A crystal jewel "in its natural state" like you've never seen before! Yes, another exclusive from LAZZERINI-GEOJOIAS, in an American link necklace with a handcrafted wire pendant (both plated in white rhodium – 0.75µ, hypoallergenic); containing rare lilac tourmaline – siberite – elbaite, gemological grade A in a matrix of microcline, muscovite and lepidolite (91.6 ct). Originating from the most famous region in the world for this occurrence, Araçuaí/MG/BRA.

Description

It is a cyclosilicate of boron, aluminum, sodium, iron and high lithium; with the presence of: Cs, Be, Ba, Zn, Sn, Nb, Ta, among other rare elements. In Brazil, most tourmalines are elbaites. Chemical formula: Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4.

Crystal system: trigonal, specifically hexagonal cleavage. Its crystals typically form long prismatic structures with vertically striated faces and rounded triangular cross-sections, strongly striated along the length, with multiple terminations. It has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable and suitable for everyday use in jewelry.

It has a vitreous to sub-adamantine luster when polished, giving it a brilliant shine and enhancing its attractiveness as a gemstone. It can range from transparent to translucent, with higher quality specimens typically exhibiting greater transparency and clarity. Refractive index of approximately 1.616 to 1.651, depending on factors such as chemical composition and crystal structure. Specific gravity ranges from 3.02 to 3.26 g/cm3, indicating a moderate to slightly above average density. It exhibits weak to indistinct cleavage along the prism faces.

Its fracture is generally conchoidal, resulting in smooth, curved surfaces when broken. Generally, it possesses pleochroism, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. This property enhances its visual appeal and makes each gemstone unique. Its strong piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity are also noteworthy.

Lilac Tourmaline (also known as Siberite or violet tourmaline) is a rare and dazzling variety. With a color ranging from soft lilac to deep violet, its coloration is often associated with the presence of manganese or the inclusion of lepidolite in its formation. Also known as purple tourmaline or rubellite, it is a distinct variety whose color derives from traces of manganese within its crystalline structure. It is highly valued for its intense hue and can range from delicate lavender tones to deep magenta tones.

It displays a variety of striking shades and intensities, ranging from delicate shades of lavender lilac, soft violet; to intense reddish-lilac (Siberite), reddish purple, magenta-lilac, and deep purple. Therefore, they are especially appreciated and increase the value per carat.

The color of lilac tourmaline is mainly caused by manganese and iron in its crystalline structure. Traces of manganese in the crystalline structure give the mineral its purple tones, while iron can intensify the color, creating a deeper and more vibrant hue.

Unheated, vibrant reddish-purple copper tourmalines have carved out a special niche and become highly sought-after stones by collectors, while rubellite remains one of the market's favorite tourmalines. The result is a gem that radiates beauty and spiritual energy.

One of the most captivating aspects of this type of tourmaline is its rarity, exclusivity, and charm. Although tourmaline in general is relatively abundant, these high-quality specimens are much less common, making them highly sought after by collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.

Cultural Significance

 Tourmaline derives its name from the Sinhalese words “turmali” and “tōramalli,” meaning “stones of mixed colors” and “something small from the earth,” respectively. This name aptly reflects the gem’s diverse range of hues. Sinhalese is a language of Sri Lanka, but the term arose when Dutch traders described the colorful stones they found in packages of gemstones from Sri Lanka. The gemstone has been known to various cultures for centuries, but gained popularity in Europe during the 18th century when it was imported from Sri Lanka. The Dutch also coined the nickname “ashentrekkers” or “ash attractor,” as they used magnetic tourmaline to extract ash from pipes. Tourmaline has a rich history and cultural significance spanning centuries and various civilizations. Here are some highlights of its history and cultural significance:

Ancient Civilizations: The use of tourmaline can be traced back to ancient civilizations. It is believed that the Egyptians and Romans valued Tourmaline for its vibrant colors and believed it possessed mystical and protective properties. They carved talismans and amulets from Tourmaline, often associating it with strength, vitality, and spiritual energy.

Asian Cultures: In Asia, Tourmaline has been highly revered throughout history. In China, tourmaline was associated with yin and yang energies and was used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It was also considered a protective stone and used to ward off negative energies. In Japan, tourmaline was believed to bring good luck and was prized for its beautiful colors.

Indigenous Cultures: Many indigenous cultures value Tourmaline and attribute spiritual significance to the stone. For example, Native Americans considered Tourmaline a sacred stone that brought protection and healing. It was frequently used in rituals, ceremonies, and as a talisman for spiritual guidance.

European Renaissance: During the European Renaissance, Tourmaline gained popularity among the nobility and upper class. Its vibrant colors were highly valued, and it became a fashionable gemstone for jewelry, adornments, and accessories. It was also believed to have various healing properties and was used in herbal remedies and elixirs.

