Tourmaline has been a gemstone of mystery and power from the ancient to the modern age.
This gemstone goes beyond mere ornamentation to offer healing properties and functional uses in our day-to-day lives.
Tourmaline, or schorl, is on many "essential stones" lists for its metaphysical properties. You may have heard of the black tourmaline crystal. But there are also varieties like pink tourmaline and watermelon tourmaline!
So, what is tourmaline, and what is black tourmaline good for? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline, a semi-precious gemstone, is as mesmerizing as it is colorful. It's not just one mineral but a family of minerals that share similar qualities. It is known as October Birthstone.
Formation
Tourmaline is born from boron silicate, which can be found in different rocks, especially those formed by volcanic activity or changes deep within the Earth.
This beautiful gem forms when intense heat and pressure deep below the Earth's surface act on pockets of liquid left behind by cooling molten rock. Over thousands or even millions of years, these conditions give birth to the stunning crystals we know as tourmaline.
This process shapes its unique characteristics, such as its hardness, how its crystals form, and the variety of colors it comes in.
Chemical Composition
Tourmaline has a diverse chemical makeup. It starts as a borosilicate mineral, but its final formula can vary depending on the presence of several other elements, such as aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium.
This flexibility in its composition leads to the wide range of colors seen in tourmaline. For example, black tourmaline, also known as schorl, contains high amounts of iron, giving it a deep black color.
On the other hand, elbaite, a variety of tourmaline rich in sodium, can come in blue, green, red, pink, or even be colorless, depending on what other tiny amounts of elements are present.
Visual Appearance
The visual appeal of tourmaline lies in its extensive color range. From the ethereal blues and greens to the vibrant yellows, pinks, and reds, all the way to the mysterious deep black of Black Tourmaline, this gemstone's palette is nothing short of a visual feast.
Its inherent pleochroism-an optical phenomenon where a substance appears to be different colors when observed at different angles-adds another layer to its visual intrigue. This means that a single tourmaline crystal can display multiple colors depending on the angle at which light strikes it.
Varieties
Tourmaline is a unique gem that comes in different colors, each with special meaning and healing power. Pink tourmaline, known as Rubellite, shines with shades of pink, from soft pastel to deep red. It's often linked with feelings of love and kindness.
As you might guess from the name, Watermelon tourmaline looks like a slice of watermelon with its pink center and green outer layer. People believe it can help balance emotions and get rid of self-doubts. Black tourmaline is known for giving a sense of grounding and protection.
Uniqueness
What makes tourmaline stand out is its unique colors and crystal shapes. No two pieces are the same. Each has its own energy frequency and vibration, just like every person has a unique fingerprint.
Tourmaline is popular worldwide because of its wide range of colors and metaphysical associations. Whether you're a gem expert, a healer, or someone who loves beautiful things, tourmaline's charm is hard to resist.
The Story of Tourmaline
Tourmaline, with its vibrant colors and unique properties, has a rich history that spans cultures and continents. This gemstone has been used for centuries, coveted not only for its beauty but also for its purported healing and protective properties.
Ancient cultures across the globe held tourmaline in high regard. In India, it was believed to provide insight into good and bring serenity to the wearer. African shamans used it as a talisman to protect against negative forces and to awaken the desire for spiritual awakening.
The black tourmaline, in particular, was hailed for its ability to protect against negative energies. People still place it in doorways and windows to ward off evil spirits and negativity.
On the other hand, there's pink tourmaline, meaning love, compassion, and emotional healing. Some believe its energies resonate with joy, happiness, love, and relaxation. Even today, we use pink tourmaline Gemstone in jewelry to symbolize love and commitment.
Where Is Tourmaline Found?
Tourmaline can be found worldwide, but the most significant deposits exist in Brazil, Afghanistan, the United States (mainly California and Maine), and various parts of Africa, including Madagascar and Nigeria.
Each location yields a unique variation of tourmaline, distinguished by its color, quality, and attributes. For instance, the Tourmalines from Paraiba, Brazil, are famous for their vivid blue and green colors caused by the presence of copper.
Black Tourmaline Healing Properties
Black tourmaline is a stone that protects against negative energies from people and places. Black tourmaline is often recommended by crystal enthusiasts for grounding and protection.
