Orange Tourmaline
Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 (lithium aluminum borosilicate, elbaite)
A warm orange to tangerine tourmaline, an uncommon hue produced by manganese and iron in the crystal.
- Mohs hardness
- 7-7.5
- Color
- Orange, orange-brown, golden-orange, tangerine
- Type
- gemstone
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Overview
Orange tourmaline is a warm-hued variety ranging from golden-orange and tangerine to orange-brown. It can belong to the lithium-rich species elbaite or grade toward magnesium-rich dravite for the browner tones.
The orange coloration is generally produced by a combination of manganese and iron. Pure, vivid orange tourmaline is relatively uncommon, with many stones leaning toward brown or yellow.
Like all tourmalines, it forms striated trigonal prisms, shows strong pleochroism, and is frequently color-zoned.
Formation & geology
Orange tourmaline forms in granitic pegmatites rich in lithium, boron, manganese, and iron. As late-stage fluids crystallize in pockets, the balance of manganese and iron incorporated into the crystal produces the orange to orange-brown coloration; browner stones reflect more magnesium (dravite chemistry).
Notable sources include Tanzania, Nigeria, Brazil, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Some orange hues are produced or improved by heat treatment of suitable rough.
Durable crystals also accumulate in alluvial gem gravels.
How to identify it
Look for transparent orange to tangerine or orange-brown crystals with a rounded triangular cross-section and lengthwise striations. Hardness is 7-7.5, luster vitreous, streak white.
Orange tourmaline is pleochroic, often shifting between orange, brown, and yellow tones with viewing angle. Distinguish from spessartite garnet (singly refractive, no pleochroism, higher density), orange sapphire (much harder), and citrine (hexagonal quartz) by crystal form and double refraction.
The trigonal prism, striations, and strong birefringence confirm tourmaline.
Uses & significance
Orange tourmaline is faceted into warm, glowing gemstones for rings, pendants, and earrings. Pure, vivid orange and tangerine stones are uncommon and command higher prices, while orange-brown material is more affordable.
Its hardness of 7-7.5 makes it durable for everyday wear. The warm color pairs well with yellow gold settings.
Metaphysically, orange tourmaline is associated with creativity and the sacral chakra, though such claims are not scientifically supported.
Frequently asked questions
What causes orange tourmaline's color?
A combination of manganese and iron produces the orange to orange-brown hues; browner stones tend toward dravite chemistry.
Is orange tourmaline rare?
Pure, vivid orange is relatively uncommon. Many stones lean toward brown or yellow, so saturated orange material is prized.
Is orange tourmaline treated?
Some orange tourmaline is heat treated to improve or produce the color. Reputable sellers disclose any treatment.
How do I tell orange tourmaline from spessartite garnet?
Tourmaline is doubly refractive with strong pleochroism and a triangular crystal cross-section, while spessartite garnet is singly refractive with no pleochroism.
Where is orange tourmaline found?
Tanzania, Nigeria, Brazil, Madagascar, and Mozambique are notable sources.
Orange Tourmaline guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Orange Tourmaline.
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