Indicolite Tourmaline

is a variety of tourmaline prized for its blue to bluish-green color. The name “indicolite” comes from the Latin word indicum, meaning “Indian,” because it was first discovered in India, although today it is mined in various countries around the world. It is one of the rarer and more sought-after varieties of tourmaline.

Key Characteristics of Indicolite Tourmaline:

• Color: Indicolite is most valued for its rich blue or blue-green color. The blue hues range from pale to deep and vibrant, often resembling the colors of the sea or the sky. The most desirable stones exhibit a pure blue color, without any brown or gray overtones.
• Chemical Composition: Indicolite is a complex borosilicate mineral, consisting of elements such as aluminum, lithium, and boron. Its chemical formula is:
  (Na,Li)Al₃(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₄.
• Crystal System: Trigonal, with a prismatic crystal structure.
• Hardness: Indicolite tourmaline ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it suitable for use in jewelry, though it should be protected from hard knocks and scratches.
• Pleochroism: One of the unique characteristics of indicolite is its pleochroism, meaning it displays different colors when viewed from different angles. Depending on the orientation of the crystal, you may observe hues ranging from blue to blue-green.
• Transparency: Indicolite is typically transparent, though some stones may be slightly translucent. The best quality stones are clear and free from inclusions, but even stones with slight inclusions can still be valuable depending on their overall appearance.
• Specific Gravity: 3.06 – 3.20.
• Refractive Index: 1.620 – 1.643.

Sources of Indicolite Tourmaline:

• Brazil (especially the Minas Gerais region) is one of the primary sources of high-quality indicolite.
• Madagascar also produces indicolite, although these stones tend to be lighter in color.
• Other countries with smaller deposits include Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States (specifically California).

Value and Rarity:

Indicolite tourmaline is considered rare compared to other blue gemstones. The rarity of the color—vibrant, saturated blue with good clarity—makes it a sought-after stone in the gemstone market. The value is significantly impacted by:

• Color: The most valuable indicolite has a deep, intense blue. Lighter hues can also be valuable but are typically priced lower.
• Clarity: Stones that are clean, or nearly clean, to the naked eye are highly prized. Inclusions can lower the value, though they are often less noticeable in larger stones.
• Size: Larger stones are rarer and more expensive. However, small stones in fine quality can still command high prices due to the rarity of this color in nature.

Jewelry Use:

Indicolite tourmaline is an excellent choice for high-end jewelry. It is often cut into:

• Oval
• Round
• Cushion
• Emerald
• Pear shapes

Because of its pleochroism, jewelers take care to orient the stone in a way that maximizes its color depth and beauty. It is often used in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Due to its beauty and relative rarity, indicolite is also popular among collectors of gemstones.

Treatment:

Unlike other varieties of tourmaline, indicolite is rarely treated in any significant way. It may occasionally be heated to improve the clarity or stabilize the color, but these treatments are generally mild compared to more aggressive treatments used for other gemstones like sapphires. It is always recommended to buy indicolite from reputable dealers who provide certification for the authenticity and treatment of the stone.

Care and Maintenance:

• Cleaning: Indicolite should be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning, as the high-frequency vibrations or heat could damage the stone.
• Storage: Store your indicolite jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratches. Keep it in a soft cloth pouch or a jewelry box with separate compartments.
• Handling: As with any gemstone, it is recommended to be cautious of dropping it or exposing it to sharp impacts, as this could cause chips or fractures.

Symbolism and Healing Properties:

• Emotional Healing: In metaphysical beliefs, indicolite is thought to bring emotional balance and calm, soothing the wearer’s mind and promoting peace.
• Chakra Healing: It is believed to be associated with the throat chakra, enhancing communication and self-expression. The stone may also work with the heart chakra, fostering compassion and healing.
• Mental Clarity: It is said to improve mental clarity, intuition, and decision-making.

Market and Demand:

The market for indicolite tourmaline has been steadily growing, particularly due to the increasing demand for unique and rare gemstones. Indicolite’s appeal lies in its beautiful and distinctive color, which has led many to view it as a highly desirable alternative to more common gemstones like sapphire or aquamarine.

Comparison to Other Blue Gems:

• Indicolite vs. Aquamarine: Aquamarine is a pale blue gemstone that is often lighter than indicolite. While both are blue, indicolite tends to have a richer, deeper blue.
• Indicolite vs. Sapphire: Blue sapphire is one of the most famous blue gemstones, but indicolite is rarer and often more vibrant in color. However, sapphire is harder (9 on the Mohs scale) and more durable.

Indicolite’s deep blue color, relative rarity, and distinct appeal make it a standout gem for jewelry lovers, collectors, and investors alike. Whether as a statement piece or a part of a larger collection, indicolite is a gemstone that is sure to attract attention for its elegance and timeless beauty.