Heating dark tourmaline to enhance color

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14megapixel
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Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2012 11:32 am

Heating dark tourmaline to enhance color

Post by 14megapixel »

Hi everyone
I am new in the gems field. I have a couple of tourmaline gemstones but they are too dark. Had them made from rough.
I wonder if there are any heating process to enhance the color. i.e lighten then.
I remember a few years ago Chinese dealers used to come to our market and they used to buy only dark tourmaline gems. Itvwas thought that they used to enhance color by heat treatment. Is there any information in this regard or if there is a source that could guide me.

Regards
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Last edited by 14megapixel on Mon Sep 15, 2025 2:36 pm, edited 2 times in total.
14megapixel
Valued Contributor
Posts: 109
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2012 11:32 am

Re: Heating dark tourmaline to enhance color

Post by 14megapixel »

In pics theyblook abit open color but in reality they are too dark.
Stephen Challener
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Location: North Carolina

Re: Heating dark tourmaline to enhance color

Post by Stephen Challener »

Tourmaline will sometimes lighten but its reactions can be complicated and inconsistent. Probably wouldn't hurt to try.
Rough and cut classic and exotic synthetic gems:https://store.turtleshoard.com
14megapixel
Valued Contributor
Posts: 109
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2012 11:32 am

Re: Heating dark tourmaline to enhance color

Post by 14megapixel »

Where can i get them heated. Please suggest any expert. Both of these are from same pocket. Will try witjnthe smaller blue one. Its 3 carat. While the bigger one is 9 carats. If color is enhanced the vakue will increase atleast 3x
1bwana1
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Re: Heating dark tourmaline to enhance color

Post by 1bwana1 »

In my experience these kind of iron colored tourmalines do not heat well. Not worth the risk of cracking to heat them.
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