Tourmaline
There are many hues in the natural world. Tourmaline is transparent and comes in many colors. Thus, it is sometimes referred to as the "multi-colored gem". Tourmaline has one of the most complicated compositions of any gemstone in the natural world. Early on, it was used in ornaments and accessories. For example, during the Qing dynasty, court officials of certain rank, decorated their clothing and caps with gemstones, mostly red tourmaline. Most gemstone-grade tourmaline is produced within pegmatite. It is often found in association with spodumene, topaz, quartz, and beryl. In this exhibition is a specimen of rough pink tourmaline from Afghanistan weighing approximately four kilograms. In addition, there are a 38.95 carat cabachon cut specimen and a 7.80 carat red brilliant cut specimen.
