Treasure Hunting for Tourmaline
Tourmaline Rough
According to Egyptian legend tourmaline gets it color when it passes over a rainbow on its journey up from the center of the earth and that is why it is often referred as the gemstone of the rainbow. Multicolored and bi-colored tourmaline are the norm and very rarely found in the clear or colorless form. Watermelon colored gemstones are green at one end and pink at the other, hence the name.
Tourmaline is a crystal distinguished by its three sided prisms, which no other common mineral has. Tourmaline will come in a wide variety of colors. Iron will give tourmaline a black or brown coloration, magnesium are brown to yellow, lithium rich crystals will display blue, green, red, yellow or pink.
Tourmaline Rough
Tourmaline is found in pegmatite veins within the underlying bedrock that is at an angle of about 45 degrees to the center of the earth. Two main geological features, granite and marble, have the ability to form Tourmaline Crystals. Only about 5 percent of the gemstones found are of gem grade quality.
Tourmaline will change it electrical properties when it is heated. It becomes lightly magnetized and it has been used in the Netherlands to attract ashes and could be used to clean out pipes. This gemstone has a hardness rating of 7 to 7.5 thus making it a good candidate for jewelry. It can withstand years of wear but you may want to avoid steam cleaning or heat.
Tourmaline Multiple Rough
Tourmaline was first discovered in the United States near Paris, Main in 1820. Two students taking a shortcut home they came upon an uprooted tree with dozens of green tourmaline crystals near the roots. Tourmaline was the first gemstone commercially mined in the United States. This gemstone has also been found in other areas of Main such as Newry Hill, Mount Mica and Plumbago Mountain. Currently most of the old mines are open to collectors for a fee.
The Himalaya Mine in San Diego County, California allows treasure hunters to search for tourmaline gemstones. For a fee of $75 the prospectors will have access to the mine tailings area all day long. Fill up your bucket from the mine and then take your potential treasures to the screening area and sift through the rubble for the gemstones.
The Himalaya Mine will also sell you a bucket of tailings to take home for $50 to $100, depending on the quality of tailings. You may also purchase a bag of “Pocket Mud” on the internet for $20 plus $10 for shipping, so you can screen at your leisure.
The underground mine consists of five miles of steep passages that were dug over the last 100 years so there is plenty of tailings you can sift through. If you decide to dig at the Himalaya Mine you will need to bring a shovel, bucket, gloves, hat and a ¼ inch screening stand.
In 1989 a vivid blue color tourmaline was found in Brazil. It was given the name Paraiba tourmaline and is in such popular demand that price was soon over $10,000 per carat. Almost every color can be found in Brazil but the blue is still the number one must have. A cut and polished gem quality tourmaline from the United States can demand up to $1,000 per carat.
Happy treasure hunting.
About the Author
David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit Treasure Hunting
Paraiba Tourmaline 2.90 Cushion Blue Green
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2.11 CT COPPER BEARING PARAIBA TOURMALINE MOZAMBIQUE $199.99 |
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1.90 CT COPPER BEARING PARAIBA TOURMALINE MOZAMBIQUE $199.99 |
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160 carats Rare Paraiba Blue Tourmaline Crystals Lot @Paproke Mine Afghanistan!! $299.99 |
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Stunning Color ! Natural Red Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline Oval 1.57ct Gemstone $238.50 |
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41.30 CT. PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE, 925 SILVER RING /1146 $33.95 |
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7.11 ct. Color Change Green to Blue Paraiba Tourmaline Nigeria 12x10mm Oval $260.22 |
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Paraiba Tourmaline, Loose Gemstone $700.00 |
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EARTH MINED 3 COLORS PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH 90.5CTS $19.99 |
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EARTH MINED 3 COLORS PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH 67.5CTS $29.99 |
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BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE & PINK SAPPHIRE STERLING SILVER 925 RING SZ 7.5 US, P UK $24.99 |
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GIT COPPER MOZAMBIQUE PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE 4.24ct $698.48 |
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10.60ct DAZZLING PARAIBA TOURMALINE WOMENS STERLING SILVER RING JEWELRY size 9.5 $79.99 |
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GIT COPPER MOZAMBIQUE PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE 3.00ct $506.40 |
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GIT COPPER MOZAMBIQUE PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE 2.35ct $384.16 |
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1.17 ct. NATURAL COPPER BEARING BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE NR !! $79.00 |
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GIT COPPER MOZAMBIQUE PARAIBA BLUE TOURMALINE 5.09ct $1,225.83 |
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COPPER MOZAMBIQUE PARAIBA MULTI-COLOR TOURMALINE 6.02ct $750.86 |
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Gemlovers Sell For Less! BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE 2.15ct $43.64 |
