More October Birthstones.

My last post discussed the opal as being a birthstone for October.  However, some charts also show Tourmaline as being a birthstone for October.  As with opal, tourmaline comes in different colors.  Depending on it's makeup, tourmaline can be black, brown, yellow, green, red, pink or bi or tri-colored.  Tourmaline Is said to become electrostatically charged when rubbed due to high manganese and iron concentrations..  Tourmaline symbolizes wealth, friendship and love.

While most gem quality tourmaline comes from Africa, Brazil and Sri Lanka, the U.S. is producing in mines in Maine and California. 

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Healing Properties
  Green tourmaline is said to regulate blood pressure and strengthen the heart and nervous system.  Black tourmaline can protect against high radiation while blue tourmaline combats water retention and strengthens the immune system.  It also reduces throat and bronchial infections.  Watermelon tourmaline is helpful in relieving pain.

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n_Tourmaline.JPG

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"Tourmaline01" by Reno Chris at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tourmaline01.jpg#/media/File:Tourmaline01.jpg