Tourmaline .. The Rainbow Stone
Many legends associate Tourmaline with Rainbows probably because it is found in so many colours, the most common being pink and green.
One legend states that Tourmaline was created in rocks at the base of a rainbow. Another attributes the multi coloured stone to the anger of an ugly evil spirit , who was so enraged by the beauty of a rainbow that he broke pieces off the rainbow and smashed them into the earth so creating Tourmaline gemstones.
Tourmaline is in fact a complex boron silicate formed from hot mineral rich solutions penetrating fissures within igneous rocks, and crystalizing within them. When discoved by the Portugueses in Brazil they was thought to be emeralds and rubies.
A birthstone for Leo. May increase self confidence and mental alertness , relieve stress and alleviate fear.