Green tourmaline
$24.95
Item number:
1
Green tourmaline, also known as verdelite, is a vibrant gemstone that ranges from pastel mint to deep forest green. Known for its durability (7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale), it is highly valued for its brilliance in rings and pendants.
Gemological Properties
- Color Range: Varies widely from light yellow-green, rich grass green, to deep bottle and bluish-green.
- Pleochroism: Tourmaline crystals absorb light differently from different angles, often making the color appear darker along one axis and lighter along another.
- Inclusions: They naturally feature internal features, such as tiny liquid-filled tubes or needles.
- Refractive Index: 1.624 to 1.644.
Pricing & Valuation
While green tourmaline is the most common variety of tourmaline, flawless stones with high saturation command premium prices.
- Carat Price: Smaller or moderately included stones typically cost between $70 to $300 per carat.
- Premium Stones: Vivid, eye-clean emerald-cut or radiant-cut stones between 2 to 5 carats generally sell between $1,000 and $4,000+.
- Factors: Tone is critical; cutters try to avoid stones that are so dark they appear opaque, preferring medium-toned "apple" or "mint" greens.
Green tourmaline is mined all over the world, with major commercial deposits located in:
- Brazil: Known for producing bright, vibrant, and lighter-hued green stones.
- Africa: Notable localities include Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia, which yield highly sought-after saturated dark bottle-greens and neon-mint variants.
Metaphysical Meaning
In crystal healing and metaphysical practices, green tourmaline is associated with the Heart Chakra. It is often referred to as the ultimate physical healing stone, believed to promote compassion, emotional healing, vitality, and a connection to nature's energy.