Indicolite Tourmaline Gemstone Guide

Indicolite Tourmaline, also known simply as Blue Tourmaline, is among the rarest, most prized varieties of the elbaite mineral family. Celebrated for its captivating spectrum ranging from deep oceanic navy to vibrant teal and neon turquoise, Indicolite derives its iconic colouration from trace amounts of iron embedded within its complex crystal structure. At Tivon, we select only the top 5% of loose gemstone from this elite elbaite family to guarantee an intense concentration of vivid turquoise blues and electric greens. What makes fine Indicolite particularly mesmerizing to gem collectors is its strong pleochroism, an optical phenomenon where the gemstone displays two distinct shades of blue or blue-green when viewed from different angles. Because intense, clean blue crystals represent less than 1% of all mined tourmalines, fine-grade Indicolite is a true treasure of high jewellery.

Read below to discover the unique geographical origins, essential cleaning procedures and primary value factors of this exquisite mineral in our comprehensive Indicolite Tourmaline Gemstone Guide. Alternatively, explore our luxury Indicolite Jewellery collection or our elegant Deco Collection to discover an extraordinary Indicolite masterpiece designed to stand as a rare, personal family legacy.

Supreme Rarity!

About Indicolite Tourmaline

What colour is an Indicolite?

Indicolite is defined by its blue spectrum, ranging from light sky blue all the way to deep indigo and blue green / teal variants. The colour arises from iron in different valence states, producing absorption that the eye perceives as blue. Higher iron content = deeper colour. It is worth noting that Indicolite is prized for strong pleochroism.

What does pleochroism mean with regards to Indicolite?

Pleochroism (pronounced plee-uh-kroh-iz-um) is an optical phenomenon where a gemstone shows different colours or shades when viewed from different angles. The word comes from the Greek pleo ("more") and chroa ("colour")—literally meaning "more colours.". Because light wavelengths are absorbed unevenly along those two paths, the colour of the light exiting the gem changes depending on the direction from which you look at the stone. Indicolite's pleochrism is dihroic, meaning light splits along 2 main optical axis causing the stone to show teo distinct colours.

Where is the name Indicolite derived from?

The name Indicolite comes from the Latin indicum, meaning indigo coloured plant, referencing its deep blue hue.

What is the symbolism of Indicolite?

It is often used in crystal healing for mental clarity and emotional regulation. Also good for clarity of communication (throat chakra), calmness, emotional balance, deep intuition and insight as well as spiritual depth and truthfulness.

What gemstone family does Indicolite belong to?

Natural Indicolite belongs to the Tourmaline gemstone family.

What anniversary does Indicolite represent?

Tourmalines are associated with the 8th wedding anniversary.

Is Indicolite a birthstone?

Yes, Indicolite (Tourmalines) are an alternative birthstone for October.

Is Indicolite an investment-grade gemstone?

Yes, Indicolite is increasingly considered an investment grade gemstone, especially in fine qualities. Only 2% of all Tourmaline mined is blue enough to be classified as indicolite. Large clean stones are extremely rare.

Where does Indicolite come from geographically?

Major sources include Brazil (dominant source), Afghanistan, Mozambique and Nigeria.

What is the hardness of Indicolite?

Indicolite is a 7.0-7.5 on Moh’s Scale and therefore considered robust and good for everyday wear.

Are there any interesting facts regarding Indicolite?

Only 2% of all Tourmaline mined is blue enough to be classified as indicolite. Indicolite’s colour is natural, unlike many blue gemstones that require treatment. It shows strong pleochroism, often appearing blue from one angle and greenish from another. It belongs to the same family as Paraíba Tourmaline, but Indicolite’s colour comes from iron, not copper.

Does Indicolite have any inclusions?

Indicolite does have inclusions, though fine quality stones can be impressively clean.

What is the cleaning procedure for Indicolite?

Indicolite is durable but brittle, so cleaning must be gentle. Use lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes

What are the value factors of Indicolite?

The value factors of Indicolite are its rarity, intensity of blue colour as well as its brilliance, cut of the stone, its clarity and the "life" of the stone. Size of the Indicolite is also a value factor. Fine Brazilian and Afghan material often commands higher prices.

The Tourmaline Family Spectrum

Indicolite belongs to an extraordinarily complex and diverse mineral group, celebrated by connoisseurs for expressing an unparalleled kaleidoscope of natural color. Expand your gemological knowledge and discover the unique histories of its most prized structural variations.

Rubellite Tourmaline: Discover the intense, deeply saturated crimson fires of a true collector's prize in our Rubellite Tourmaline Gemstone Guide.
Paraíba Tourmaline: Learn about the electrifying, neon turquoise glow of the world's most exclusive copper-bearing treasure in our Paraíba Tourmaline Gemstone Guide.
The Tourmaline Family: To experience the wider, multi-hued universe of this resilient silicate crystal, visit our comprehensive Tourmaline Gemstone Guide.

The Connoisseur’s Collectable Gemstone Set

Prized by avid gemmologists and master collectors, Indicolite Tourmaline is celebrated for its extreme geological scarcity, unique optical phenomena and vibrant natural palettes. Discover the extraordinary rarity, mesmerizing optical brilliance and supreme desirability of our other connoisseur-grade collectable gemstones:

Alexandrite: Experience the magical dual-nature of nature's ultimate chameleon in our Alexandrite Gemstone Guide.
Imperial Topaz: Discover the aristocratic golden-peach and fiery pink hues reserved for royalty in our Imperial Topaz Gemstone Guide.
Kunzite: Explore the delicate, luminous lilac-pink elegance of spodumene in our Kunzite Gemstone Guide.
Mandarin Garnet: Learn about the electrifying, sun-drenched orange fire of a true collector's prize in our Mandarin Garnet Gemstone Guide.
Paraíba Tourmaline: Learn about the electrifying, neon turquoise copper-bearing glow of the world's most coveted tourmaline in our Paraíba Tourmaline Gemstone Guide.
Spinel: Discover the vibrant, mist-free clarity and rich historical brilliance of cobalt and crimson spinel in our Spinel Gemstone Guide.
Tsavorite Garnet: Explore the vivid, emerald-rivaling green radiance of East Africa's finest garnet in our Tsavorite Garnet Gemstone Guide.
Zircon: Discover the breathtaking double refraction and diamond-like fiery dispersion of natural zircon in our Zircon Gemstone Guide.