Green Tourmaline (Verdelite) Buying Guide
Looking for a tourmaline jewelry stone? If you like green and you're on a budget, green tourmaline or verdelite is the gem for you.
3 Minute Read
What's the Difference Between Green Tourmaline and Chrome Tourmaline?
Green tourmaline encompasses any shade of green. Many consider chrome tourmaline's deep green the top green color for tourmalines. However, chrome tourmaline differs chemically. Chromium traces (and sometimes vanadium) produce its emerald-like color. For this reason, chrome tourmalines are usually distinguished from verdelites.
You'll also find a significant price difference between these green tourmaline varieties. Chrome tourmaline's price per carat is significantly higher and can jump considerably after one carat. Verdelite's price per carat doesn't jump much before reaching five carats.
If you like green and you're on a budget, verdelite is the tourmaline for you.
I'll deal with chrome tourmalines in another article. The following information refers just to non-chrome green tourmalines.
Verdelite Buying and The Four Cs
With a hardness of 7 to 7.5 and no cleavage, tourmalines of all types have good durability. However, watch out for stones with flaws/low clarity. These may be weaker.
Color
Green tourmaline's color ranges from yellow-green to green to blue-green. As long as green predominates, you have a verdelite. If a tourmaline shows more blue than green, you have an indicolite or blue tourmaline. This is a judgment call. However,...
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
International Gem Society
Related Articles
Tourmaline Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Mint Tourmalines: Gemstones for Our Times
Tourmaline Engagement Ring Stones: the Ultimate Guide
How Do Tourmalines Form?
Latest Articles
Crystalline Quartz Buying Guide
How Does Vapor Deposition Create Mystic Topaz and Aqua Aura Quartz?
Spurrite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Lapidary Technology Through the Ages: Laps and Polish
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!