The best Green colored Tourmaline ever found was mined in East Africa, Tanzania. This Tourmaline was naturally containing Chromium, which made this gem exhibit an identical gem to those of top Tsavorite or Emerald colors. As a result, the trade called it Chrome Tourmaline.
THE MOST CONFUSING GREEN GEM
Not all Green Tourmalines are Chrome Tourmalines, even though, they are Tourmalines and they may have the same appearance.
Many gem dealers, jewelers and even established gem traders made this mistake at least once in their life. Buying Chrome Tourmaline as Tsavorite and paying top dollar for gems that they are not buying. How confusing, the three gems may appear the same, however, it is easy by using some gemological instruments. The refractive index of both Tsavorite and Chrome Tourmaline are well distinguished. But the most interesting test is to use a special color filter, called the Chelsea filter, by looking at a Chrome Tourmaline through this filter; it will look reddish or orangy green. While Tsavorite and regular Green Tourmaline remains green. The most valuable green variety of Tourmaline, because of its beautiful green brilliance, unlike common Green Tourmaline that is usually dark blackish, or orangy dark green, Chrome Tourmaline is known to be the most valuable.
Green in the Tourmaline family, it is very important to make sure that what you are buying is a Chrome Tourmaline not just a Green Tourmaline, or you will be paying 8 to 10 times the price for what you are not getting. Buy from reputable dealers and request a certificate if you are buying a large piece, for investment.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING CHROME TOURMALINE
1. The finest quality Chrome Tourmaline is the ones that you can’t distinguish from top grade Tsavorite.
2. Look for life more than just deep dull color. Luster and brightness are important and over color saturation is not a desirable factor.
3. Buy an eye clean or near flawless, don’t settle for an included gem. However, internal rutiles needles in Chrome Tourmaline are cheerfully accepted among dealers and collectors. Well-cut gems will hold their value always better.
After all Chrome Tourmalines have a unique visual appeal with unusual brilliance that Brazilian Green Tourmaline can hardly compete with. Chrome Tourmalines are only of African origin; Brazil does not produce Chrome Tourmaline.
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