tourmaline
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does tourmaline mean? Tourmaline is a mineral that is commonly black but also has transparent, colored varieties considered gemstones, including in pink and green. Tourmaline varies in composition and is typically categorized into three types: iron tourmaline (a black variety, also called schorl), magnesium tourmaline (a brown variety, also called dravite), and alkali tourmaline. As a gemstone, tourmaline is classified as semiprecious, a label given to gemstones that are not as valuable as those considered precious. Tourmaline is generally inexpensive due to its abundance, but certain varieties are more expensive, such as those from Paraiba, Brazil, which are valued for their color saturation. Tourmaline is one of the birthstones for the month of October. It is associated with the zodiac signs Libra and Scorpio. It is also the gem designated for an eighth wedding anniversary. Tourmaline has the ability to become electrically charged when heated and is also used in electrical equipment. Tourmaline can also be spelled tourmalin and turmaline. Example: Many people mistake the red tourmaline stone in my ring for a ruby.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tourmaline
1750–60; earlier tourmalin < German Turmalin, ultimately < Sinhalese tōramalliya “carnelian”; see -in 2
Vocabulary lists containing tourmaline
Earth Science - Middle School
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Earth Science - High School
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Rocks and Minerals - Middle School and High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Swiss pharmaceutical company said Tuesday that it would offer Tourmaline Bio shareholders $48 a share, valuing the company at approximately $1.4 billion on a fully diluted basis.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 9, 2025
SHK: I’m interested in the short film, “Salacia,” by artist and activist Tourmaline, that you designed costumes for and that ended up in MoMA’s collection.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2023
The gas would serve Intermountain Gas, Cascade Natural Gas and Tourmaline Oil Marketing, according to filings with the commission.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2023
At a virtual celebration of Barnor in 2021, the photographers Tyler Mitchell and Samuel Fosso, and the artist Tourmaline were among those citing Barnor’s pioneering work and profound influence.
From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2023
Dany would get no help from the Thirteen, the Tourmaline Brotherhood, or the Ancient Guild of Spicers.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
