Tourmaline occurs in a wide variety of colors. The accompanying photo shows a collection of faceted tourmalines of various colors. Some of these stones exhibit multiple colors because they were cut from color-zoned crystals. Two are pink and green bicolor stones known as “watermelon tourmaline.” Bicolor and pleochroic tourmalines are favorite stones of many jewelry designers because they can be used to make especially interesting pieces of jewelry.

Tourmaline is not an original birthstone for October. It was added to most birthstone lists in 1952. Some lists specify “pink tourmaline” for people born in October. Tourmaline gives people born in October the option of a colorful faceted stone and a stone more durable than opal.