Tourmaline, the versatile silicate mineral celebrated for its unparalleled range of colors, holds a unique position in the world of birthstones. While the traditional birthstone for October is opal, pink tourmaline was introduced as an alternate stone in 1952, and today, the practice has widely expanded to accept tourmaline of any color for this autumn month. Among these myriad hues, blue tourmaline, known in the trade as indicolite or indigolite, stands out as the rarest and most coveted variety. Its captivating blue spectrum, from pale sky to deep oceanic tones, carries a distinct geological origin, a modern history of discovery, and a profound legacy in both gemological and metaphysical circles. This article explores the multifaceted nature of indicolite, detailing its formation, properties, historical journey, and its significance as a stone of communication and peace.
History and Lore
The story of indicolite is interwoven with the broader history of the tourmaline group. The name "tourmaline" itself is derived from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning "mixed stones," a testament to the gem's historical confusion with other colored gems. Early gem traders in Sri Lanka and Burma often misidentified red tourmaline as ruby, green as peridot, and blue as sapphire. It was the development of modern optical gem testing techniques that finally distinguished tourmaline’s unique physical properties from those of other gems. Tourmaline was first recognized by Dutch traders in the late 1600s or early 1700s off the west coast of Italy, with an ancient legend suggesting it traveled to Earth along a rainbow, collecting all its colors.
While the general history of tourmaline is centuries old, the specific variety of blue tourmaline is a more modern discovery. The most legendary and valuable form, Paraiba tourmaline, was not discovered until 1989 in the Paraiba state of Brazil. This specific variety is noted for its intense, neon-blue hue, a result of copper content, and is the rarest and most expensive of all tourmalines. Prior to this discovery, blue tourmaline was already known from other localities, but the Paraiba find revolutionized the gem market and cemented the stone's status among collectors.
In the realm of folklore and talismanic tradition, tourmaline was considered a "Gem of Autumn" and the "six o’clock Gem of the Night," as noted by gemologist George Frederick Kunz. Blue tourmaline amulets were believed to be "Seeker Energizer" talismans, aligning the crystal's energy with the human mind to find new horizons and capabilities. These talismans were favored by scientists, adventurers, and researchers. In spiritual practice, blue tourmaline has been revered by shamans and healers for centuries to enhance intuitive and psychic powers, particularly for communicating with higher realms.
Geological Formation and Sources
Blue tourmaline belongs to the tourmaline group, a complex crystalline silicate mineral group containing boron and aluminum. Its chemical composition can include elements such as iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. The specific blue color in indicolite is primarily caused by trace amounts of iron, though the highly prized Paraiba variety owes its vivid neon-blue color to copper impurities. Tourmaline crystals are typically formed through hypothermal activity, often found in metamorphic rocks.
Indicolite is mined in several locations across the globe, with certain regions producing stones of exceptional quality. Key sources mentioned in the available data include:
- Brazil: The Paraiba region is legendary for its copper-bearing blue tourmaline. Although the original mines are now closed, the stones from this area remain highly valuable. Brazil is also a general source for blue tourmaline.
- United States: Maine has a 200-year history of tourmaline mining, where blue tourmaline is found in the western part of the state and commands high prices. Other U.S. locations are also noted as sources.
- Africa: Nigeria and Kenya are significant producers of blue tourmaline.
- Asia: Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are traditional sources for tourmaline, including the blue variety.
- Russia: Russian localities are also identified as a source for blue tourmaline.
The stone is typically found in temperate areas and within metamorphic rock formations. The geographic distribution of blue tourmaline is wide, but the finest specimens, especially the Paraiba type, are exceptionally rare and geographically specific.
Gemological Properties
Blue tourmaline exhibits a set of physical and optical characteristics that define its identity as a gemstone. Its properties make it durable for jewelry, while its rarity and color contribute to its value.
Color and Clarity: The color range of indicolite spans from light teal and sky blue to deep, saturated navy. Some stones may exhibit purple shades, often referred to as Lavender Blue Iolite, or a blue-green hue. The most coveted color is the intense, electric blue of the Paraiba variety. Clarity can vary, but fine specimens are valued for their transparency and vibrant color saturation.
Hardness and Durability: On the Mohs scale of hardness, blue tourmaline ranks between 7 and 7.5, making it a relatively hard and durable gemstone suitable for various types of jewelry, including rings and pendants. This hardness provides good resistance to scratching and abrasion.
