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

Stars on the runway were pieces inspired by the colorful fauna of her native Brazil set in Paraíba tourmalines, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires and rubies, priced between 12,000 and 93,000 euros. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026

Pearls and portraiture and pearls are combined in headdresses; a gentleman’s glove is adorned with filigree and tourmalines. —Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026

Also included is a blinding arrangement of 27 large Australian South Sea baroque pearls, with white and brown diamonds and a mix of blue, pink and purple sapphires, along with pink tourmalines, amethysts and rubellites piling on the sparkle. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

The vibrant rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and tourmalines reflect G-Dragon’s eclectic aesthetic, according to Jacob & Co. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2026

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