Green Tourmaline Stone: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Green Tourmaline Stone Overview
Green Tourmaline, also called Verdelite, is a common gemstone variety of Tourmaline. Its beautiful green color attracts the eye of collectors throughout the world.
The Verdelite stone has many powerful properties and is an excellent stone for crystal healing. This article will discuss the properties, meanings, and uses of the Green Tourmaline gemstone.
What Is The Verdelite Crystal?
Green tourmaline is a rare variety of tourmaline that is sought after by many gem collectors. It boasts different powerful abilities and properties that make it desirable for many people. It is said to be related to the heart chakra and symbolizes communication and self-love.
This crystal is a member of the borosilicates, minerals with alkaline or earthy chemistry that often occur alongside quartz gems. The name of this stone comes from its color, which is a beautiful grassy green hue. It also has some copper and aluminum in its chemical makeup.
Usambara Effect
The presence of Cr+3 ions in the crystalline structure gives green Tourmaline a unique property known as the “Usambara Effect.” This effect causes a change in the color of the gemstone depending on the path length that the light travels through the material.
In Verdelite, the color can change from green to red as the amount of light passing through it increases or decreases. The color green to olive green even if there is less light.
Usambara Effect Vs. Alexandrite Effect
A similar kind of color change is seen in Alexandrite stones, blue to red, when they are exposed to sunlight vs. incandescent light. While the presence of Chromium ions causes both phenomena, they are two distinct effects with different mechanisms.
Alexandrite stones change their color due to the absorption spectrum of the Chromium ions in the yellow region of the visible light spectrum.
On the other hand, the Usambara effect is caused by the positions of bands of absorption of Cr3+ ions, the light ratio, and the sample’s thickness.
Verdilite/Tourmaline Pronunciation
Tourmaline is pronounced tuor·muh·leen while Verdilite is pronounced Ver·duh·lite.
Tourmaline gets its name from the Sinhalese word for carnelian stones, “tōramalli.”
Historical Significance
- Brightly colored Tourmaline gemstones were found in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and were brought to Europe by Dutch East India Company traders, becoming a widespread curiosity.
- Because of its pyroelectric properties, Tourmaline was sometimes called the “Ceylonese Sri Lankan Magnet” – it could attract and then repel hot ashes.
- In the 19th century, chemists used tourmalines to polarize light by shining rays onto a gem’s polished surface.
Other Names For Green Tourmaline
Green Tourmaline is known by a few names throughout the world, which are given below:
- Emeraldite
- Verdelith
- Verdelite
- Verdelita
Where Can You Find Green Tourmaline?
Verdilite is a prevalent mineral that can be found worldwide:
Appearance
As the name indicates, the Green Tourmaline stone is green in color. The color can range from light green to a highly sought-after electric blue-green. It is a vitreous, translucent stone showing dark-green to yellow-green Pleochroism.
A type of Green Tourmaline, known as Watermelon Tourmaline, shows two colorations at once. The inside is pink while the outside is green, hence the name.
Pleochroism is the property of a material to show different colors in different polarization directions of light.
This gemstone also shows a color change from green to red depending on the amount of light.
Physical Properties
| Mineral Group | Tourmaline |
| Color | Green |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 7 – 7.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.614 – 1.666 |
| Fracture | Sub-Conchoidal |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Specific Gravity | 2.90 – 3.40 |
| Transparency | Translucent |
How To Tell If It Is Real?
Verdilite is a common gemstone, so most vendors will not substitute it with another gem. However, some scammers may make fake Green Tourmaline gems using colored plastics or glass.
You can identify whether a stone is genuine or not using the following criteria:
- Color Depth: Natural Green Tourmaline has a variable color scheme with varying hues. If the color of the Tourmaline crystal looks uniform and dull, it is not real. This type of coloration is an indication of dying.
- Scratch Test: Tourmaline is a hard mineral with a 7 – 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Due to this property, it is tough to scratch this mineral. If you try to score the stone with a knife or any other sharp object, it should not leave any marks on the surface of the Tourmaline. If you can scratch it, then it is not real.
- Usambara Effect: You can verify the reality of your Green Tourmaline gemstones by checking for the Usambara effect. The thickest stone parts should be red, while the thinner parts should be green. If there is no color difference between the thick and thin parts, it is not a genuine Tourmaline crystal.
- Acetone Test: Take your gemstone and place it in an acetone bath for a few minutes. The dye will dissolve in the acetone, and the color will be removed from the stone. The gemstone is not genuine if you notice a stain in the acetone solution after a few minutes. Natural gemstones shouldn’t release color in acetone.
- Transparency: Coloring plastic or glass through artificial means makes them opaque. However, genuine Tourmaline gemstones are translucent or transparent. If you notice a colored Tourmaline gemstone that does not allow light to pass through it, it is most likely colored glass or plastic.
If you cannot verify whether your gemstone is natural or not, you should bring it to an expert. They will test it for you in various ways. For example, they may use a refractometer to test the gemstone’s optical properties. They will also use other tools like microscopes, polariscopes, and Hardness sets to test the physical properties of the gem and give a detailed result.
Green Tourmaline Stone Cost And Value
The value of a gemstone is defined by the four C’s. Experts use the four Cs to evaluate a gem’s worth: carat, cut, clarity, and color.
Carat
The size of the stone is a significant determinant of its value. Larger stones are rarer and, therefore, more valuable. Thus, the price increases exponentially with the size of the gemstone.