Crystal Structure: Tourmaline belongs to the trigonal crystal system, often forming long, prismatic, or columnar crystals with striated faces. These crystals can be faceted into brilliant cuts to enhance their color and light performance.
Chemical Composition: As a member of the silicate family, tourmaline is a boron aluminum silicate. The specific variety of blue tourmaline is a magnesium iron boro-aluminum silicate hydroxide, with the blue coloration linked to iron and, in the case of Paraiba, copper.
The following table summarizes key gemological properties of blue tourmaline based on the provided sources:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Group | Tourmaline (Complex Boron Silicate) |
| Color | Light teal to deep blue; Paraiba variety is neon-blue |
| Mohs Hardness | 7 - 7.5 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Chemical Basis | Magnesium iron boro-aluminum silicate hydroxide |
| Key Varieties | Indicolite, Paraiba Tourmaline |
| Primary Sources | Brazil (Paraiba), USA (Maine), Kenya, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Russia |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Blue tourmaline is deeply embedded in metaphysical and spiritual traditions, where it is associated with specific chakras, elements, and planetary alignments. Its symbolism is largely centered on communication, intuition, and peace.
Chakra Association: Blue tourmaline is strongly linked to two primary chakras: the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) and the Third Eye Chakra (Ajna). The Throat Chakra, located in the throat, governs truth, individuality, self-expression, and communication. Blockages in this chakra can lead to social anxiety and difficulty expressing thoughts. Blue tourmaline is believed to activate and clear this chakra, facilitating honest and clear communication. The Third Eye Chakra is associated with intuition, psychic abilities, and insight. By stimulating this chakra, blue tourmaline is thought to aid in processing psychic impressions and enhancing spiritual gifts.
Elemental and Planetary Alignments: The stone is associated with the element of water, which symbolizes intuition, sensitivity, and emotional flow. In astrology, it is connected to the planet Venus, the celestial body of love, beauty, and art. It is also linked to the zodiac signs Libra (September 22 – October 23) and Taurus (April 20 – May 20). For Libra, the sign of balance, blue tourmaline's properties of harmony and respect are particularly resonant.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Beyond its chakra work, blue tourmaline is known as a "stone of peace" and "stone of service." Its calming blue energy is believed to promote peace of mind, making it a valuable tool for meditation and reducing stress. It is often used by individuals in charitable organizations or service-oriented professions. In ancient lore, it was used to honor deities such as Al-Uzza, a Nabataean moon goddess of mothers and fertility, and Whope, the Lakota Sioux goddess of peace and harmony. As a talisman, it is considered an "Energizer crystal," a conduit for focusing and amplifying universal life force to accomplish goals.
Care and Cleaning
Given its good hardness (7-7.5 on the Mohs scale), blue tourmaline is relatively durable and can be worn in jewelry with reasonable care. However, like all gemstones, it requires proper maintenance to preserve its beauty and integrity.
Cleaning: The safest method for cleaning blue tourmaline is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners or acids, as they may damage the stone or any treatments it might have undergone. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally not recommended, especially for stones with inclusions or fractures, as the heat and vibrations could cause damage. After cleaning, rinse the stone thoroughly in clean water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Storage and Handling: When not in use, store blue tourmaline jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratching. It is best kept in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box. Avoid exposing the stone to extreme temperature changes or prolonged direct sunlight, which could potentially affect its color over time. As with all fine jewelry, it is advisable to remove blue tourmaline rings or bracelets during strenuous activities, gardening, or when using harsh chemicals to protect the stone from impact and abrasion.
Conclusion
Blue tourmaline, or indicolite, is a gemstone of remarkable beauty and rarity. As one of the accepted birthstones for October, it offers a unique alternative to opal and pink tourmaline, with its own distinct geological origin and visual appeal. From its formation in the metamorphic rocks of Brazil, Maine, and Africa to its journey through history—once confused with sapphire and now celebrated as a premier collector's gem—indicolite tells a story of scientific discovery and cultural fascination. Its durable physical properties make it suitable for fine jewelry, while its profound associations with the Throat and Third Eye chakras establish it as a powerful stone for communication, intuition, and inner peace. Whether appreciated for its stunning blue hues, its metaphysical significance, or its status as a rare gem, blue tourmaline holds a distinguished and multifaceted place in the world of gemstones.