Your Questions About Tourmaline Mine | Sparkling Diamonds and Gemstones

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Your Questions About Tourmaline Mine

May 17th, 2011 by Diamond Lover

Richard asks…

Where can kids (family) mine for tourmaline in San Diego, CA?

We will be visiting San Diego County (CA). Are there any mines kids and family can mine(look for) tourmaline?

Diamond Lover answers:

Check out the Oceanview Mine at http://www.digforgems.com/

And the Himalaya Tourmaline Mine at http://www.highdesertgemsandminerals.com/html/dig_gemstones.html

The second link also refers to mining in Oregon and an interesting 5-day western gem tour.

Sharon asks…

Do you know of any Tourmaline Mines out there that are...?

open to the public to search for Tourmaline....and bring it home?

Diamond Lover answers:

See above for some links to tourmaline mines in California.

Did you know that Tourmaline is the state gemstone of Maine? It is, and you can do some rock hounding there as well. Check out http://digmainegems.com/ for Maine Tourmaline mines to visit.

Sandy asks…

Is Pink Tourmaline a birthstone for October?

My question is if Pink Tourmaline is a birthstone for October. I know Opal is one of them but, I'm not sure if Pink Tourmaline is one. Walmart says it is but, I'm not sure. I want to get a ring with my girlfriends birthstone and mine but I can only get Pink Tourmaline.

Diamond Lover answers:

Pink Tourmaline is the alternate birthstone for October, and I think it is a beautiful alternate choice to opal!

In the last couple of years, the IGA (International Gemologists Association) has come up with some really beautiful alternative gemstones. For example in December you can buy a Blue Topaz (Zircon), or Tanzanite now. So, WalMart was actually correct.

Charles asks…

Is Tourmaline mined in Califorrnia?

Diamond Lover answers:

Yes. Tourmaline was, until recently, the single largest contributor to the total value of gemstones produced from California. The tourmaline deposits in Riverside and San Diego Counties have had more tourmaline produced and of greater value than any other deposits in the Northern Hemisphere.

One mine is the Tourmaline Queen Mine located in Pala, San Diego County, California.

Http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/gemstones/sp14-95/tourmaline.html

http://palagems.com/tourmaline_queen.htm

Michael asks…

I need to find someone in northern Colorado to cut raw tourmaline for me. Does anyone know how to find one?

I have been rock hounding in California at the Himalayan mine and I have some tourmaline that needs professional help. I am trying to find someone close to home. thanks