Modern Era: In the 19th and 20th centuries, significant discoveries of Tourmaline deposits in Brazil and other countries increased its availability and popularity. Tourmaline became a favorite gemstone among jewelry designers and collectors, known for its wide range of colors and versatility. The discovery of Paraíba tourmalines in Brazil in the 1980s created a sensation in the gemstone world, raising the desirability and value of Tourmaline.

Today, Tourmaline continues to be prized and valued for its exceptional beauty and diversity. It is frequently used in contemporary jewelry designs. Its historical and cultural significance, combined with its striking colors and metaphysical properties, make tourmaline a beloved gemstone with enduring appeal across cultures and generations.

Brazil has been the world's leading source of tourmaline for nearly 500 years. In the 1500s, Portuguese explorers obtained green and blue tourmaline from indigenous peoples and from mining streams in search of gold. They thought these colored stones were emeralds and sapphires and sent them back to Portugal, where they were cut into gems and used to make jewelry for royalty and wealthy citizens. (Tourmaline was not recognized as a distinct mineral until 1793.) Beginning in the late 1800s, a steady stream of tourmaline discoveries was made in the pegmatite deposits of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Since then, millions of carats of tourmaline have been produced in a wide range of colors, including much bicolor material. This diverse flow of tourmaline from Brazil has been the most important source for the world gem and jewelry market.

Traditions and Symbolism

Literature from the 1700s states that Tourmaline benefits those in creative fields. A Dutch scientist during that era popularized wrapping Tourmaline in silk and placing it on the cheek of a sick child to help them sleep. Other cultural interpretations of the Tourmaline crystal's meaning revolved around spiritual perception. Ancient ceremonies in India involved Tourmaline to access perception and wisdom from higher powers, especially to differentiate good from evil. Similarly, ancient Africans used Tourmaline to uncover the hidden cause behind specific problems. Modern indigenous tribes in Africa, America, and Australia use Tourmaline as a protective talisman or funerary gifts.

In antiquity, Tourmaline was considered a talismanic gem of autumn and the gem of six o'clock in the evening. It was also known to the ancients in the Mediterranean. Egyptian legend tells of how Tourmaline made its journey from the center of the Earth and passed through a rainbow, taking all the colors with it as its own. The Romans used these stones for their relaxing properties, inducing restful sleep, calming the mind, and relaxing the body.

In India, an image of Alexander the Great was carved from tourmaline and dates from approximately the second or third century BC. In rituals of that culture, tourmaline was used to provide direction for what would bring good, and it was believed to be a "counter" stone to provide insights into who or what was causing problems.

Used by shamans of African, Native American, and Aboriginal tribes, tourmaline was believed to bring healing powers to the wearer and provide protection against all dangers that occurred on the physical plane. The African shaman also used it to promote awakening from the "dream of illusion" and to experience the self as part of the universal spirit.

Lilac (violet-purple) tourmaline has both aesthetic and symbolic significance. From an aesthetic point of view, its rich color and exceptional clarity make it a desirable choice for use in jewelry, especially in rings, pendants, and earrings. Its vibrant tones add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any piece, making it a popular choice for both contemporary and vintage designs.

Symbolically, it is associated with qualities such as love, compassion, and spiritual growth, promoting harmony and emotional balance. Many people turn to this Tourmaline for its supposed ability to inspire feelings of warmth, empathy, and unconditional love.

Metaphysical Energy – Summary: Violet Tourmaline is considered "The Stone of Spiritual Awareness and Intuition." Love, inspiration, support, resilience, emotional balance, sharpens insight, perception, and strengthens creativity. Promotes spiritual purification, intuition, creativity, and acts as a strong protective amulet. Widely used in wellness for its calming power, intuition, and balance.

Zodiac: Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpio. Chakras: Crown, Root, Heart. Month: October.

LAZZERINI-GEOJOIAS Unique Features

Gemological Grade: A (beautiful lilac to violet-purple color, translucent, vitreous, matrix 25-50%).

Origin: Araçuaí – Minas Gerais - Brazil. Granitic pegmatites from the Eastern Pegmatitic Province, Brasiliano age (600 to 480 million years).

Brazilian handcrafted design, low environmental impact and use of authentic natural matrices.

It is the perfect "in natura" crystal jewel for those who value authenticity, science and energy in a single object.

Each piece comes with a certificate of origin and authenticity + inventory of researched information.

It has specific physical characteristics and unique visual effects that are unmistakable, making each natural specimen exclusive. Its striking peculiar beauty, rarity and versatility of applications contribute to the growing desire as a gemstone and its continued presence in the jewelry market.

Care

Avoid: impacts, abrasives and strong chemicals. Cleaning: running water and a soft cloth; Recharge in natural daylight.

More information: https://lazzerini-geojoias.com.br/blog/posts/turmalinas-tudo-sobre/

Another exclusive piece from LAZZERINI-GEOJOIAS, an exotic fragment of granitoid rock containing amazonite with a color similar to the famous Paraíba tourmaline, among other minerals (41.9 ct), classified as gemological grade

Dimensions