Black tourmaline is a protective stone said to repel negative energy and to bring good luck. It is recommended to use in time of crisis, as it calms the nerves and helps to cope with painful emotions. Black tourmaline is also said to inspire creative and artistic expression. Tourmaline is associated with the Zodiac sign of Capricorn. It is the official gemstone for the State of Maine.
The following three articles about tourmaline were written by Stephanie Pflumm.
It’s hard to believe that an almost opaque black gemstone & a brilliantly transparent red stone belong in the same crystalline family - Tourmalines.
All Tourmalines form an identical crystal structure. As the crystal cooled & grew the pressures the stone was under caused molecular changes within the mineral inclusions. Which created a beautiful range of color variations.
This silicate mixture of boron, aluminum, magnesium, sodium, potassium & water is the most complex in the mineral kingdom.
Iron can become included in small to massive amounts. Large inclusions of iron create the opaque Black Tourmaline, while smaller amounts can give us greens & purples. Lithium & Manganese often become included & on rare occasions, fluorine will get into the mix.
Jewelry quality specimens normally occur in old crystalline rocks like Granite. The crystal forms in drusey cavities within the host. Tourmaline has also been found in pegmatites.
In Brazil & Ceylon, highly prized Tourmaline crystals are weathered out of their host rocks & washed into the sands of local rivers where they are collected with other precious gems. Beautiful rose red specimens are found in Maine & the gem rich Ural Mountains of Russia.
Some very unique physical qualities have been found in this stone. When you rub a Tourmaline, it quickly develops an electric charge. Subjecting the stone to temperature changes will also electrify it. It will hold this charge over an extended period of time.
Tourmaline is also extremely dichroic, more so than any other stone or crystal. In simple terms, this mean when a stone is cut perpendicular to its axis it will appear opaque or cloudy. Cut parallel to its axis, the gem is transparent & brilliant.
Tourmaline Crystals do not have an ancient history of magical uses. It was often confused or used as Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires & such. It is only recently that the varied & beautiful Tourmaline has become recognized for its own unique creative energies.
Each stone brings the influences of different minerals, colors & energies. So I will review these energies by color.
Rainbow - is the most powerful of the Tourmaline crystals for healing because it incorporates all energies, can serve as the gate or doorway to your inner self, balances mind, body, soul & spirit into one, awakens your imagination, can activate all your Chakras, balance your glandular system & improve your immunity
Black - contains high amounts of iron, protects you from & repels negativity, helps you be more tolerant, provides increased physical energy, relieves pain, stimulates rational thought & clear problem solving
Clear - sometimes referred to as Achroite, works with colored Tourmalines to energize their healing qualities, activates the Crown Chakra
Green - includes iron, some specimens contain chromic oxide (this is what makes Emeralds green), attracts money & success, strengthens the heart, eliminates toxins, aids in visualization, transforms negative energy without harm
Red - manganese is the main mineral along with lithium, promotes courage & a stronger will, brings a loving consciousness, gives wisdom for properly achieving your goals, improves blood circulation, purifies the spleen & liver, calms your nerves, promotes proper functioning of sexual organs
Blue - aka Indicolite is a very rare Tourmaline, promotes spiritual freedom, opens your eyes to a broader horizon, instills responsibility, heals burns without scar tissue, promotes healthy kidneys
Brown - usually found with Black Tourmaline, contains large amounts of magnesium, builds social commitment, aids in family relations, helps you overcome fear of groups, improves craft skills, clears your aura, helps clear intestinal tract problems, stimulates plant life
This information was taken from ORE Features, a publication written by Stephanie Pflumm, reprinted with permission.
ORE'S Featured Gemstone: Tourmaline (part 1)
Gemologists proclaim the Tourmaline to be the most colorful gemstone family in the mineral kingdom. Siblings in this group of Aluminum/Boran/Silica (aka complex Aluminous Borosilicate) crystals range from clear to a rainbow of colors appearing in the same specimen.
Even the manner in which these colorful crystals grow is complex with a variety of metals influencing the final outcome. Tourmaline crystals grow in long, finger to needle like formations with fine striations running the length of the crystals. Most have basal (flat) terminations, but some rarer pieces will have pyramidal terminations on one or both ends.
As Tourmaline grows it forms rings with six connecting sites (aka T sites). These sites are occupied at alternating intervals by Aluminum, Boron and Silica ions. This arrangement becomes even more complicated as the crystals grow.
Every time one of these six points connects within this growing crystal ring, there is a new opportunity for a different metal (sometimes Iron, Manganese, Vanadium or even Copper) to be introduced into the equation. This opportunistic growth pattern allows for the distinctive zones of colors treasured Tourmalines like Rainbows and Watermelons exhibit.
