"Tourmaline" covers a group of minerals with dozens of shades. The notable varieties have their own names.
Rubellite Red and raspberry-pink; the most jewel-like of the reds, often included.
Indicolite Blue, from sky to inky; pure blue is rare and prized; usually heated.
Verdelite Green, the most common and affordable; often eye-clean and tougher than rubellite.
Paraíba Neon blue-green, copper-coloured, glows from within; the most expensive variety.
Watermelon Zoned crystal, pink core and green rind; often cut in slices to show both colours.
Others Canary (yellow), colour-change, achroite (colourless), schorl (black), plus Paraíba-type from Mozambique and Nigeria.
For jewelry Everyday ring — verdelite or indicolite in a protected setting. Cocktail ring — rubellite or Paraíba. Pendant or earrings with character — watermelon or bi-colour.
Frequently asked questions
What is watermelon tourmaline?+
A tourmaline with zoned colour — pink in the centre and green at the rim, like a slice of watermelon.
