Tourmaline has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the MOHS scale. It is considered Fair in terms of its toughness quality. As for its stability, it is not affected much by light and exposure to chemicals although heat can be damaging to tourmaline. High heat affects it especially and can alter its color, as well as a sudden change in temperature (thermal shock) which can cause fracturing. To avoid this mishaps, here are some tips to properly take care of your tourmaline jewelry:

1. Use lukewarm water, a gentle soap or detergent, and a toothbrush when cleaning it.
2. Let your jewelry sit for five minutes in the water before scrubbing away all the dirt.
3. For black tourmaline, leave it in saltwater overnight and then gently wash it with cold water in the morning. As much as possible, clean it at least once a month.
4. For pink tourmaline, saltwater must be avoided when cleaning and wearing it. It is best to keep it dry and wash it simply with water every so often. Usually a gemstone polish and cloth between washes are advisable for better cleaning.
5. Ultrasonic cleaner is not suitable for tourmaline as it can cause fading and damage to the stone.
6. Avoid direct sunlight when storing it away as the sun’s ultraviolet radiation can affect the properties of the gem, causing color fading and alteration.
7. Keep it away from heat especially during hot season, it’s not advised to wear it and so, only wear it for the evenings.
8. Take your tourmaline jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.

Tourmaline is a highly prized gemstone due to its formation of bi or tri-color gems in many combinations. It is for this reason that its color and rarity have a significant role when it comes to its market value so always make sure to maintain their brightness and brilliance!