Tourmaline

Colour: Comes in every possible color and often multi-coloured

Name derivation: Derived from the Singhalese expression "Turamali”, which translates as "stone of mixed colours”

Symbolism: Love, friendship, permanence and stability

Gemstone family: Name for a group of related mineral species. No single specie name

Anniversary: 38th wedding anniversary (Modern)

Birthstone: October

Hardness: Moh’s Scale 7.0-7.5 (hard & robust structure)

Geography: The finest come from South America (Brazil), Madagascar & Africa

Cleaning procedure: Must not be cleaned ultrasonically. Do not clean it in a steam cleaner. Clean carefully using warm soapy water or commercial jewellery cleaner

Value factors: Rarity, Intensity of colour; Brilliance and “life” of stone; Size of stone