tourmaline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Low FrequencyTechnical/Scientific; Formal (in gemmology/jewellery contexts)
Quick answer
What does “tourmaline” mean?
A hard, crystalline mineral, typically occurring as elongated prisms, that can be of various colours and is valued as a gemstone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hard, crystalline mineral, typically occurring as elongated prisms, that can be of various colours and is valued as a gemstone.
More broadly, the term refers to the silicate mineral group (Tourmaline group) composed of complex borosilicates of variable composition. It is also used to describe items (like jewellery, crystals, or a colour) derived from or associated with the mineral.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or spelling. Pronunciation varies (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical in both varieties; a specialist/gemmological term.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “tourmaline” in a Sentence
NOUN + of + tourmaline (e.g., 'a specimen of tourmaline')TOURMALINE + [colour] (e.g., 'tourmaline is green')made of/from tourmalineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tourmaline” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No adverbial form.
American English
- No adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The necklace featured a beautiful tourmaline pendant.
- She preferred the subtle, tourmaline green of the fabric.
American English
- He collects tourmaline specimens from Maine.
- The design was inspired by tourmaline crystals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the gemstone, jewellery, and crystal healing trade.
Academic
Used in geology, mineralogy, and gemmology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation, except among jewellery enthusiasts, collectors, or in contexts discussing crystals.
Technical
The precise term for the mineral group, with specific varieties (elbaite, dravite, schorl, etc.).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tourmaline”
- Misspelling: 'tormaline', 'tourmalin'.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'tourmalines' is acceptable for multiple specimens.
- Mispronouncing the second syllable with a strong /mæl/ (like 'mal' in 'malice') instead of /mə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, pink tourmaline is one of the modern birthstones for October.
Different trace elements (like iron, manganese, lithium) in its chemical structure cause the wide range of colours.
Yes. Due to its pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties, it has been used in scientific instruments like pressure gauges. It is also popular in the crystal healing community.
Significant deposits exist in Brazil, Afghanistan, the United States (Maine and California), several African countries, and Sri Lanka.
A hard, crystalline mineral, typically occurring as elongated prisms, that can be of various colours and is valued as a gemstone.
Tourmaline is usually technical/scientific; formal (in gemmology/jewellery contexts) in register.
Tourmaline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʊə.mə.liːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʊr.mə.liːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TOURist MALIng (sending) home a colourful gemstone. TOUR-MAL-INE.
Conceptual Metaphor
Tourmaline is a rainbow (due to its vast colour range).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'schorl' a specific type of?