tourmaline

noun

tour·​ma·​line ˈtu̇r-mə-lən 

-ˌlēn

: a mineral of variable color that consists of a complex borosilicate and is valued as a gem when transparent and cut

Examples of tourmaline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What’s a dive into Mediterranean waters when you can get lost in the green-blue shade of a 46-carat Paraiba tourmaline? —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 June 2025

This is represented with her Tie Dye Giza ring created with a 15.39-carat bi-color tourmaline set in 18k yellow gold. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

The bedrock of New York elements for the Pace show is quartz, tourmaline and calcite, which have been ground into the pigment. —Kristen Tauer, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025

If that’s not enough, the elaborate, colorful jewel boasts an arrangement of green tourmaline, small diamonds, rare baroque South Sea pearls, sapphires, aquamarines, Paraiba tourmalines and tsavorites. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Sinhalese toramalli carnelian

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tourmaline

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

tourmaline

noun

tour·​ma·​line ˈtu̇r-mə-lən 

-ˌlēn

: a mineral of variable color that makes a striking gem when transparent and cut