Tourmaline is a popular gemstone that has been used for centuries in jewelry making. It comes in a variety of colors and is often used in rings, necklaces, and earrings. However, there are many fake tourmaline stones on the market, which can make it difficult for buyers to know if they are getting the real thing. In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to know if tourmaline is real.
What is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline is a crystalline boron silicate mineral that comes in a wide range of colors. The name “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “mixed colors.” It was first discovered in Sri Lanka in the 1700s and has since been found in many other parts of the world, including Brazil, Africa, and the United States.
Tourmaline is prized for its beauty and durability, making it a popular choice for jewelry. It is also believed to have many healing properties, such as promoting self-confidence, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep.
How to know if Tourmaline is real
There are several ways to determine if a tourmaline stone is real or not. These include:
-
Color
Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors, including pink, green, blue, red, and black. However, some of these colors are rarer than others, which can affect the value of the stone. For example, pink and green tourmaline are more common than blue and red tourmaline.
If a tourmaline stone is too vibrant or intense in color, it may be a sign that it is fake. Real tourmaline stones have a natural, subtle variation in color, which is difficult to replicate artificially.
-
Clarity
The clarity of a tourmaline stone can also be an indicator of whether it is real or not. Real tourmaline stones have a natural, slight inclusion, which gives them a unique character. However, if a tourmaline stone is too clear, it may be a sign that it is fake.
-
Hardness
Tourmaline is a relatively hard mineral, with a rating of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is resistant to scratches and can withstand daily wear and tear. If a tourmaline stone is easily scratched or damaged, it may be a sign that it is fake.
-
Weight
Tourmaline is a relatively heavy mineral, with a specific gravity of 3.06 to 3.25. If a tourmaline stone feels too light, it may be a sign that it is fake.
-
Refractive Index
The refractive index of tourmaline ranges from 1.624 to 1.644, depending on the color of the stone. This means that it has a high level of light refraction, which gives it a unique sparkle. If a tourmaline stone does not sparkle or reflect light well, it may be a sign that it is fake.
-
UV Light
Tourmaline is known to exhibit fluorescence under UV light. Real tourmaline stones will emit a distinctive fluorescence, which can be observed under UV light. If a tourmaline stone does not fluoresce, it may be a sign that it is fake.
-
Heat
Tourmaline is sensitive to heat and can change color when exposed to high temperatures. Real tourmaline stones will maintain their color and clarity when heated. If a tourmaline stone changes color or becomes cloudy when exposed to heat, it may be a sign that it is fake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourmaline is a beautiful and valuable gemstone that is often used in jewelry. However, due to its popularity, there are many fake tourmaline stones on the market. To ensure that you are getting a real tourmaline stone, it is important to pay attention to its color, clarity, hardness, weight, refractive index, fluorescence under UV light, and reaction to heat.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can make an informed decision when buying tourmaline. It is also recommended to purchase from reputable jewelers and to request a certificate of authenticity to ensure that you are getting a genuine tourmaline stone.
Lastly, it is important to note that while tourmaline is a beautiful and valuable gemstone, its value is subjective and can vary depending on factors such as color, clarity, size, and rarity. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a tourmaline stone that you love and that speaks to you.