Some people think black tourmaline properties can help you feel more emotionally stable. It's said to clear negative thoughts and turn them into positive energy. This stone boosts self-confidence and eases fear, making it great for anxiety and depression.
Spiritual Meaning of Black Tourmaline
Spiritually, Black Tourmaline is a grounding stone. It promotes a connection with the Earth, providing stability and balance. Using it during meditation helps you stay focused and connected with your inner self.
Black Tourmaline also helps with spiritual growth. It does this by clearing blockages and allowing positive energy to flow freely.
Chakra Crystals
Black Tourmaline is connected to the base or root chakra. It symbolizes our foundation and feeling grounded. It may aid in balancing this chakra, promoting feelings of security and stability.
Black Tourmaline has an energy akin to a fortress surrounding your energy. It is a powerful amulet of protection and can enhance your personal power, ward off negativity, and dispel negative energies. Its grounding properties also help to keep you centered and balanced in your emotions.
On the other hand, pink tourmaline resonates with the heart chakra, the center of love, compassion, and empathy. It may help open and heal the heart chakra, allowing one to express and accept unconditional love.
Many people need healing in both their root chakra and their heart chakra. To clear out blocked energies, meditate on a grounding stone and a releasing stone.
Try pairing black tourmaline with smoky quartz or unakite for serious unblocking in both chakras! And then follow up with a gentle, loving stone like pink tourmaline or amazonite.
Tourmaline Zodiac Birthstones
We associate tourmaline with the zodiac signs of Libra (September 23 - October 22) and Scorpio (October 23 - November 21). But its diverse healing properties can benefit everyone, regardless of their zodiac sign.
Librans, known for their love of beauty and harmony, might feel drawn to this gemstone's balancing and calming qualities. Scorpios may benefit from Black Tourmaline because of its grounding and protective properties.
However, the beauty of tourmaline lies in its versatility and wide-ranging appeal. Tourmaline can match your unique energy if you're an energetic Aries or a sensitive Cancer.
Tourmaline Jewelry
Tourmaline's vibrant colors and unique properties make it a popular choice for jewelry. These beautiful Tourmaline jewelry pieces offer more than visual appeal. They also provide powerful protection, love, compassion, balance, and transformation.
Tourmaline jewelry reminds us of the gemstone's symbolic meaning and healing properties. It allows the wearer to carry the energy of tourmaline with them, amplifying its effects throughout the day.
Tourmaline Everyday Uses
Tourmaline is often used to boost energy, ward off negativity, and improve well-being. To keep negative energy away and lessen the impact of electronic radiation, put Black Tourmaline near your workspace.
You can place pink tourmaline in the living area or bedroom to create an atmosphere of love and tranquility. You can meditate with different types of tourmaline to balance specific chakras and help personal growth.
How to Purify and Charge Tourmaline?
Think of tourmaline (especially the black variety) as a giant wall surrounding a castle. That fortress can take a beating as opposing forces try to get in! So you need to make a habit of maintaining your tourmaline.
Tourmaline should be regularly cleansed and charged. A couple hours in the sunlight is one of the simplest ways to cleanse and charge any stone, including tourmaline.
Burying the stone in the Earth (or even a bowl of Epsom salt) can also cleanse and recharge it, connecting it to its natural roots. Another method uses sound therapy, such as ringing a bell or tuning a fork, to create vibrations that cleanse the stone.
The Versatility of the Black Tourmaline Crystal
Tourmaline is valuable for spiritual growth, emotional healing, and physical well-being. It's an important part of any crystal collection for its metaphysical properties. And it makes a fantastic talisman or amulet to wear within your aura.
So why not delve into the world of the black tourmaline crystal and discover what it can do for you? Tourmaline offers vibrant colors, healing powers, and natural beauty that anyone can appreciate.
Embrace the beauty and power of tourmaline with our handmade jewelry at Shokoro Handmade. Dive into our collection and find a unique piece that resonates with your spirit. Let the allure of tourmaline captivate you at Shokoro Handmade!
Learn about other gemstones
Birthstones: Ultimate Guide to Birthstone by Month, day and Zodiac Signs
Ruby: July Birthstone
Peridot: August Birthstone
Sapphire: September Birthstone
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