TOURMALINE

The name Tourmaline was derived from the ancient Singhalese word Turmali – meaning mixed precious stones. Tourmaline occurs in just about every color, including bi- and tricolored stones.

Tourmalines can act as a magnet when heated or rubbed. Eighteenth century Dutchmen called the crystals “ashentreckers” – or ash drawers – and used them to draw stray ashes out or their pipes.

(image from pro-kamni.ru)

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OPAL

Opal was named from the Latin Opalus, meaning precious stone. It was once called the Cupid stone, and was the symbol of hope and purity.

Some people believed the Opals fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning, and thus acquired their marvelous colors. Not all opals have a play of color. Many Mexican Opals are transparent to translucent orange, with little or no play of color. There are also translucent to semi-opaque Opals with a green or blue body color (Peruvian Opals), and no play of color.

(image from opalauctions.com)