tour·ma·line (t r m -l n, -l n )n. A complex crystalline silicate containing aluminum, boron, and other elements, used in electronic instrumentation and, especially in its green, clear, and blue varieties, as a gemstone. [French, from Sinhalese toramalli, carnelian.] |
tourmaline [ˈtʊəməˌliːn]
n
(Earth Sciences / Minerals) any of a group of hard glassy minerals of variable colour consisting of complex borosilicates of aluminium with quantities of lithium, sodium, calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium in hexagonal crystalline form: used in optical and electrical equipment and in jewellery
[from German Turmalin, from Sinhalese toramalli carnelian]
tourmalinic [ˌtʊəməˈlɪnɪk] adj
| tourmaline (trm-ln, -ln) Any of several minerals having the general chemical formula (Na,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Al,Li)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4. Tourmaline occurs in many different translucent colors, usually in crystals shaped like 3-, 6-, or 9-sided prisms. It occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks, especially in pegmatites. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  tourmaline - a mineral that is a complex borosilicate and hydroxide of aluminum containing iron and magnesium and calcium and lithium and sodium; it is usually black but occurs in transparent colored forms that are used as gemstonesmineral - solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition schorl - black tourmaline transparent gem - a gemstone having the property of transmitting light without serious diffusion |
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