The largest quantities of Tourmaline are mined from pegmatites. Essentially gigantic geodes, they were once flowing magma containing gases which allows cavities to form as the magma cools and hardens. Normally rich with minerals and metals, pegmatites provide the perfect incubator for growing crystals and gemstones.
A smaller number of crystals are found in streams and riverbeds, especially in the gem rich rivers of Burma. These usually end up in the rivers as a result of winds and rains wearing away the softer rocks the gems grew in.
Very rare Tourmaline crystals will form fine pockets inside the striations that mark the crystal's surface. If the pockets align in a precise manner, or become filled with water, the gem may show chatoyancy (a shimmer like Tiger's Eye).
Like their Quartz relations, Tourmaline crystals also produce electrical energy. In fact crystals exhibit both piezoelectricity (static electric charge) and pyroelectricity (a polarized charge that is positive at one end of the crystal and negative at the other).
It is the crystal's static charge that actually launched it out of obscurity. In 1703 Dutch sailors were charging the crystals and using its piezoelectric charge to remove ashes from their pipes. As this practice grew, a couple of young geologists, Jacques and Pierre Curie began experimenting with Tourmaline. They were the first to document the gemstone's electrical properties in the early 1800's.
Heating or rubbing a Tourmaline crystal will produce a piezoelectric (static) charge. The charge is strong enough to attract hair, tiny scraps of paper, ash and other light objects. Applying pressure (or any mechanical stress) to both ends of the crystal creates a pyroelectric charge. The second property makes the gemstone highly effective for instruments and gauges that measure pressure. That little black needle jumping wildly inside a gauge is probably a Tourmaline crystal.
Geologists can also use the Tourmaline to measure past activity in areas where the crystal is found. Examining this gemstone closely allows them to guage how hot rocks in the same area have been or how much water has passed through the area. The crystal retains chemical signatures that helps them to determine the presence of precious metals like Gold, Platinum or Silver.
The gemstone is very pleochroic. Simply translated, this means that cutting a crystal correctly is paramount to getting the most color out of it. If cut along the wrong axis, the final gem will appear cloudy, opaque and its color dull. For the most perfect results, Tourmalines must be cut parallel to the "c" or prism axis to bring out its most brilliant color and clarity.
Tourmaline crystals are found all over the planet. Some of the finest Watermelon Tourmalines come from the US out of Maine and California. Beautiful clear and colorful specimens come from the Island of Elba just off the coast of Italy. The Ural Mountains of Russia contain an incredible green Tourmaline and crystals found in Burma are given names like Ceylon Peridot and Burma Ruby. Afghanistan, England, India, Africa, Sri Lanka and Madagascar also yield beautiful Tourmaline gems.
In the early 1990's an brand new Tourmaline was discovered first in Brazil and then later in Nigeria. Called Paraiba Tourmaline after the location in Brazil where it was first found, these new gems are described as almost neon in color. Paraiba crystals have Copper inclusions which are responsible for the exotic blues and greens they exhibit. It is also the most expensive Tourmaline on the market today. A raw crystal will wholesale for $10,000 a carat.
Experts believe these very special Tourmalines were created during the same geological event. Back in the day when Nigeria and Brazil were part of the same land mass.
History behind the Tourmaline crystal seems a little opaque, as if it were cut along the wrong axis. It appears to have been in use for much longer than it is given credit for. Its name comes from an ancient Sinhalese word "turmali". It means "many colored gems" and was actually used by Ceylonese merchants to describe any crystal or gem of an unknown or unprovable source.
Most sources cite the use of the crystal by Dutch sailors in the early 1700's as its introduction to humans. However, I found a small number of single sources indicating older applications. Melody's "Love Is In The Earth" claims it was used in India for rituals designed to get to the source of issues and to turn the pratictioner in the "right" direction. Michael Gienger mentions an ancient Arab tradition that utilizes Tourmaline to prevent nightmares in his "Crystal Power, Crystal Healing" book.
Tourmaline's modern history is much easier to track. In 1876 a young man walks into Tiffany's in New York City to show Mr. Tiffany a luscious green crystal with deep pleochroism. George Kuntz, an employee on duty at the time, became completely enamored by the seemingly new gemstone. Mr. Kuntz began a life long campaign to bring this colorful, energetic crystal into mainstream jewelry and crystal art. The easy availability and popularity of Tourmalines today is almost completely the result of his efforts.
We'll examine the Tourmaline rainbow next month, digging into their individual stories and possibilities.
