Pink Tourmaline
Everything you need to know
7.79ct Pink Tourmaline in an Emerald Cut
Table of Contents
- What is Pink Tourmaline?
- Are There Different Types of Pink Tourmaline?
- Where does Pink Tourmaline Come From?
- Pink Tourmaline Price Guide
- Pink Tourmaline Jewellery
- Pink Tourmaline For Sale
"Here at The Sapphire Merchant, we adore pink tourmaline for its range of pink shades, larger carat sizes, and crystal clarity. It's a beautiful precious gemstone that holds its own in the colourful world of gems."
1. What is Pink Tourmaline?
Pink tourmaline comprises several varieties of the tourmaline mineral group, known for their pink hues ranging from soft pastels to intense reddish-pinks, particularly rubellite tourmaline, sunset tourmaline, and watermelon tourmaline. At a glance, here is everything you need to know about pink tourmaline:
Chemical Composition: Complex borosilicate of aluminium, with varying amounts of iron and magnesium - Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄ (elbaite)
Crystal System: Trigonal
Refractive Index: 1.62 – 1.65
Specific Gravity: 3.0 - 3.1
Double Refraction (Birefringence): 0.014 – 0.021
Mohs Hardness: 7 – 7.5
Lustre: Vitreous
Gemma from The Sapphire Merchant working with Pink Tourmaline
2. Are There Different Types of Pink Tourmaline?
Pink tourmaline is a blanket term used for all tourmalines that are pink in colour. However, within the tourmaline family, there are varieties such as rubellite and watermelon tourmaline. Not all pink tourmalines fall into these varieties; they have to have particular, measurable characteristics to be classed as rubellite or watermelon tourmaline. When these characteristics aren't present, the term pink tourmaline or sunset tourmaline is used.
Rubellite Pink Tourmaline
Rubellite is a rare and highly sought-after variety of pink-to-red tourmaline. Unlike other pink tourmalines, which may appear lighter or shift in colour under different lighting conditions, true rubellite maintains its deep, vivid hue in natural and artificial light.
Rubellite's vivid colour comes from trace amounts of manganese within the crystal structure. The depth and saturation of its red and pink tones depend on the manganese concentration. In some cases, natural irradiation in the Earth can intensify the colour further. Unlike many other pink tourmalines, rubellite often displays a more intense red or magenta hue, sometimes bordering on purple.
Rubellite is valued for its intense colour and transparency, but inclusions are common. Unlike many gemstones, a certain level of inclusions is acceptable in rubellite as long as they do not significantly impact the gemstone's overall clarity or durability. Most rubellites are naturally coloured, but some gemstones may undergo treatments such as heat or irradiation to improve their hue. However, high-quality, untreated rubellites are more valuable. Unlike sapphire or aquamarine, heat treatment is not as widely used for rubellite, as its natural colours are already vibrant.
Rubellite is one of the most valuable types of tourmaline. Its price is determined by colour, clarity, size, and origin. Deep, saturated, pinkish-red or magenta rubellites with minimal inclusions command the highest prices.
Sunset Pink Tourmaline
Sunset tourmaline is a rare and unique variety of tourmaline that features a blend of autumnal colours reminiscent of a sunset. These gemstones typically display a mix of pink, peach, orange, and red hues, sometimes similar to padparadcha sapphires. Sunset tourmaline owes its vibrant colours to trace elements such as manganese and iron within its crystal structure. The term "sunset tourmaline" is not an official gemological classification but rather a trade name used to describe tourmalines with this distinctive colouration.
Some sunset tourmalines may undergo heat treatment to enhance their colours, but many are naturally vibrant. Tourmalines are less commonly heat-treated than sapphires or rubies, though some stones may also undergo gentle irradiation to intensify their warm tones.
