Tourmaline

Good enough for Shakespeare, great [enough] for us.

Tourmaline comes in a range of colors from various shades of red, pink, green, brown, black, blue, yellow, orange or violet. In fact, tourmaline is the gemstone that comes in the widest range of colors and can dupe nearly any other gemstone (depending on the quality and cut).

While tourmaline is thought to bring calm and soothe stress to its wearer, it is also known to aid in tolerance and compassion, as well as bringing inspiration and prosperity (in fact, Shakespeare was known to keep some handy to combat writer's block!).

Tourmaline can also be a great aid in interpersonal and romantic relationships by lessening disruptive emotions and painful feelings to inspire more loving feelings to grow. In this way, it can also aid in healing broken hearts. 

More importantly, tourmaline can aid in health and general well being due to its documented negative ion emissions. These negative ions can be a gift by promoting blood regeneration and brain oxygenation. By emitting far infrared radiation in the 4-14 micron wavelength--also known as "growth rays"--it can aid in body detoxification and boost the immune system. (In fact, 4-14 is known to reduce oxidative stress, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain in animals and humans).

Tourmaline is the birthstone for October (alongside Opal).