Like many gem families, Tourmalines are split into several sub-species. Most gem quality Tourmalines fall into the Elbaite group. Its name is derived from the small island of Elba, Italy, where the first gem was discovered in 1913.
Chances are that if you own a colourful Tourmaline, then it is a member of the Elbaite subspecies. As it will most likely have been formed from a three or six sided elongated crystal structure, the shape of your gem is more likely to be an elongated baguette or oval rather than a round shape. All Elbaites are strongly pleochroic (different colours can be seen when viewing the gem from different angles) and its members include Rubellite which is Red, Achroite - colourless, Siberite - lilac to violet, Paraiba - neon blue to green and Indicolite - blue.
