Tourmaline (Black): Virtues of a Highly Energetic Stone
Tourmaline occupies a unique place in the world of jewelry.
It is used in the making of jewelry for its beauty, yes, but also for its therapeutic virtues, those that lithotherapy teaches us about it.
In short, this article is here to tell you in more detail about the (many) virtues of tourmaline stone.
Contents :
History of tourmaline (its use)
Several names for an amazing stone
Properties and composition of tourmaline
History of tourmaline (its use)
Tourmaline as an energy stone was first used in Sri Lanka. According to local beliefs, it comes directly from the sky. History even has it that, during its descent towards the earth, the stone struck a rainbow (hence its great variety of colors).
The arrival of tourmaline in France dates from 1703, but we had to wait until 1759 for it to be described by Buffon, a scientific author of the time. Let us point out, however, that it existed in Europe since the 3rd century BC but, because of its black color, it was confused with other stones.
Widely used in jewelry since the 1800s, tourmaline experienced its global boom during the reign of the Chinese empress Tzu Hsi who reigned during the second half of the century. Indeed, the sovereign imported pink tourmaline in large quantities for her personal use and to offer it as a gift to her loved ones. She also used the stone to make brooches, fasteners and clothing buttons. However, the death of this sovereign marks a first obstacle to the use of our precious stone.
In short, from antiquity to modern times, tourmaline was mainly extracted to make ornaments and jewelry serving monarchs. From the brooches of Chinese princesses to the crowns of Russian duchesses, the symbolic virtues of the stone were recognized in the four corners of the world.
More broadly, if you are interested in the history of stones (but especially their powers and virtues), take a look at these few jewels and minerals that we have collected here.
heal yourself with stones
thanks to the powers of lithotherapy
Several names for an amazing stone
The Sinhalese (a people of Sri Lanka) know tourmaline as “turamali”, which literally means “stone of different colors”. This name seems to indicate that they described by turamali any energy stone that they did not know how to classify.
As for tourmaline itself, several civilizations have known its benefits, and have tried to give it a name. Dutch sailors spoke of “Aschentrekke”, meaning “the stone that attracts ashes”. Until recently, the French spoke of “Ceylon magnet stone”. German scientists speak of “turmalin”. In short, there are as many names as there are languages.
It is interesting to note that the discovery of the main deposits of black tourmaline in Brazil (more particularly in the province of Minas) during the past centuries has often caused it to be traded on international markets under the name "turmalina de Paraíba".
Properties and composition of tourmaline
With a fairly rich chemical composition, tourmaline is often extracted from granitic pegmatites, a type of rock formation which notably includes magnesium silicates, alkalis, and aluminum borosilicates. Tourmaline is therefore composed of all these mineral species.
From a crystallographic point of view, the dominant shape of this fine stone is the stick. Its geological hardness varies between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Concerning its density, it oscillates between 2.90 and 3.25.
Tourmaline stone is identifiable by several shades, the most common of which is black. These pieces of black tourmaline that we offer on our store for their many benefits are a good example.
However, there are several types of tourmaline, the main ones being:
- Schorl tourmaline: This is the most common type of black tourmaline. Quite angular, its edges are brittle and give it a needle-like appearance. It is considered particularly effective in the psychic protection of the human spirit.
- Velvet tourmaline: This stone originates from Peru and differs from traditional schorl. Unlike black tourmaline, it does not turn into needles. In fact, this stone becomes thicker on the surface. Also, its most widespread shape is the sphere or cube.
- Tourmaline Quartz: This is a popular variety of black tourmaline. Quite rare, it is formed when quartz and tourmaline mix, giving a stone striped black (by the tourmaline) and transparent (by the quartz). This stone is often used for energetic purification.
- Fluorinated Schorl: We are talking here about a mixture of fluorite and black tourmaline. Thus appears a crystal called fluorinated schorl with a color between black and violent. Depending on the type of fluorite, it can also be orange or green in color.
Virtues and properties of tourmaline stone
Tourmaline is a very useful stone in the field of lithotherapy. It works in different ways to improve your well-being. Here we will focus on three of its modes of action.
You may not be interested in scientific data. We therefore focus here on more spiritual, esoteric aspects. However, if you want to learn more, here is the Wikipedia page for tourmaline. You will find everything a geologist would want to know there!
Virtues on the physical level
Tourmaline stone plays a protective role against electromagnetic waves. We are surrounded by electrical devices in our daily lives and these produce waves that are harmful to human health. It helps us protect ourselves from it.
The presence of this stone in your immediate environment will be able to absorb all these waves and guarantee your good health. In addition, it works to calm headaches resulting from long exposure to bright screens. To do this, simply place it on your forehead. The effect is almost immediate.
