Tourmaline is one of the most captivating gemstones in the world of fine jewelry, renowned for its extraordinary range of colors. Found in nearly every hue imaginable, it offers unmatched versatility and artistic potential.
Unlike many other colored gemstones, gem-quality tourmaline is mined across almost every continent. Yet, within this abundance lies remarkable individuality—each deposit yields stones with unique characteristics shaped by the geochemical conditions of the region. This gives rise to tourmalines as diverse as the vivid neon blues of Paraiba from Brazil and Mozambique, the fiery rubellites of Nigeria, and the serene lagoon greens and blues of Afghanistan.
What sets tourmaline apart is its complex mineral composition. The tourmaline group encounters several varieties, including elbaite, liddicoatite, dravite, uvite, and schorl. Most brightly colored tourmalines used in jewelry—particularly red, blue, and green stones—are varieties of elbaite. Their chemical diversity gives rise to the rich palette that defines this gemstone family.
Compared to most colored gemstones, the chemical composition of tourmalines is remarkably complex. From a mineralogical perspective, the tourmaline group encompasses a variety of mineral species, including elbaite, liddicoatite, dravite, uvite, and schorl. The variable combination of different chemical elements gives rise to the extensive array of colors found in the tourmaline group. In most cases, crystals in red, blue, and green hues are composed of the mineral elbaite.
Tourmalines also have some truly unique properties. Many crystals are naturally multicolored, displaying either subtle gradients or dramatic contrasts of color. These polychrome tourmalines can shift from green to pink or even from black to red within the same stone. Some varieties also exhibit a mesmerizing cat’s eye effect. Caused by fine parallel inclusions formed during crystal growth, this optical phenomenon produces a glowing band of light across the surface of a cabochon-cut stone—a striking feature prized by collectors and designers.
Some tourmalines possess a captivating optical phenomenon known as the cat’s eye effect. This occurs when fine, parallel inclusions—often tube-like structures—form naturally within the crystal during its growth. When the stone is expertly shaped into a cabochon, these inclusions reflect light in a concentrated band that moves gracefully across the surface as the gem is tilted, creating the illusion of a glowing eye. This striking feature adds depth and intrigue to the stone, making cat’s eye tourmalines highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
High-clarity tourmalines with vivid, saturated color and significant carat weight—especially those over 10–15 carats—are rare and highly valuable. These exceptional gems often appear in the collections of renowned jewelry houses around the world.
At SORA, designer Ksenia Podnebesnaya embraces the full expressive potential of tourmaline. Her work highlights the gemstone’s color diversity through refined, elegant settings that allow each stone to speak for itself. Tourmaline jewelry at SORA can be found in the "Metropolis", "Daily Gems", and "Coloreful Dew" collections—each piece celebrating the brilliance, individuality, and natural beauty of this remarkable gem.
Explore the designs in our section: Jewelry with tourmalines.
