Tourmaline Stone: How to Buy, Meanings, Facts And Properties

Tourmaline Stone is a beautiful gemstone that adds elegance to any jewelry collection. It comes in a variety of colors and has unique properties. This article will guide you on how to buy, understand its meanings, and learn about its facts and properties.

The Tourmaline Stone is a beautiful gem that comes in different colors. It is believed to have metaphysical properties and is popular for spiritual and emotional healing. Let’s explore the meanings, symbolism, facts, and properties of the Tourmaline Stone.

When buying a Tourmaline Stone, it’s important to know what to look for. This guide will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect stone for you.

What is Tourmaline Stone?

Tourmaline stone or tourmaline is a mineral that forms in various colors and crystal structures, characterized by its prismatic shape and striated surface. It is widely appreciated for its beauty and versatility, making it a popular choice for gemstone jewelry.

Its name comes from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “mixed gemstones,” reflecting its incredible variety of colors.

The color of tourmaline can range from black to pink, green to blue, and even multicolored variations. This gemstone’s crystal structure allows it to exhibit unique optical properties such as pleochroism, where the stone appears to change color when viewed from different angles.

One intriguing aspect of tourmaline is the diverse array of shapes and forms it can be found in. Tourmaline can occur as individual crystals, which are often elongated and prismatic in shape. These single crystals can range in size from small grains to massive formations weighing hundreds of carats.

Tourmaline Stone Meaning

Tourmaline is believed to possess positive qualities such as promoting creativity, enhancing spirituality, and providing protection against negative energies.

The meaning associated with tourmaline varies depending on its color, with each color representing different aspects such as love, healing, or balance.

Overall, tourmaline holds great significance in the world of gemstones due to its diverse range of colors and its association with various positive attributes.

Tourmaline Stone Healing Properties

Tourmaline is a crystal known for its various healing properties. Here is an overview of its spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical healing properties:

Spiritual Healing

1. Grounding and Protection: Tourmaline is believed to enhance spiritual grounding, helping individuals establish a solid connection with the Earth’s energies. It can also create a protective shield around the aura, shielding against negative energies and psychic attacks.
2. Aura Cleansing: This crystal is thought to cleanse and purify the aura, removing any energetic blockages or stagnant energies, allowing for a more balanced and harmonious energy flow.

Emotional Healing

1. Stress Relief: Tourmaline is believed to help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation. It can assist in releasing negative emotions, such as fear, anger, and sadness.
2. Emotional Stability: This crystal is thought to stabilize emotions, helping individuals find emotional balance and maintain a more positive outlook. It can also enhance self-confidence, courage, and inner strength.
3. Empathy and Compassion: Tourmaline is said to enhance empathy and compassion towards oneself and others, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with emotions.

Mental Healing

1. Mental Clarity: Tourmaline is believed to help clear mental fog, improve focus, and enhance mental clarity. It can aid in decision-making processes and promote logical thinking.
2. Protection from Negative Thoughts: This crystal is thought to repel and protect against negative thoughts, promoting a more positive mindset and reducing self-doubt or self-sabotaging behaviors.
3. Creativity and Inspiration: Tourmaline is said to stimulate creativity and enhance inspiration, making it beneficial for artists, writers, and individuals seeking innovative ideas.

Physical Healing

1. Pain Relief: Tourmaline is believed to have analgesic properties, helping to alleviate physical pain, especially in the joints and muscles.
2. Energy Boost: This crystal is said to enhance vitality and energy levels, promoting overall physical well-being and reducing fatigue.
3. Detoxification: Tourmaline is thought to aid in detoxification processes, assisting the body in eliminating toxins and purifying the blood.

It’s important to note that while many people believe in the healing properties of tourmaline, these claims are not scientifically proven, and crystal healing should never replace medical advice or treatment.

Tourmaline Stone Chakra Association

Associated with the body’s energy centers, tourmaline is believed to have an impact on the balance and alignment of the chakras. As a result, it is often used in spiritual practices for its ability to enhance and harmonize these energy centers.

The following list highlights the chakra associations of tourmaline:

1. Root Chakra: Black tourmaline is commonly associated with the root chakra, as it helps in grounding and stabilizing one’s energy.
2. Sacral Chakra: Red or orange tourmaline is believed to stimulate the sacral chakra, promoting creativity, passion, and emotional healing.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra: Yellow or golden tourmaline is associated with the solar plexus chakra, aiding in boosting self-confidence, personal power, and manifestation abilities.
4. Heart Chakra: Green or pink tourmaline is connected to the heart chakra, facilitating emotional healing, compassion, love, and forgiveness.

It is important to clean and recharge your chakra stone to ensure its continued strength and effectiveness. Please read our beginner’s guide on chakras to learn more about how to recharge and cleanse your tourmaline.

Tourmaline Stone And The Zodiac

Tourmaline, a mineral species that comes in various colors and varieties, has been associated with different zodiac signs based on its properties.

The black schorl variety of tourmaline is often linked to the zodiac sign of Capricorn, known for its grounding and protective qualities.

The blue variety of tourmaline, also known as indicolite, is associated with the zodiac sign of Aquarius due to its calming and soothing energy.

Green tourmaline, on the other hand, is connected to Taurus as it promotes abundance and growth.

It is important to note that while these associations exist, individuals can choose any variety of tourmaline that resonates with them personally. Whether one believes in astrology or not, the beauty and metaphysical properties of this stone make it a popular choice among many.

