Mint tourmalines are gemstones with soft pastel hues. Their colors range from light green to bluish green & yellowish green. Most cut specimens are a form of the mineral elbaite while a few of them are composed of the mineral dravite.
Katharina Mint Tourmalines Ring
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Mother nature herself lovingly colors these gorgeous stones. Hence, gem workers do not treat these gems to enhance color. It means that virtually all the mint tourmaline stones available on the market are non-treated. The natural state adds to the gems value.
Clarity
Furthermore, mint tourmalines are largely eye-clean gemstones free of inclusions. This extraordinary clarity makes some of the rough to look like polished gems. On rare occasions, some crystals might contain hair-like, black crystalline inclusions known as trichite.
Lapidaries cut them into a number of different shapes. This makes the gem versatile and suitable for various types of jewelry such as rings, earrings and pendants.
Cause of Color
The unique greenish-blue to bluish-green color is imparted by traces of iron and titanium impurities. Another rare variety of Dravite that is colored by the trace elements of vanadium and chromium is known as Mint Chrome Tourmaline.
Chrome Tourmaline
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Gemstone Hardness
Tourmalines have a hardness ranging from 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This is hard enough to be worn in everyday jewelry.
Why are These Gems So Popular?
The term mint describes a color between cyan and green. And these days, Mint and other pastel colors are gaining a lot of popularity. One reason for this could be that people are seeking solace in the soothing pastel colors from the stress of the current pandemic.
Furthermore, their zestful appearance and neutral colors make the gems very desirable and boost their popularity. The frolicsome tones and refreshing pastel greens epitomize optimism and youthful vibes. So, people who want to ingrain vitality and youthfulness in their jewellery choices go for mint tourmalines. Such cheerful characteristics have given a commanding position to this gem in the jewelry sector.
Also, pastel hue mint tourmalines also tempt us because they remind us of the color of our childhood candies.
Moreover, the versatile neutral color goes with all types of dress colors. This saves one from having to buy too many jewelry pieces.
What’s more, mint tourmalines are paired with other gemstones of complementing and contrasting colors to make a bold fashion statement. They work well with colors like purple, cherry red, navy blue, and mustard yellow. The color combinations come to life, draw attention and act as conversation starters.
Sources of Supplies
Excessive extraction and mining has dwindlled the supply of other high-quality colored gemstones. This has made supply of those gems erratic and unreliable. Meanwhile, mint tourmalines have not been commercially overexploited. As such their sources are still rich, and supply of this stone is steady.
In the distant past, the largest sources of tourmalines were the USA mines in Maine and California. The mines were discovered in 1822 and 1870 respectively. These mines exported their produce to China where the Empress Dowager Cixi cherished this gem. Subsequent death of the Empress in 1908 led to the collapse of this trade.
The 1970s revived commercial interest in Tourmalines in a big way. This happened because jewelry designers started trialing atypical designs. This quest for new designs led to a quest for new gems. And tourmalines happily fit the bill to acquire renewed popularity.
The year 2005 saw the Laghman province of Afghanistan becoming a significant source of mint tourmalines. The turn of events brought these adorable green gems into the international spotlight. The region is still being mined today.
Recent discovery of the new Congo tourmaline mine in 2018 further bolstered the demand for mint tourmalines.
Currently, áreas like Minas Gerais in Brazil and Afghanistan produce vividly colored and highly saturated mint tourmalines. And gems from these regions are almost twice as expensive as their counterparts from Congo.
The present day pursuit of neutral colors and pastel hues has spurred buyer’s interest in mint tourmalines. Generation next appreciates this gem for its crisp and clear cheerfulness. The gemstones complement everyday clothing and at the same time are not very expensive.
A Little Geology
Tourmalines take birth in granite-containing pegmatites which is a rare igneous rock. Such geological conditions lead to formation of long slender crystals. Consequently, mint tourmalines tend to occur in elongated, prismatic crystal structure. As such, rectangular cuts suit this stone the best. Accordingly, Lapidaries favor the emerald cut for this stone.
Even so, Striking rays of light spark a phenomenal play of light within the gem’s body. This dazzling play of light makes the gem well-suited for an array of cuts like round, oval or pear.
Mint tourmalines are readily available in sizes ranging from small to large at affordable prices.
Metaphysical Properties Associated With Mint Tourmalines
Tourmaline is the birthstone of October and the birthstone of 8th anniversary. Some people believe that mint tourmalines lift self-confidence, lessen tension, and diminish fear.
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