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AAA PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE MAIN STONE 8.10 CT. SAPP 925 SILVER RING SZ 7.25 $26.49 |
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Sell For Less ! MULTI- COLOR PARAIBA TOURMALINE 2.42ct $43.64 |
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17.20CT.ROUGH BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE NATURAL $2.99 |
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15.20CT.ROUGH GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE NATURAL $2.99 |
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15.80CT.ROUGH GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE NATURAL $2.99 |
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26.70CT.ROUGH GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE NATURAL $2.99 |
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AAA PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE MAIN STONE 5.82 CT. SAPP 925 SILVER RING SZ 6.75 $24.99 |
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AAA PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE MAIN STONE 4.80CT. SAPPHIRE 925 SILVER RING SZ 7.25 $24.99 |
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Natural Gem 0.37ct 5x4mm Oval Copper Bearing PARAIBA TOURMALINE, MOZAMBIQUE $1.29 |
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Vibrant Paraiba Tourmaline Simulant (Glass) Loose Gemstone 10x8mm Emerald Cut $17.56 |
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JEWELRY SET COPPER PARAIBA BLUE TOURMALINE 9pc/7.01ct $330.02 |
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AAA PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE MAIN STONE 9 CT. SAPPHIRE 925 SILVER RING SZ 6.75 $24.99 |
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3.59CT MOZAMBIQUE COPPER BEARING CUPRIAN ELBAITE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $476.99 |
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12x10mm Emerald Cut Electric Paraiba Tourmaline Simulant (Glass) Gemstone $31.96 |
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Paraiba Tourmaline Simulant (Glass) Gemstone 9mm Round – Created in USA $14.36 |
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EXCEPTIONAL PARAIBA TOURMALINE AND DIAMOND RING. 18kt yellow gold. $8,350.00 |
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Stunning Paraiba Tourmaline Simulant (Glass) Gemstone 12mm Round FREE SHIPPING $28.76 |
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Amazing Color!! Paraiba Tourmaline Simulant (Glass) Gemstone 10x8mm Emerald Cut $18.36 |
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31.46 CT VIVID BICOLOR 100% NATURAL PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH CRYSTAL $3,999.99 |
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Paraiba Tourmaline Simulant (Glass) Loose Gemstone 1.50ct 8mm Round Made in USA $9.56 |
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8 PCS. PARAIBA TOURMALINE CERTIFICATE FROM GIT! SPECIAL PRICE $2,000.00 |
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26.50 CT. GREEN OVAL PARAIBA TOURMALINE SILVER 925 RING SIZE 5.75 $39.99 |
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27.50 CT. BREATHTAKING TOP GREEN PEAR PARAIBA TOURMALINE $9.99 |
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27.00 CT. FIRE FLASH GREEN PEAR PARAIBA TOURMALINE $9.99 |
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29.00 CT. GREEN OVAL PARAIBA TOURMALINE SILVER 925 RING SIZE 6 $49.99 |
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26.50 CT. ASTONISHING GREEN EMERALD PARAIBA TOURMALINE *-* $9.99 |
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RARE NEW PARAIBA TOURMALINE DIAMOND RING 14K WHITE GOLD $1,954.99 |
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1.06CT GREENISH BLUE MOZAMBIQE COPPER BEARING CUPRIAN ELBAITE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $74.99 |
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Natural Gem 0.33ct 5x4mm Oval Copper Bearing PARAIBA TOURMALINE, MOZAMBIQUE $0.99 |
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AAA PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE MAIN STONE 12.50 CT. SAPP 925 SILVER STUD EARRINGS $41.00 |
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96ct~Deep Paraiba Color tourmaline Specimen@Paproke Mine Afghanistan $9.99 |
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DAZZLING AAA PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE MAIN STONE 3.60 CT. 925 SILVER RIN SZ 7.75 $24.99 |
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5.45ct Lot of Copper Paraiba Tourmaline $24.99 |
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1.02ct PARAIBA TOURMALINE 6.25x5x5mm OVAL “NEON BLUE” $149.00 |
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Natural Gem 0.32ct 5.5x4mm Oval Copper Bearing PARAIBA TOURMALINE, MOZAMBIQUE $0.99 |
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Natural Gem 0.39ct 5.5x4mm Oval Copper Bearing PARAIBA TOURMALINE, MOZAMBIQUE $0.99 |
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0.91 cts 100% NATURAL BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $199.99 |
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0.73 CARAT SHINING!!!! SPARKLING!! BLUE GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE $149.99 |
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2.70 CRT STUNNING!!!! NEON INDICOLITE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $899.99 |
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12.99 CRT GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH CRYSTAL $9.99 |
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0.70 CTS BEAUTIFUL NATURAL BLUE NEON PARAIBA TOURMALINE $849.99 |