The value of sunset tourmaline depends on its colour saturation, clarity, and overall beauty. Stones with a strong, vibrant blend of pink, orange, and red hues are the most desirable. Unlike rubellite, which leans towards deeper pinkish-reds, sunset tourmaline is appreciated for its softer, feminine pinks. Fine-quality specimens with exceptional colour can be quite valuable, especially in larger sizes.
Watermelon Tourmaline
Watermelon tourmaline is a naturally occurring variety of tourmaline that features a dramatic combination of pink, green, and sometimes white zones, resembling the colours of a watermelon. The core is typically pink or pinkish-red, surrounded by a green outer layer, and occasionally, a thin white band appears between the two colours. This rare colour zoning occurs naturally, making each gemstone one of a kind.
The colours in watermelon tourmaline result from varying levels of trace elements, primarily manganese and iron, within different parts of the crystal as it forms. Pink to red hues are caused by manganese, green hues are due to iron content and white or colourless bands occur where these trace elements are lacking. During crystal growth, environmental changes in temperature, pressure, and chemical composition lead to distinct layers of colour, making these gemstones naturally unique.
Watermelon tourmaline is generally unheated, as its natural colour zoning is one of its most valuable features. Watermelon tourmaline is a collector's gemstone, often appreciated in its natural slice form or faceted or cabochon cuts for jewellery.
3. Where does Pink Tourmaline Come From?
Pink Tourmaline from Brazil
Brazil is the most significant source of pink tourmaline, particularly from the states of Minas Gerais and Paraíba. Brazil-origin pink tourmaline is known for its blush hues that blend pink, peach, and orange tones through to Barbie pinks and vivid fuchsia. Ouro Fino Mine and Cruzeiro Mine are famous for producing deeply saturated pink to red rubellite with exceptional clarity and size. Brazilian rubellite is highly sought after for its intense colour, often resembling fine ruby, making it extraordinarily valuable. Additionally, Brazil produces some of Earth's finest watermelon tourmaline, displaying vibrant and well-defined colour zoning between pink, white, and green.
Pink Tourmaline from Nigeria
Nigeria has emerged as an important source of rubellite, offering gemstones with a strong reddish-pink hue and good transparency. Nigerian rubellite is compared to Brazilian material for its high-quality pieces with minimal inclusions. The country's deposits have contributed significantly to the global market by providing a steady supply of desirable rubellite. Additionally, Nigeria's deposits yield well-formed watermelon tourmaline with distinct colour zoning. Nigerian tourmaline material is known for its brightness and ability to produce quality cabochons and faceted gems.
Pink Tourmaline from Madagascar
Madagascar is another significant source of pink and sunset tourmaline, with its gemstones displaying a soft, warm spectrum of pinkish-orange tones. Malagasy tourmaline is typically well-formed and known for its strong pleochroism, where the stone can shift between pink and peachy hues depending on the viewing angle.
Pink Tourmaline from Mozambique
Mozambique is one of the most important African sources of tourmaline, producing vibrant pink tourmaline and rubellite with excellent saturation. The deposits yield both clean and included stones, with some displaying the highly prized neon-pink hues. Mozambique rubellite is often untreated, which enhances its appeal to collectors and gem enthusiasts.
Pink Tourmaline from Afghanistan & Pakistan
These regions produce fine pink tourmaline and rubellite with high transparency and minimal inclusions. The pink tourmaline found in Afghanistan and Pakistan is typically mined in the mountainous regions, making extraction challenging. However, the quality of the stones, often exhibiting deep magenta to reddish-pink tones, makes them highly desirable in the gemstone trade.
Pink Tourmaline from The United States of America
San Diego County, California, is another famous sources of pink tourmaline in the world. The region's mines, particularly the Himalaya Mine, were historically significant in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when China's Dowager Empress Cixi developed a fascination with pink tourmaline. She imported massive quantities of California tourmaline for carvings, jewellery, and decorative pieces. Pink tourmaline from California is known for its rich, saturated hues, ranging from soft blush pink to deep magenta. Many specimens also display rubellite-like intensity, making them highly sought after. California tourmaline is found in pegmatites and can occur in large, well-formed crystals suitable for faceting and specimen collecting. Though large-scale mining has slowed, the Himalayas and Stewart Mines still produce pink tourmaline today, with some operations allowing visitors to dig for their own stones.
