green tourmalines. Verdelite?

[ger100]

How does one distinguish the various types of green tourmaline: Verdeliite specifically. Chrome tourmaline fluoresces. Other than that I don''t see much difference. And I don''t get why JTV has a "Verdlite" ring (less than 1 ctw) going for a hefty price. Maybe because the stone looks like a nice green Tsavorite?? And no I''m not interested in buying it off JTV...learned my lesson there, thank you very much

. Obviously I still screen their site...basically to see what "rarest of the rare" gemstone they happen to be touting this week.

Thanks
Ger

 

[FineAfricanGems]

Hi Ger,

A useful basic test for determining chrome tourmalines from the less valuable greens is to look down the C-Axis with an incandescent light behind it. If it is a chrome you will see flashes of red in the C-Axis. This is due to the chromium content. Another useful field test with basic equipment is to look down the C-Axis and use the flame from a cigarette lighter or match on the other end. Again, you will see the red flashes confirming its ID. Hope this helps in some way.

Paul