Cut
The cut of a gemstone is how it has been faceted and polished. A well-cut stone will reflect light better than one that is poorly cut. The gem’s cut is the most significant factor in determining the value of uncolored stones.
A well-cut stone with no flaws that reflects light in all the right ways will be much more expensive than a poorly cut one.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the number of imperfections in a stone, its transparency, and how many inclusions are present within it. Not all stones with inclusions are worth less. Some gems, like the Dendritic Agate, derive most of their value from the pattern of the inclusions found within them.
However, the presence of even one inclusion can make the stone less valuable than other stones. A stone’s clarity is partially determined by its cut, so if you have a perfect stone that has been cut poorly, then it might be worth less than a stone with imperfections that is well-cut.
Color
For non-transparent stones, color is the most critical factor in determining their price. The intensity, continuity, depth, and pattern of the color found on a gemstone influence its price.
The color of a stone is often what makes it so desirable, so if you have a bright blue sapphire or fiery red ruby, you’ve got yourself a valuable gem. The more intense the color is and the more consistent it is throughout the stone, the higher its value will be.
The most expensive colored gemstones are those with vivid and intense colors. For example, the world’s most expensive ruby is the Sunrise Ruby, which has a fierce orange-red shade that is very rare.
Some colors are considered rarer than others and are more valuable when found in gems. For example, the most expensive variety of Tourmaline is the “Paraiba Tourmaline,” which has a rare green and neon-blue color.
Price Per Carat
Green Tourmaline is a widely available and relatively cheap stone. You can find a gem for $7-30/Carat in the online marketplace. This is because it is a widespread stone and can be found in many locations around the world.
If you’re looking for something more unique, you might want to consider one of the other colored Tourmalines. For example, Pink Tourmaline has an average price of $50-100/Ct depending on its quality.
Green Tourmaline Stone Chakra Connection
Green Tourmaline stones are connected to the Heart Chakra of the human body due to their green color. The Heart Chakra, also called the Anahata, is the fourth primary chakra of the human body. It is located in the center of the chest and is related to the power to connect.
Due to its property to change colors to red, the Verdilite stone also has a faint connection to the Root Chakra. It is also called the Muladhara and is located at the base of the spine. It is connected to the red color and governs the flow of energy.
Meaning And Uses
Green Tourmaline Crystals are powerful gems that have a wide range of meanings and uses. They are utilized for healing, spirituality, and practicality.
- Verdilite pendants give the wearer a genuine connection to their surroundings. Due to this, they are used by people who want to improve their relationships with nature.
- Green Tourmaline garnets are said to strengthen your connection to your spiritual guides, angels, and other beings from the spirit realm. It also brings abundance to your life, leading you to greater heights.
- It is a powerful stone for protection against negative energy and malicious entities.
- Green Tourmaline stone is a gem of compassion. Necklaces containing this crystal are known to grant an emotional body to the wearer. This is why it is a very popular gem to place in necklaces.
- Necklaces of this gemstone are used in meditation to assist in reaching a zen state due to its calming properties.
- Verdilite is used to bring the Heart Chakra back into harmony and open the pathways. Correctly aligning the Heart chakra has many positive effects on the body. Diseases relating to the lungs, arms, chest, and heart are easier to heal.
- People who wear Tourmaline jewelry can get over emotional trauma more readily. It is often used by people going through a breakup or challenging times and leads them to peace and prosperity.
- Since it is connected to the Root Chakra, this stone can also be used to align that chakra. However, the weaker connection will require additional assistance to open this chakra.
- Verdelite rings are used to bring confidence in one’s actions. They bring closure to the wearer and make them confident in their choices.
- It is also used to increase the self-confidence and self-worth of the wearer. They will find solutions to problems more efficiently and have an easier time making friends. This stone is also used for business endeavors, as it helps with networking and sales.
How To Clean Green Tourmaline Jewelry?
Here are some steps to help your jewelry retain its beauty.
- Soak the jewelry in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften the gunk.
- Use a gentle soap solution to rinse the piece until the debris and dust are washed away. If you are having trouble, you can use a soft toothbrush to clean the dirt.
- Once adequately washed and dried, polish the crystal with a microfiber cloth.
- You can use a smudge stick to rid your stone of negative energy that it absorbed.
- You can recharge your gem by exposing it to moonlight or burying it underground. Give yourself at least 6 hours, but overnight is best.
Although ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are safe for most people, there is still a risk. Therefore, it is better not to take the risk.
FAQ
Which Gemstones Go Best With Verdelite?
The best gemstone that compliments a Verdelite crystal is an Alexandrite. Both these gemstones have a color change property, although due to different phenomena. Furthermore, their Chakra connections complement one another and cover everything you could need.
Other crystals that are an excellent match include Emeralds, Chrome Tourmaline, Peridot, Rubellite, Black Tourmaline, Blue Tourmaline (also called indicolite), etc. These stones have the same chakra connection as Green Tourmaline, leading to a harmonic effect and increased efficacy.
What Is Verdelite Good For?
It is suitable for forming connections, increasing self-love, and improving communication skills. It is also ideal for protection, healing, and manifesting dreams into reality.
What Are The Healing Properties Of Verdelite?
Alternate Medicine Practitioners typically use this gemstone to treat diseases of the heart. Curing Plaque formation and high blood pressure and preventing heart attacks are its primary focus.
However, they also use it to treat GIT issues like constipation, disturbed bowel movements, and stomach acidity.
