SUMMARY
Meaning: Tourmaline, often acknowledged as a “receptive stone,” is renowned for its diverse range of colors and its capacity to instill enlightenment, equilibrium, and eliminate hindrances in both the physical and spiritual domains.
Healing Properties: The crystal is thought to assist in the purification process of the human body, foster health and recovery, and is linked with the heart chakra, thereby fostering love, empathy, and tolerance.
Protection: Tourmaline is celebrated for its potent protective attributes, including safeguarding the wearer or bearer from adverse energies and transforming dense energies into lighter vibrations.
Usage: It can be employed in various forms such as jewelry, in meditation, or positioned in living spaces, and is frequently used alongside other crystals to magnify its effects and facilitate a more profound spiritual connection.
Care: Although the page does not explicitly outline the care for tourmaline, it is generally recommended to regularly cleanse and charge crystals, a process that can be accomplished through various methods like using moonlight, sunlight, or other crystals.
What is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline, a crystalline boron silicate mineral, is categorized as a semi-precious stone exhibiting a diverse spectrum of colors. Possessing a vitreous luster, this mineral belongs to the hexagonal crystal system and showcases an opaque transparency. Its color variations include black, pink, green, purple, rainbow, watermelon, and more. The significance attributed to Tourmaline is associated with protection and grounding.
The History of Tourmaline
Believed to originate from the unique energy of a rainbow, Tourmaline exhibits a variety of hues that resonate with creative expression, joyful benevolence, and the attraction of ideal prosperity. Formed from silicate minerals, these valuable gemstones manifest in a spectrum of colors. While the well-known Black Tourmaline boasts a midnight hue, those desiring a burst of color can discover Tourmaline crystals in vibrant shades such as pink, green, purple, and even a medley resembling a rainbow or the hue of watermelon.
From India to Australia and beyond, Tourmaline is a gem with a global presence, scattered across the Earth. Its name is derived from the Sinhalese term ‘Turmali,’ translating to an unknown gemstone of mixed color, imparting an air of mystery to its composition. Tourmaline is often mistaken for other gemstones, as exemplified by Russian crown jewels initially believed to be rare rubies but were later identified as Tourmalines. Similarly, in Brazil, a Spanish knight presumed he had discovered an emerald, only to realize it was a type of luminous Green Tourmaline. Indeed, this stone delights in playing tricks on perception.
The vibrant variations of Tourmaline purportedly journeyed from Sri Lanka to Europe in the early 18th century. It stands out as one of the few crystal stones capable of being electrically charged, a testament to its unique power. In contemporary times, people turn to Tourmaline when seeking balance and healing, with each color corresponding to a distinct aspect of soul energy. For more insights into the potent healing properties of Tourmaline, continue reading.
If Tourmaline has piqued your interest in other remarkable gemstones and their inherent natural energies, explore our Essential Crystal Guide to discover your soul stone.
The Different Varieties of Tourmaline
Tourmaline comes in a variety of shades and styles, and the following is a quick guide to the entire family.
Black Tourmaline,
also known as Schorl,Black Tourmaline is hailed as a protector against psychic attacks, fostering a sense of safety and self-confidence. Its role is to shield individuals, enabling them to venture into the world with purpose.
Pink Tourmaline,
or Rubellite, is a nurturing stone that emphasizes compassion and gentleness. It aids in matters of the heart, acting as a therapeutic agent for those seeking emotional healing.
Green Tourmaline,
or Verdilite, is an energetic stone with life-giving vibes. It holds the power to bring healing to the heart and extend it throughout the body, promoting physical and emotional strength and stamina.
Indicolite
, the light blue version of Tourmaline, focuses on encouraging clear and honest communication. Its shimmering shades, reminiscent of flowing water, symbolize the healing potential of transparency for the body, mind, and soul.
Purple Tourmaline,
also known as Siberite, exhibits radiant lavender shades and is recognized for its grounding and protective properties. It aids in relaxation and the release of emotional attachments.
Dravite,
the brown variety of Tourmaline, anchors individuals to the ground and provides stability amid chaotic circumstances.
Rainbow Tourmaline
blends various hues to restore balance, creating a rhythmic dance of light and color that invites the flow of energy through the chakras.
Watermelon Tourmaline
, named for its resemblance to the fruit, symbolizes the pink heart center and the external persona presented to the world. It brings peace to the core and joy to interpersonal relationships.
Tourmaline Healing Properties
Regardless of the specific hue of Tourmaline that resonates with your emotions, each variation encompasses a wealth of therapeutic advantages. Unlock your heart, free your thoughts, and materialize the existence you desire through the authentic essence of Tourmaline.
Physical Healing Characteristics
Always prepared to transform the physical body into a radiant state, Tourmaline serves as an exceptional supporter of the immune and nervous systems. It actively promotes a wholesome approach to digestion, making it a gentle remedy for those grappling with stomach issues. Tourmaline also contributes to fortifying bones and teeth, enhancing hand-eye coordination, and providing an overall boost to physical well-being. Notably, Green Tourmaline is particularly beneficial for individuals feeling sluggish or dealing with chronic fatigue.
Mental & Emotional Healing Characteristics
Embrace a substantial dose of positivity by welcoming the unconditional love that emanates from the Tourmaline stone. While various hues of Tourmaline align with different chakras, the primary focus tends to be on the heart and base chakras. Tourmaline excels at transforming negative thoughts into positive perspectives.
Green Tourmaline proves invaluable for cultivating self-compassion in life.
Black Tourmaline swiftly cuts through anxiety like a hot knife through butter.
Pink Tourmaline brings gentle joy and a cascade of self-love.
Blue Tourmaline gently guides individuals through trauma towards deep and genuine healing.
