Tourmaline is the name given to a large group of minerals sharing the same general properties and crystalline structure but with varying chemistry. Crystallizing in the form of vertically striated prismatic crystals. Tourmaline occurs in more colors than any other mineral group, ranging from deep pink to red to red-violet (Rubellite), blue to indigo-blue (Indicolite), yellow (aka “Peridot of Ceylon” and Tsilasite), brown (Dravite), green (Verderite), pink (Elbaite), orange, purple/lavender, black (Aphrizite and Schorl), colorless (Achroite), bi-colored, tri-colored, multi-colored, and a variety which exhibits triangular and triskelion formations. Phew!
Hardness: 7-7.5