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7.74 CARAT PINK PARAIBA TOURMALINE FACET ROUGH CRYSTAL $9.99 |
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0.56 CARAT SHINING GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE $9.99 |
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3.48 CARATS NATURAL BLUE GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE $2,950.00 |
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1.09 CTS NATURAL NEON INDICOLITE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $799.99 |
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1.29 CRT COPPER BEAR YELLOW AND PINK PARAIBA TOURMALINE $599.99 |
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1.53C COPPER BEARING CUPRIAN ELBAITE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $269.99 |
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2.03 CRT BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH CRYSTAL $9.99 |
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5.63 CT TOP FLAWLESS BLUE GREEN PINK PARAIBA TOURMALINE $3,999.99 |
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GORGEOUS POOL WATER COPPER BEARING PARAIBA TOURMALINE $9.99 |
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2.65 CARAT BLUE COPPER BEARING PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH CRYSTAL $9.99 |
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3.47 CARAT BLUE GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH CRYSTAL $9.99 |
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3.58 CARAT GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH CRYSTAL $9.99 |
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1.46 CARAT BLUE COPPER BEARING PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH CRYSTAL $9.99 |
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AAA PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE MAIN STONE 2.60 CT.PERIDOT 925 SILVER RING SZ 6.75 $29.99 |
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48.45 CARAT GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE SPECIMEN MINERAL $49.99 |
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5.20ct.ELEGANT NATURAL GREENISH BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $54.00 |
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2.15 CT BEAUTIFUL 100% NATURAL GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE $499.99 |
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3.11 CRT TOP QUALITY FLAWLESS COPPER PARAIBA TOURMALINE $7,499.99 |
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2.90 CRT BEAUTIFUL LIGHT BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE PAIRS $999.99 |
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1.43 CRT BEAUTIFUL NATURAL NEON BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $699.99 |
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9.85 CARAT FLAWLESS SHINING!!! GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE $5,999.99 |
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4.97 CRT TOP QUALITY FLAWLESS NEON INDICOLITE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $7,349.99 |
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6.71 CRT TOP QUALITY FLAWLESS NEON INDICOLITE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $10,499.99 |
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3.43 CRT BLUE GREEN COPPER BEAR PARAIBA TOURMALINE $1,999.99 |
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2.63 CRT TOP QUALITY CUT!! FLAWLESS PARAIBA TOURMALINE $1,999.99 |
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0.74 cts NATURAL NEON BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $299.99 |
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2.20 CRT 100% NATURAL BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE. $299.99 |
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1.30 CRT COPPER CUPRIAN ELBAITE BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $599.99 |
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42.40 CT. PARAIBA GREEN TOURMALINE STERLING SILVER 925 RING SIZE 7.00 $24.99 |
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1.46CT COPPER BEARING PARAIBA TOURMALINE RING NR $35.00 |
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5.30ct D LUSTROUS COPPER PARAIBA PINK ELBITE TOURMALINE $650.00 |
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4.25 CRT SHINING TOP AAA BLUE GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE $2,999.99 |
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10.60ct DAZZLING PARAIBA TOURMALINE WOMENS STERLING SILVER RING JEWELRY size 9.5 $79.99 |
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2.72 CT~AMAZING HI END COLOR ~COPPER BEARING ~NATURAL PARAIBA TOURMALINE $319.99 |
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5.13 CT ~AMAZING ! HUGE HI END ~COPPER BEARING~NATURAL PARAIBA TOURMALINE~UNHEAT $699.99 |
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Impeccable Genuine PARAIBA TOURMALINE & DIAMOND Cluster Ring 14 Kt Gold $999.00 |
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9.65ct GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE WOMENS 925 STERLING SILVER RING JEWELRY size 7 $79.99 |
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Designer Handmade Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond 18K Ring $3,230.00 |
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4.34 CRT SHINING!! TOP BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $2,999.99 |
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4.11 CARAT TOP AAA COPPER BEAR BLUE PARAIBA TOURMALINE $899.99 |
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1.76ct~CERTIFIABLE TOP RICH FIRE NEON GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE $9.99 |