THE GEM VAULT

Morphée's gemologist, Pamela Hastry, travels the world in the quest of rare gems.  Discover her selection available for purchase and international shipment, or select a stone and make an appointment to design your own bespoke piece.

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To find out more about gemstones you can also participate in one of Pamela's Gem Talks, or even join her in one of her Travels. 

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Click on one of the stone selections here below to discover the collection.

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NAMIB BLUE TOURMALINE

The rare Namibian blue Tourmaline has hues and saturation grades varying from the electric paraiba, to indicolite and the streaming blue green laggon colors. Discover this fabulous gem issued straight from the mines.

COLOR

Tourmaline’s colors have many different causes. It’s generally agreed that traces of iron, and possibly titanium, induce green and blue colors. 

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HISTORY

Somewhere in Brazil in the 1500s, a Spanish conquistador washed the dirt from a green tourmaline crystal and confused the vibrant gem with emerald. His confusion lived on until scientists recognized tourmaline as a distinct mineral species in the 1800s.

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CHEMISTRY

  • Mineral: Tourmaline

  • Color: All colors

  • Refractive index: 1.624 to 1.644

  • Mohs Hardness: 7 to 7.5

LEGEND

In Africa, tourmaline was once used as a stone to awaken one from "the dream of illusion". It was said to be the substance that would grant enlightenment. Alchemists believed it to be related to the philosopher's stone because of it's pyroelectric effect.