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Tourmaline is a borosilicate mineral group with a wide range of colors, found in every shade of the rainbow and even black. It's known for its distinct triangular cross-sectional shape and can be found in a variety of colors due to different trace elements. The name "tourmaline" comes from the Sinhalese word "tura mali," meaning "mixed stone," reflecting its diverse color palette.

Here's a more detailed look:

Key Characteristics:

• Crystal System: Trigonal.

• Habit: Elongated, trigonal prisms with a distinctive triangular cross-sectional shape.

• Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone.

• Color: A wide range of colors, including black, brown, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, and hues in between.

• Chemical Composition: Borosilicate mineral group with elements like aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium.

• Pleochroism: Many tourmalines exhibit pleochroism, meaning they appear different colors when viewed from different directions, according to the University of Texas at Austin.

• Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.12, with slight variations depending on the color.

• Refractive Index: Commonly 1.62-1.64.