This information was taken from ORE Features, a publication written by Stephanie Pflumm, reprinted with permission.
The following article is the second part to this one.
Tourmaline is unique in how its crystals grow and its ability to take on a range of minerals and colors during this growth cycle. The crystal plays a sort of "ring around the metal" as it grows. As the crystals grows in a ring it forms connection sites (aka T-sites) with the Aluminum, Boron and Silica molecules within it. Each time the cycle meets one of these connections, it creates an opportunity for a new metal, and therefore a new color to be introduced to the Tourmaline Rainbow.
This unusual growth pattern is what provides for one of the most desired and unique crystals given to us by Mother, the Watermelon Tourmaline. We'll begin our exploration of the colorful Tourmaline family with this sibling.
WATERMELON TOURMALINE
This is one of the most unique crystals that Mother gives us. Other crystals may grow in zones of colors, part gold, part purple etc. But there is no other crystals that wraps one color around another in the way that the Watermelon Tourmaline does.
This unique color pattern is due to the unusual way in which Tourmaline crystals grow. The circular growth pattern that allows for the introduction of new minerals makes it possible for this crystal to form with a green shell and a pink middle. Just like a slice of Watermelon.
The central reds in this Tourmaline come from Chromium, Manganese and/or Magnesia. The green colors are the result of Vanadium or oxidized Iron inclusions. Traces of Lithium are found in both colors. Some gem cutters will actually cut away the green layers to get the the more valued (because of its similarity to the color of Rubies) reddish center. The finest Watermelon Tourmalines are found in the US in Maine, California and in Brazil in the Minas Gerais region.
Watermelon Tourmaline is a powerful heart healer with its combined color combination of Greens and pinkish reds. It also helps to promote balance in a hectic lifestyle, reminding you to stop and smell the roses. This Tourmaline will open and balance the Base through Throat Chakra. It will assist you in letting issues out, instead of holding harmful emotions inside. Helping you be happier, more balanced.
BLACK TOURMALINE (Schorl)
Schorl or Black Tourmaline is the most common of the Tourmaline crystals, but it is also the most powerful and easiest to use of all the siblings. The crystal's dark colors come from a combination of oxidized Iron and Manganese. It is found all over the planet, which makes it an inexpensive, accessible tool to anyone.
Thin slices of Schorl are sometimes translucent and will exhibit dichroic (change of color when held in different lights) colors of green, brown and blue.
All Tourmalines have the ability to negate harmful energies. The black crystal is the strongest and most effective at this property. It also provides you with a powerful immunity from the negative emotions and comments of others. If your work environment includes a couple of grumpy humans with never a nice thing to say, you might want to keep a piece of Black Tourmaline nearby. Black crystals are frequently beneficial at relieving pain and drawing out emotional illness.
BROWN TOURMALINE (Dravite)
What a dull name for a Tourmaline that has such an exotic allure to it. Contrary to the implication of its name, Brown Tourmaline is actually fairly translucent and resembles Smoky Topaz when faceted.
The brown tones in this gemstone comes from Magnesium inclusions within the crystal. Colors can range from a rich brown, to deep dark greens, to a reddish brown. Ceylon has the best colors in the brown zone and produces the most cut gems from this crystal. Brown gems found in New York in the US rarely are clear enough for faceting, but quite effective for creative work.
Dravite is a perfect Tourmaline to use in rituals for honoring or healing our Mother Earth. Use the crystal to help shield Her from our abuses. Or in a ceremony/ritual to open the ears and minds of other humans to Her needs. The gem also makes a powerful Chakra tool, helping to cleanse and balance your first three Chakra. It is a wonderful ally in your struggle to overcome PMS issues each month.
GREEN TOURMALINE (Elbaite)
Green Tourmaline is the second most common crystal in this family, after its sibling Schorl (Black Tourmaline). As mentioned above under Watermelon Tourmaline, the colors in this crystal come from Vanadium, oxidized Iron and possibly trace amounts of Lithium.
You can find these green gems almost anywhere Tourmaline is mined. It is named for the Elba island in Italy, one of the first locations it was mined from. Sometimes sold under the trade name Brazilian Emerald, the finest specimens for cutting come from that country. The mines in Maine and Massachusetts (US) also provide gem quality Tourmalines in green. Though the US specimens tend to have a little more of a yellow tint to them. Colors resembling Emeralds are the most sought after, since the crystal provides a brilliant and inexpensive alternative to that gem.
Use your green Tourmaline for a healthier heart. Protect yourself from the outside stresses that often result in physical problems (especially for your heart). It may also prove helpful in money workings, providing for abundance while protecting you from the harmful aspects wealth often brings. Should assist with clearing your body of environmental toxins.
