Indicolite Tourmaline

Indicolite — Blue-Green Tourmaline

The word Indicolite is derived from the Latin word "indicum," meaning indigo or blue, and the Greek word "lithos," meaning stone. Indicolite is a type of tourmaline that belongs to the elbaite group, which is known for its complex chemical composition.

Color

Blue tourmalines are found in different shades, ranging from light blue-green to rich dark blue. In the gemological community, there is a debate from time to time about how to categorize stones as indigolites. More often the debate is about the acceptability of a certain amount of greenish hue in the samples in question. Visually pure, bright-blue tourmalines with minimal or no green are considered the rarest, and their price is comparable to that of the Paraiba tourmalines. The value of specimens is determined by their color and purity. Turmalines with bright blue coloring are less common and cost much more than the common green and yellowish stones.

Properties

Indicolite has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone that can withstand daily wear. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.82 to 3.32, and its refractive index ranges from 1.603 to 1.655.

Indicolite is known for its unique optical effects, such as pleochroism and chatoyancy. Pleochroism is the phenomenon where the gemstone displays different colors when viewed from different angles. Indicolite can exhibit two or three different colors, depending on the direction of the light. Chatoyancy, also known as cat's eye effect, is a reflection of light that creates a narrow band of light on the surface of the gemstone, resembling the eye of a cat.

Price

Prices indigolite are formed depending on the brightness and saturation of minerals and their size. Cheap gems are $50-100 per carat, they may contain inclusions, their weight usually does not exceed 2-3 carats and is characterized by not very expressive painting. The best and largest specimens of saturated blue colors can cost upwards of $1000-1500 for one carat. These blue tourmaline gem, the demand for them is growing every year, resulting in higher cost.

Origin

Indicolite can be found in various locations throughout the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States. The majority of the world's supply comes from Brazil and Madagascar.

Mining indicolite can be a difficult process, as the gemstone is often found in small, irregularly shaped veins. The primary mining method used for indicolite is surface mining, which involves extracting the gemstone from open pit mines or alluvial deposits. This method is preferred because it is less expensive and more efficient than underground mining.

In Brazil, indicolite is mined in the states of Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Rio Grande do Norte. The gemstone is often found in association with other minerals, such as mica, quartz, and feldspar. In Madagascar, indicolite is primarily found in the southern region of the country, near the town of Ihosy.

Jewelry

Indicolite is a popular gemstone used in jewelry due to its beautiful blue color and durability. It is commonly used in a variety of jewelry styles, including:

1. Rings: Indicolite is often set in rings, either as a solitaire or in a cluster setting with other gemstones.
2. Necklaces and Pendants: Indicolite is also used in necklaces and pendants, either as a single stone or in a multi-gemstone design.
3. Earrings: Indicolite is a popular choice for earrings, particularly in stud or dangle styles.
4. Bracelets: Indicolite is sometimes used in bracelets, either as a single stone or in a multi-gemstone design.
5. Brooches and Pins: Indicolite can also be used in brooches and pins as a decorative accent.

Are you looking to purchase an indicolite gemstone at a great value?

Look no further than our catalog, where you can browse a selection of high-quality indicolite samples, compare prices, and get an idea of your potential expenses. Our expert gemologists will help you avoid overpaying for this stone and ensure that you make an informed decision.

In addition to our existing inventory, we are pleased to offer a custom order service that will allow us to find the ideal indicolite for you based on your specific preferences and budget. We can even craft bespoke jewelry using this stone and ship it to you anywhere in the world.

Our full-service jewelry shops, with locations in Bangkok, Dubai, Moscow, Geneva, and Almaty, are among the best in the business. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a stunning indicolite gemstone at an unbeatable price.