tourmaline

noun

tour·​ma·​line ˈtu̇r-mə-lən How to pronounce tourmaline (audio)
-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 The pink tourmaline tiara, a gift from Queen Maria Theresa of Sardinia to Princess Elisabeth of Saxony in 1850, remained in the family’s possession as well. Elisabetta Caprotti, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2024 Today, hopeful fiancés are pinning on being proposed to with a tourmaline, emerald or sapphire instead. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2024 The story of Paraiba tourmaline—particularly the variety from Brazil, although lookalike tourmalines from Mozambique discovered in the early 2000s are also highly sought after—looms large in Tucson, where the competition for rare and precious stones fresh to market is as fierce as ever. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2024 Amide fabric, jade, tourmaline Timer: Yes Heat settings: 9 Pro: EMF-blocking; great for taller users Cons: The stones can be uncomfortable to lie on (reviewers suggest using it on a soft surface like a bed); heavier than other options. Kylie Gilbert, Glamour, 18 Jan. 2024 The Flow collection includes pieces made with antique diamonds, sapphire and tourmaline. Roxana Becerril, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2024 Another stone to watch in his view: Paraíba tourmaline, known for its Windex-blue hue. Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 Nov. 2023 Moreover, it's infused with skincare ingredients like zeolite, tourmaline, vitamin C, and mineralized beads. Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2023 Gentle geometric forms meet salt & pepper diamonds, tourmaline, tsavorites and peridot, in her characteristically minimalist opulence. Kate Matthams, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tourmaline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Sinhalese toramalli carnelian

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tourmaline was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near tourmaline

Cite this Entry

“Tourmaline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tourmaline. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tourmaline

noun
tour·​ma·​line ˈtu̇r-mə-lən How to pronounce tourmaline (audio)
-ˌlēn
: a mineral of variable color that makes a striking gem when transparent and cut

More from Merriam-Webster on tourmaline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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