Tourmaline. For about 300 years, the mesmerizing green Tourmaline crystal was confused with the vibrant gem, Emerald. It wasn't until the 1800's that scientists categorised Tourmaline as a distinct mineral species. The name Tourmaline comes from the Singhalese word "Toramalli "(a language of Sri Lanka) which means "mixed gems". They are loved for their array of astonishing colours. Ancient Egyptians had a legend that Tourmalines were formed through the earth and penetrated a rainbow in the process, hense scattering the land with a dazzling spectacle of coloured gemstones.