatments are widely accepted in the gemstone market and do not affect the stone's durability. However, untreated pink tourmaline with a naturally vivid colour is considered more valuable.

The rarest pink tourmaline is a flawless rubellite with deep, highly saturated pinkish-red hues. Rubellite is a special variety of tourmaline that remains vibrant under different lighting conditions, unlike other pink tourmalines that may appear duller in certain lights. High-quality rubellite with excellent clarity and no visible inclusions is exceptionally rare and highly valued among collectors and gem enthusiasts.

Pink tourmaline is one of the birthstones for October, alongside opal. Its wide range of shades, from soft pastel pinks to rich, vibrant rubellites, makes it a versatile choice for those born in this month. Unlike opal, pink tourmaline is a durable gemstone, making it a popular option for everyday jewellery while still offering a unique and personal touch.

Pink tourmaline was officially recognised as an October birthstone in 1912 when the American National Retail Jewelers Association, now known as Jewelers of America, established a standardised birthstone list. Before this, opal was the only gemstone associated with October. Pink tourmaline emerged as a vibrant and durable alternative, attracting those who sought more variety. The increasing demand for pink tourmaline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the United States, likely influenced its selection as October's birthstone. During this time, large deposits of high-quality pink tourmaline were unearthed, making the gemstone more accessible. Incorporating pink tourmaline alongside opal broadened the birthstone tradition, providing more variety and appeal.

Pink tourmaline is often associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing. It is believed to encourage self-love, strengthen relationships, and bring a sense of calm during stressful times. Throughout history, this gemstone has also been linked to creativity and confidence, making it a popular choice for those seeking inspiration and emotional balance. Its gentle yet vibrant energy has made it a cherished stone in both ancient and modern traditions.

Generally, pink tourmaline does not undergo treatment. However, on occasion, it is sometimes heat-treated to enhance its colour. Heat treatment can remove brown or grey undertones, making the pink hue more vibrant. In rare cases, irradiation is used to intensify the gemstone's saturation, especially in lighter pink varieties. However, untreated pink tourmaline with a naturally vivid colour is considered more valuable.