Furthermore, tourmaline stone, rich in iron, stimulates blood circulation and helps fight blood disorders. It also facilitates digestion and, at the same time, protects the kidneys and liver from toxins carried by our blood.
Regarding the joints, it helps relieve muscles and treats tired feet or heavy ankles.
This energizing stone also plays an important role in women's health. It will calm the pain that comes from hormonal imbalances such as menopause or painful periods. It also acts on the pregnant woman by limiting pain and removing all negative energy from her little one.
Virtues on the psychological level
According to lithotherapy specialists, tourmaline stone stores negative energies from your environment while directing them towards the ground. It mainly serves to connect man to the earth and simultaneously to create an anchoring link with his primordial roots.
The stone acts on the root chakra and helps develop (some speak of unblocking) your vibration rate. Several schools of meditation recommend carrying the stone in your pocket to reduce your stress and discomfort.
Furthermore, black tourmaline helps increase neutrality and harmonize the vibrations of a living space. Also, it helps to absorb the electrostatic energy present in your environment, and therefore to suck up negative waves. A healthy environment acting on the beings who live there, your aura will be invigorated.
It is also important to point out that black tourmaline stone acts effectively on the mind. It helps eliminate stress, sadness, anxiety and fear. Moreover. It helps you have good concentration in certain situations by cleaning out novice thoughts from your life.
Virtues on a spiritual level
We have said it: spiritually, the tourmaline stone exerts its action on the root chakra. The latter embodies existence, the will to live and the life force. It also effectively regulates primary needs such as drinking, eating, reproducing and protecting oneself. All this is only possible if the root chakra is open and balanced.
Conversely, when there is an imbalance in the root chakra, we observe in human beings, moments of doubt, fear and insecurity. To overcome this situation, we must first become aware of the existence of the problem before we can resolve it. The anchor stone that is tourmaline can subsequently help you balance and open your chakra again. You will thus obtain a new life overflowing with security, vitality and abundance.
Let us also point out that Venus is linked to black tourmaline. Indeed, it is the goddess of love and our stone is said to be capable of founding couples. Besides Venus, the king of the gods, Jupiter is sometimes also expressed through black tourmaline. Given that he embodies the values of strength, power, abundance and success, this is not surprising.
Associations in lithotherapy
Tourmaline can be associated with several stones, crystals and metals.
It is often mounted on a piece of jewelry in yellow gold, rose gold and vermeil to increase its physical virtues (which also gives it a downright elegant look).
Tourmaline being linked to Jupiter, the other precious stones of this god are to be married with it. We can thus cite gold, yes, but also onyx, copper and marble. According to lithotherapy, this type of association would increase the wisdom and greatness of those who benefit from it.
Because it is linked to luck and business prosperity, tourmaline is frequently worn with other materials sharing these properties. Here we can cite amber, tiger's eye and aventurine.
Here is an important piece of advice to follow: avoid mixing tourmaline with other stones with too strong energetic characteristics. Like two magnets with the same poles, they could repel each other and even create sparks. Jade and magnetite are often the most discouraged.
Likewise, soothing or calming stones cannot be used with tourmaline. Their effects would contradict each other and risk disrupting your energetic aura. Sapphire, peridot and agate are some examples.
Care and preservation of tourmaline stone
The tourmaline stone has the particularity of protecting by accumulating negative energy, which it transforms and releases into positive energy. With this in mind, the less negative waves it captures, the more it loses its strength. It must therefore be maintained and recharged in order to maintain its effectiveness. Here we will use rituals of purification and preservation.
Purifying tourmaline stone generally involves immersing it in a neutral container of spring water. This operation can last a few days to allow the tourmaline to discharge the accumulated bad waves (those that it has not been able to transform). Afterwards, take out the stone and rinse it with another clean water. The first water (the one in which the stone was bathed) must be thrown away immediately.
Little tip: remember to clean the stone with a cloth to avoid scratching it.
Regarding the recharging of tourmaline stone, this is done by exposing it to sunlight. The process is more amplified when you place the stone on a quartz cluster. The virtues of tourmaline will then be increased tenfold.
Note that it is a good idea to purify your stones approximately once a month, depending on how you use them. However, keep in mind that frequent use of tourmaline leads to a large accumulation of negative energy within it. So, as soon as its effect diminishes, devote time to it in order to restore its original shine.
To explore this subject of purification, here is a detailed article explaining how to treat your stones.
This article is now finished. We wholeheartedly hope that reading this was informative, and that your interest in tourmaline and its properties will have been aroused!
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