Tourmaline Definition

to͝ormə-lĭn, -lēn
noun
A very hard, piezoelectric, rhombohedral mineral, (Na,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Al,Li)3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4, of various colors, used as a gem and in making pressure gauges.
Webster's New World
A complex crystalline silicate containing aluminum, boron, and other elements, used in electronic instrumentation and, especially in its green, clear, and blue varieties, as a gemstone.
American Heritage

A complex black or dark coloured borosilicate mineral.

Wiktionary

A transparent gemstone cut from it.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Tourmaline

Noun

Singular:
tourmaline
Plural:
tourmalines

Origin of Tourmaline

  • Either directly from Sinhalese tóramalli 'carnelian', or via a cognate: German Turmalin, Portuguese tormalina, or French tourmaline

    From Wiktionary

  • French from Sinhalese toramalli carnelian

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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