How Do You Spell TOURMALIN?

Pronunciation: [tˈʊ͡əmɐlˌɪn] (IPA)

Tourmaline can be a tricky word to spell, as there are a few variations in its spelling depending on where you are. In British English, it's spelled "tourmaline", whereas in American English, it's "tourmalin". Both versions are pronounced similarly, with the emphasis on the second syllable and the short "i" sound in the second and third syllables respectively. In phonetic transcription, the word is typically rendered as /tʊəˈmælɪn/ in British English and /tʊrˈməlɪn/ in American English.

TOURMALIN Meaning and Definition

1. Tourmalin is a gemstone belonging to the mineral group tourmaline, which is composed of complex borosilicate minerals. It is a crystalline mineral with a prismatic structure and is renowned for its varied and vibrant colors. The appearance of tourmalin can range from transparent to opaque, with hues including but not limited to green, pink, red, blue, yellow, and black. Its color is determined by the presence of various metallic ions, such as iron, manganese, and titanium, within its crystal lattice.

   The word 'tourmalin' is often used interchangeably with 'tourmaline' and is derived from the Sinhalese word 'turmali', which means "mixed colors," reflecting the gemstone's characteristic color range. Tourmalin is widely regarded as a valuable gemstone due to its aesthetic appeal and wide color palette.

   In addition to its beauty, tourmalin is also well-known for its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. These properties mean that when subjected to pressure or heat, tourmalin develops an electric charge. This unique feature has led to its use in technological applications, such as pressure sensors and as a component in electrical devices.

   Tourmalin is often used in the creation of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets, where its colors add a vibrant touch. Additionally, it is employed by healers and spiritual practitioners who believe in the gemstone's metaphysical properties, such as its ability to promote energy flow, mental clarity, and protection against negative energies.

Common Misspellings for TOURMALIN

• rourmalin
• fourmalin
• gourmalin
• yourmalin
• 6ourmalin
• 5ourmalin
• tiurmalin
• tkurmalin
• tlurmalin
• tpurmalin
• t0urmalin
• t9urmalin
• toyrmalin
• tohrmalin
• tojrmalin
• toirmalin
• to8rmalin
• to7rmalin
• touemalin
• toudmalin

Etymology of TOURMALIN

The word "tourmalin" comes from the Sinhalese word "turamali" meaning "stone of mixed colors". This name was derived from the traditional source of tourmaline gemstones, the island of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), where they were first discovered and mined. The word eventually made its way into different languages, including Dutch ("toermalijn"), German ("Turmalin"), French ("tourmaline"), and English ("tourmaline").

Plural form of TOURMALIN is TOURMALINS