Maine is another significant source of pink tourmaline, with discoveries dating back to the early 19th century. Mount Mica, located in Oxford County, is the oldest known gem tourmaline deposit in the United States.Pink tourmaline from Maine is often found in combination with green tourmaline, forming classic watermelon tourmaline specimens. The Dunton Quarry in Newry is particularly famous for producing vibrant pink and red tourmaline crystals with excellent clarity. Some of the finest watermelon tourmaline specimens ever discovered came from this region, making Maine an important source for tourmaline collectors.Although commercial production is limited today, Maine's pink tourmaline remains highly valued for its natural beauty and historical significance. Many Maine-mined tourmalines are sold as locally sourced gems, appealing to those who appreciate American gemstones.
A variety of pink tourmaline crystals
4. Pink Tourmaline Price Guide
The value of pink tourmaline depends on its colour, clarity, size, and whether it has undergone treatment. Deeper, more saturated pinks, especially rubellite, are the most valuable. Clean stones with minimal inclusions fetch higher prices, as do larger carat sizes. Fine-quality pink tourmaline can range from affordable to high-end, depending on these factors.
Here is our pink tourmaline price guide. There are many varying factors that affect the price of pink tourmaline gemstones, including variety, colour, clarity, cut and polish and origin. For example, a flawless 5ct rubellite of Brazil origin will have a wide price variance from a flawless sunset pink tourmaline of Madagascar origin. This is intended to be a rough price guide.
5. Pink Tourmaline Jewellery
Over time, we have created several extraordinary pink tourmaline rings, including pink tourmaline engagement rings and pink tourmaline birthday rings. This is an example of a pink tourmaline ring we recently created for a client.
Pink Tourmaline Ring with Reclaimed Diamonds and Gold
Our client inherited a stunning diamond ring from her Nana, which she cherished deeply. However, while she loved the ring, it didn't quite reflect her personal style. She chose to repurpose the round brilliant diamonds and gold, redesigning the ring to feature a beautiful pink tourmaline as the central gem, cut in a round brilliant shape. The diamonds from her Nana's ring were carefully arranged around the pink tourmaline, creating an elegant bow-like design. To complete the piece, we combined 18k yellow and white gold. The result is a remarkable transformation, a tasteful fusion of the past and the present, blending sentimental value with creative innovation.
We make jewellery for clients worldwide. Browse our extraordinary pink tourmaline collection and select your perfect gemstone. We work in collaboration with you to design a beautiful jewellery piece around your chosen gemstone. Using CAD design, we bring your concept to life, perfecting every detail. Our skilled team then crafts your ring using the metal of your choice. We also provide diamonds in all shapes and sizes. The finished result is a modern heirloom crafted from a gemstone that formed over millions of years.
Pink Tourmaline is the Birthstone of October
Pink tourmaline was officially recognised as an October birthstone in 1912 when the American National Retail Jewelers Association, now known as Jewelers of America, established a standardised birthstone list. Before this, opal was the only gemstone associated with October. Pink tourmaline was introduced as a more durable and colourful alternative, appealing to those who wanted variety. Its growing popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the United States, likely influenced this decision. Significant discoveries of high-quality pink tourmaline during this period made the gem more widely available. By adding pink tourmaline alongside opal, the birthstone tradition expanded to offer greater choice and appeal.
6. Pink Tourmaline For Sale
The Sapphire Merchant is New Zealand's premier precious gemstone retailer and custom jewellery house. We work with clients worldwide, to source for them natural precious gemstones. We have a beautiful collection of pink tourmaline available for purchase and we offer free shipping worldwide. If your perfect pink tourmaline option is not in our online store, contact us today, as we many unlisted gemstone options ready to send you!