Tourmaline
/ˈtʊər.mə.liːn/noun
A crystalline mineral occurring in many colors and used as a gemstone.
Did you know?Tourmaline becomes electrically polarized when heated or cooled, a phenomenon called pyroelectricity that helped inspire historical beliefs in its hidden energy.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 18th century
Sinhala
tōramalli
“A Sri Lankan term associated with the multicolored gemstone; its exact meaning and deeper origin remain uncertain.”
17th century
Dutch
tourmalijn
“The Dutch name for the gemstone, adopted through contact with Sri Lanka.”
18th century
French
tourmaline
“The mineral and gemstone name in French scientific and commercial usage.”
18th century
English
tourmaline
“A mineral name adopted into English mineralogy and gem trade.”
Modern English
English
tourmaline
“A group of complex boron-containing minerals, especially valued as colorful gemstones.”