Besides being found in every color of the rainbow, plus black & white, some tourmaline can display multiple colors in a single crystal. This uneven distribution of color (color zoning) occurs when color-causing trace elements change in concentration or composition during a crystal’s growth. For example, iron makes the tourmaline green and manganese makes it pink.
Often tourmalines are color-zoned across the length of the crystal: A crystal that is mostly pink might have a green tip or occasionally a blue cap. Blue cap tourmaline specimens are so rare that they have commanded prices in the six figures.
Tourmalines can also be zoned parallel to their length. For example, a red crystal might end up with a green overgrowth. When a crystal like this is sliced, it looks like a piece of watermelon with the green rind and pink flesh of that fruit. As a result, it is called watermelon tourmaline. Designers often exploit the look of watermelon tourmaline by using slices of the crystal rather than faceting the rough.
Based in Los Angeles, Evan Caplan is a prominent colored gem dealer and a noted jazz musician by profession. He discovered that the sensitivity and artistry needed for appreciating contemporary jazz allowed him to easily adapt into the world of rare and exotic stones. He has traveled the world developing relationships in Myanmar, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania & Kenya where he met Miriam “Mimo” Kamau Caplan, his wife and vice president of Evan Caplan Rare & Fine Gemstones. She owns tsavorite mines in Kenya and is the founder of Mimo Gem Traders & Mining.
See www.evancaplan.com & www.facebook.com/miriam.kamau.39
Learn more in the 7 tourmaline chapters of my “Exotic Gems: Volume 3 book: www.reneenewman.com/exotic3.htm
Guest articles by Renée Newman:
https://gem-spectrum.com/category/renee-newman
About the author:
Renée Newman is a gemologist (GG, GIA), lecturer, writer and author of 15 books on gems and jewelry. Her goal is to provide consumers and jewelry professionals with unbiased, affordable information on how to buy, evaluate and appreciate gems and jewelry. She can be reached through her website:
