Tourmaline & Opal are October’s birthstones. They reflect the colourful turn in nature experienced around this time in many parts of world. Here in the tropics, we are experiencing the last throes of our rainy, verdant summer. In the Northern hemisphere, fall is afoot, and in the south, spring is springing.

The gemstone, Tourmaline, is particularly popular with jewellery lovers and colour fiends. It occurs naturally in just about every colour imaginable. With rich greens, reds, pinks, blues, blacks, not to mention tantalizing bicoloured and tricoloured varieties, Tourmaline is said to be the most colourful gemstones in the world.

It is fitting that Tourmaline is found in my home country, Nigeria. Nigeria celebrates her independence in October and is known for the colourful cultures of her people. Tourmaline is prized and highly sought-after by Nigeria’s artisan miners. It’s also been discovered accidentally by herdsmen and farmers for decades. In 2014, Tourmaline mines were discovered in Kaduna and Osun states.

Other countries where Tourmaline is found include Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Brazil, Sri Lanka and the USA. [Read More]

While its varied colours make it generally interesting, all the colours of Tourmaline are not valued equally. The most valuable Tourmaline is the Paraiba Tourmaline, discovered in Brazil in 1987 [Read More]. It has an electric blue-green colour that’s both unusual and stunningly beautiful.

Tourmalines of this unique colour have also been found in Nigeria and Mozambique. They are usually referred to as ‘copper-bearing Tourmalines’ because Copper is responsible for the colour they share with the Paraiba Tourmalines of Brazil.

Though some buyers and gemstone marketers insist they differ, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has said many of these copper-bearing Tourmalines from Mozambique and Nigeria are visually indistinguishable from Paraibas that are mined in Brazil. [Read More]

Blue Indicolite Tourmaline and green Elbaite (Verdelite) Tourmaline are also considered very valuable [Read More]. But without a doubt, Rubellite is the Tourmaline du jour. Rubellite occurs in red, red pinks and vivid wine reds. The lovely reds and pinks of Rubellite made it a favourite of China’s last Empress in the later part of the 19th century (1800s). Today, China seems to be the main market for Rubellite though demand has also surged in other parts of the world. [Read More].

Rubellite has also been found in Nigeria. According to ICA’s country representative, (International Coloured Gemstone Association), Nigeria has consistently produced Rubellite for a while though production is controlled by mine owners.

As a Nigerian who loves jewellery and gems, I have searched the web for the best samples of faceted Tourmalines mined in Nigeria. Surprisingly, I discovered many gemstone traders and cutters showcasing beautifully cut Nigerian Tourmalines.

In keeping with industry best standards, Doug Menadue, Kosnar Gem Co, Heritage Auctions, Clear Cut Gems, and Palagems all declared the source of their Tourmalines. I am grateful for their professionalism because it has made this post possible.

Here are my favourites!

POSTSCRIPT

I am proud to see so many faceted stones that were mined here in Nigeria. They are a pleasant reminder of our wealth in natural resources and an affirmation of the good things we can create once we acquire the skills to refine and shape our natural resources.

It would have been impossible to write this post if gem companies and cutters had concealed the source of their materials. I cannot thank them enough for adhering to industry best standards.

I also hope that more homemade photographic records of Nigerian gemstones will become available in the future. We should see more blogs and articles like this. It is one more way to boost the reputation and brand of Nigeria’s gemstones.