Tourmaline is the alternate birthstone for October, along with the opal.
The stone was first discovered by Dutch traders off the West Coast of Italy in the late 1600's or early 1700's.
This all inclusive name indicates the inability of ancient gem dealers to differentiate tourmaline from other stones.
In fact, at one time in history, pink and red tourmaline was thought to be rubies.
However, their similarities in appearance are so strong that the stones in the Russian crown jewels believed to be rubies for centuries, are now thought to be tourmalines .The Chinese have engraved and carved figures with tourmaline for many centuries, and ancient examples are still displayed in museums, a testament to the durability of the stone.
It is also recommended for the adrenal disorders and is used by modern practitioners to treat stress and trauma.Physical Properties and Science of TourmalineTourmaline is a complex silicate that contains boron.