Red Tourmaline serves as an excellent confidence booster, especially for those prone to passivity who need to take more action.
Metaphysical Characteristics
Tourmaline harmonizes with all chakras, from the root to the crown, heart to the third eye, ensuring a continuous flow of energy. While different shades correspond to different chakras, the heart and root chakras are particularly intertwined with Tourmaline. A blocked heart chakra impedes the free and authentic exchange of love, leading to emotional shutdown. A firm root chakra provides stability, allowing personal growth in various directions without compromising foundations.
Zodiac Birthstone
Libra and Virgo both harness the healing properties of authentic Tourmaline. Librans, known for their diplomacy and fairness, benefit from Tourmaline’s protective influence, preventing them from being taken advantage of as they navigate life. Red Tourmaline proves especially useful for encouraging decisive action rooted in one’s true heart.
Virgos, seemingly bright and passionate, often conceal a sensitive soul beneath the surface. Tourmaline’s hues help Virgos align external communication with internal emotions, fostering healthy emotional processing rather than burying feelings deep.
For an in-depth exploration of which zodiac sign corresponds to which birthstone, refer to our astrological gemstone guide here.
Using this Gemstone
Explore our collection of Black Tourmaline Bracelets
Whether you desire to incorporate Tourmaline into your gemstone jewelry, seek out tumble stones or a singular worry stone for your pocket, or intend to enhance your crystal altar with Tourmaline spheres, there are numerous ways to integrate Tourmaline into your life and harness its diverse healing properties.
Home & Office
For those seeking to infuse their home with potent protective energies, Black Tourmaline is the ideal choice. This stone is highly effective when positioned at entranceways or any area you deem sacred and in need of safeguarding. To invite abundance and peace into your home, consider placing Green Tourmaline in your office to foster a healthier work mindset, maintaining peak potential without overexertion. For those aiming to create a bedroom ambiance of softness and love, Pink Tourmaline is the perfect gemstone to place beneath your pillow or radiate compassion from your bedside table.
Jewelry
Utilizing Tourmaline crystals in jewelry is one of the most effective ways to tap into their direct healing power. Whether it’s a Black Tourmaline Bracelet for protective purposes or a Rainbow Tourmaline Bracelet to keep your chakras open and energized, the beauty of Tourmaline jewelry lies in its ability to transmit positive vibrations directly into the skin. Direct skin contact serves as a powerful conduit for absorbing healing energy from your crystals, with no barrier hindering the vibrations emanating from your gemstone.
If you’re seeking complementary stones to wear alongside Tourmaline, consider options like the dark and dreamy Obsidian, the soothing and serene vibes of Amethyst, protective Onyx, gentle Agate, cool Kyanite, the twinkle of Peridot, the soft light of Rose Quartz, and the glowing allure of Opal.
How to Cleanse your Tourmaline
Ensuring the cleanliness and optimal energy of your Tourmaline stones is crucial for unlocking their fullest and most remarkable potential. All crystals, given their involvement with abundant energy, may accumulate some congestion over time. While this is not inherently detrimental, it can impede the effectiveness of the energy they emit. To illustrate, consider the scenario of a smartphone struggling with low battery, and apply a similar notion to crystals. Although gemstones don’t require cleansing and charging daily or even weekly, periodically rinsing them with water and gently drying them, especially after intense energy sessions or moments of emotional connection, proves beneficial.
Revitalizing your Tourmaline can be as straightforward as exposing them to moonlight overnight or pairing them with clear quartz crystals during a tumble, which gladly contribute an additional boost. These measures are particularly vital for Black Tourmaline and other protective stones.
Geological Properties
Tourmaline Rock Properties
Chemical Classification: Silicate mineral
Chemical Formula: (Ca,K,Na,[])(Al,Fe,Li,Mg,Mn)_3(Al,Cr,Fe,V)_6(BO_3)_3(Si,Al,B)_6O_18(OH,F)_4
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Color: The mineral can be found in various colors such as black, brown, red, green, blue, yellow, pink, and colorless.
Streak: The streak of the mineral is white.
Luster: The mineral exhibits a vitreous to resinous luster.
Transparency: It can range from transparent to opaque.
Occurrence: This mineral is commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in alluvial deposits.
Formation: The mineral is formed during the crystallization of magma, as well as through metamorphism and hydrothermal activity.
Diaphaneity: The mineral can be either transparent or opaque.
Cleavage: The cleavage of this mineral is indistinct.
Mohs Hardness: It has a Mohs hardness ranging from 7 to 7.5.
Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of the mineral ranges from 2.9 to 3.3.
Diagnostic Properties: It exhibits piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity.
Chemical Composition: (Ca,K,Na,[])(Al,Fe,Li,Mg,Mn)_3(Al,Cr,Fe,V)_6(BO_3)_3(Si,Al,B)_6O_18(OH,F)_4
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Optical Properties: The mineral is uniaxial positive.
Refractive Index: The refractive index of the mineral ranges from 1.616 to 1.652.
Birefringence: It has a birefringence ranging from 0.018 to 0.040.
2V Angle: The 2V angle of the mineral ranges from 20° to 170°.
Dispersion: The dispersion of the mineral is 0.017.
Other characteristics: In some varieties, the mineral may exhibit fluorescence and shows thermoluminescence and schiller effect.
Final Reflections on Tourmaline
We appreciate all the characteristics of Tourmaline for its extensive adaptability. You can choose the hue that resonates with your inner self and aligns with your distinct path in terms of healing and discovering routes that unveil your true self. Whether you desire a bit more security in life or you are prepared to fully uncover the layers of your heart and enthusiastically embrace the world, there is always a Tourmaline available that will collaborate with you and work on your behalf to infuse a surge of positive energy.