BLUE TOURMALINE (Indicolite)
One of the rarest siblings in this colorful family, blue being the most difficult to create naturally. Like its green sibling, the colors come from inclusions of oxidized Iron with smaller traces of Vanadium. Some extremely rare crystals have been found with green rings and blue centers (like a blue Watermelon) in India.
Besides the unique crystals found in India, gem quality crystals have also been found in Russia's Ural Mountains, the US, Afghanistan and Brazil. Dealers from South America often refer to their specimens as Brazilian Sapphires. There seems to be a great fondness for naming Tourmalines after more popular gems. Perhaps this is because the crystal has been rather invisible to the jewelry buyer. They know about sapphires and rubies, but may have never heard of Tourmaline.
Blue Tourmaline crystals are excellent for improving your vocal skills. Whether it is trying to voice your concerns or attempting to articulate a profound point, this gem will help you find the right words. It will improve communication efforts with guides, angels and teachers. Use the crystal to help you see beyond today's forest to the far horizon. Healers may find Blue Tourmaline helpful for improving breathing issues, clearing kidneys or easing headaches.
RED (and pink) TOURMALINE (Rubelite)
Like its sibling the Green Tourmaline, Rubelite is frequently desired for the color resemblance to the more expensive Ruby. Manganese and Iron are the minerals responsible for the colors in the red gemstones. Colors will vary from a rich ruby red to a pale pink.
Russia's Ural Mountains produce some of the world's finest Red Tourmaline crystals. The term Siberian Ruby is the result of the rich colors found in these mountain gems. Ceylon and the US produce strong quantities of the Rubelite Tourmaline as well, many rivaling the Russian gems.
Rubelites can provide you with empowering motivational energies keeping you moving forward on projects and goals. It offers a Fire energy that you can tap when feeling depressed or unable to get past a particular problem. Promotes wise choices in business and life. Use the red gem to clear your Third Chakra, promote healthy blood circulation and improve the absorption of nutrients. Pinker gemstones will promote heart health and encourage unconditional self-love.
CLEAR TOURMALINE (Achroite)
As with every mineral crystal family, the clear sibling is the one with the least number of inclusions. In the case of Clear Tourmaline, it is simply Boron, Aluminum and Silica (Quartz). The fancy words complex Aluminous Borosilicate, is the favorite geological definition.
Another rare member of the Tourmaline family, clear crystals are found in limited locations. Italy's Elba Island offers fine specimens as do New York in the US and Switzerland.
Clear Tourmaline crystals are superb meditation tools. They quickly open the Crown Chakra, while keeping you safe from harmful influences during your beta state. Use a clear gem to enhance your psychic skills or as a tool to clear all of your Chakra. You can add one to your other colored Tourmalines to "super-charge" their healing energies. It may also improve immunity and awaken the body's ability to self heal.
PARAIBA TOURMALINE
Something quite magical happened millions of years ago. In a time and place when Brazil and Nigeria were a part of the same land mass. Tourmaline crystals were merrily playing their ring around the t-sites growing game. When out of nowhere Copper decided to jump in and play.
The resulting crystal is a magnificent neon blue to aquamarine green. The rarest of all Tourmalines, the gem was first discovered in Paraiba Brazil. It was introduced at the infamous Tucson Gem Show in 1990, the specimens selling for $1000 a carat. Even the rare Blue Tourmaline sells for only a few hundred per carat.
A few years later, in Oyo Nigeria similar Blue Tourmaline crystals were found. After close scrutiny it was determined that these were the same at the crystals found in Brazil. Geologists nodded their heads knowingly pointing out the two countries primal history. Today the wholesalers are getting $10,000 a carat for gem quality PARAIBA Tourmalines.
Many of the energies found in the blue siblings will be available in a Paraiba Tourmaline. Copper will enhance protective energies, especially for travel issues. Arthritis patients may feel some relief from wearing rings or bracelets of this valuable gemstone.
RAINBOW TOURMALINE
Simply stated, this is a Tourmaline crystal that will incorporate any of the above colors in the same crystal. As noted in the formation of this unique crystal, all sorts of possibilities can occur and do. The results are a rainbow for our eyes and senses.
Use the powerful serendipity of this crystals natural patterns to invite a rainbow of options and opportunities into your own life. You can also utilize any of the energies mentioned above for the colors in your Rainbow. Or, listen to the crystal to hear the special lessons it has just for you.
This information was taken from ORE Features, a publication written by Stephanie Pflumm, reprinted with permission.
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