Think tourmaline is only pink or green? Discover the full rainbow of this diverse gem family. Learn about Schorl, Dravite, Elbaite, and rare varieties like Achroite.
When most people hear tourmaline, they picture pink or green.
That’s only the beginning.
Tourmaline is one of the most diverse gem families in the world. It covers a full spectrum of colours—some you may never have associated with this stone.
The Tourmaline Family in Simple Terms
- Schorl – Usually black, common in jewelry and collections.
- Dravite – Brown to golden shades, less familiar to buyers.
- Elbaite – The true rainbow gem, found in pinks, greens, blues, purples, yellows, and even colourless.
Within Elbaite, you get gems like:
- Indicolite – Rich blue shades often mistaken for sapphire.
- Rubellite – Strong red to pink stones.
- Achroite – Completely colourless, a rarity.
A Real-Life Surprise
A client once brought me a ring, convinced it was a sapphire.
After testing, I confirmed it was an Indicolite tourmaline.
The client was shocked—proof that tourmaline’s range can fool even experienced eyes.
Why This Matters for You
When you see a tourmaline, ask:
- What variety is it?
- Could it be a less common colour?
- Has it been tested by a trusted gemologist?
Knowing these answers helps you buy smarter and appreciate the true value of the stone.
Final Takeaway
Tourmaline is not just pink or green.
It is black, brown, blue, yellow, purple, red, and even colourless.
Next time you encounter one, remember—you might just be holding the rainbow in your hand.
Tourmaline is not limited to pink or green. This guide explains the full spectrum—black Schorl, golden Dravite, rainbow-coloured Elbaite, and rare colourless Achroite. Learn how varieties like Indicolite can even be mistaken for sapphire.