Tourmaline Stone Crystal Combinations

There are several crystals that can be paired with tourmaline to enhance its energy or complement its properties. Some crystals that work well when paired with tourmaline include:

1. Clear Quartz: Clear Quartz amplifies the energy of other crystals. When paired with tourmaline, it can enhance the protective and grounding properties of tourmaline.
2. Amethyst: Amethyst is a calming and spiritual crystal that can enhance the spiritual and healing properties of tourmaline. It can also help to balance the energy and provide emotional support.
3. Smoky Quartz: Smoky Quartz is a grounding crystal that can help to neutralize negative energies. When paired with tourmaline, it can enhance the protective and grounding properties and promote a sense of stability.
4. Black Obsidian: Black Obsidian is a powerful protective crystal that can help to shield against negativity. When combined with tourmaline, it can enhance the protective properties and provide additional grounding.
5. Hematite: Hematite is a grounding crystal that can help to balance and stabilize energy. When paired with tourmaline, it can enhance the grounding and protective properties of tourmaline.
6. Selenite: Selenite is a cleansing and purifying crystal that can help to clear negative energies. When combined with tourmaline, it can enhance the protective and grounding properties and promote a sense of peace and clarity.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other crystals that can be paired with tourmaline depending on the specific intention or purpose. It’s important to trust your intuition and choose crystals that resonate with you personally.

History and Cultural Significance

Throughout history, the presence of tourmaline crystals in various cultures has evoked a sense of awe and reverence due to their captivating beauty and mystical allure. The history and cultural significance of tourmaline stone can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who believed that these stones had protective qualities.

In China, tourmaline was highly valued for its ability to attract wealth and prosperity. Native American tribes in the United States also held the stone in high regard, using it for healing rituals and as a talisman.

Today, tourmaline is mined worldwide, with notable deposits found in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is revered not only for its stunning range of colors but also for its metaphysical properties which are believed to promote balance, protection, and positive energy flow.

Geological Properties

Tourmaline crystals can range in size from small grains to large stones weighing several kilograms. The largest stones ever discovered have been found predominantly in Brazil.

Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral that exhibits a wide range of physical properties, including:

1. Hardness: Tourmaline is durable and suitable for everyday wear with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
2. Crystal System: It forms prismatic or columnar crystals with a triangular cross-section and can also occur in massive or granular forms.
3. Color: Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors, including black, brown, yellow, orange, red, pink, green, blue, and colorless. Some tourmalines can even have multiple colors, called ‘bi-color’ or ‘multicolor’ tourmalines.
4. Transparency: Tourmaline can be transparent, translucent, or opaque, depending on its mineral composition and impurities.
5. Luster: It usually has a glassy or resinous shine, but some types may have a greasy or pearly shine.
6. Cleavage: Tourmaline fractures easily instead of cleaving along specific planes.
7. Specific Gravity: Tourmaline has a specific gravity ranging from 2.82 to 3.32, slightly higher than most rocks and minerals.
8. Refractive Index: Tourmaline’s refractive index varies from 1.624 to 1.644, depending on its composition, color, and variety.
9. Pleochroism: Tourmaline crystals exhibit pleochroism, allowing them to display varying colors from different angles. This characteristic is particularly prominent in tourmalines of gem-quality.

Colour Change and Colour Zoning

Colour change and colour zoning are fascinating aspects of tourmaline stones. 

• Colour change: A mesmerizing phenomenon where the stone’s hue shifts under different lighting conditions. Tourmalines can exhibit a remarkable shift in colour when viewed under different light sources or from varying angles. It adds an element of intrigue and uniqueness to each tourmaline, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
• Colour zoning: Distinct bands or zones of various colours within a single tourmaline crystal. Some tourmalines also display colour zoning. The formation of these zones is believed to be influenced by changes in temperature and pressure during the gemstone’s growth process.

Types and Varieties of Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors and types. Some of the most common types and varieties of tourmaline include:

Elbaite Tourmaline: Elbaite is the most common and widely recognized type of tourmaline. It can come in various colors, including green, blue, pink, red, yellow, purple, rainbow and colorless. Watermelon tourmaline is a popular variety of elbaite, which features a pink center surrounded by a green outer layer, resembling a watermelon.

1. Schorl Tourmaline: Schorl is a common black tourmaline variety used for protection and grounding.
2. Rubellite Tourmaline: Rubellite is a valuable type of tourmaline known for its deep pink to red colors.
3. Paraiba Tourmaline: Paraiba tourmaline is a rare gemstone prized for its vibrant blue or green colors. It was first found in Paraiba, Brazil, but is also found in Mozambique and Nigeria.
4. Indicolite Tourmaline: Indicolite is a blue variety of tourmaline. It can range in shades from light blue to deep blue and is highly valued for its color.
5. Chrome Tourmaline: Chrome tourmaline is a variety that contains traces of chromium and exhibits vibrant green colors. It is often prized for its intense color saturation.
6. Dravite Tourmaline: Dravite is a brown variety of tourmaline. It can range from light to dark brown and is commonly used as a grounding stone.
7. Verdelite Tourmaline: Verdelite is a green variety of tourmaline that can range from light green to dark green. It is often used as a healing stone and is believed to promote abundance and prosperity.

These are just some of the many types and varieties of tourmaline, each with its own unique color and properties.

Tourmaline Stone Buying Guide

When purchasing tourmaline stone, it is important to consider the color, inspect for flaws or imperfections, look for nonconductive stones, and consider the significance of lithium-rich tourmalines.

To assist you in making informed decisions, we recommend reading our comprehensive value and buying guide for these beautiful gemstones, whether you are adding them to your collection or creating jewelry pieces.

How to Care for and Cleanse Tourmaline Stone

To properly care for and cleanse tourmaline stone, it is essential to follow a gentle approach that preserves the gemstone’s integrity and natural beauty. 

To ensure that your tourmaline stone retains its vibrant color and strong vitreous luster, read our step by step guide on how to properly care for your tourmaline stone plus tips of storage.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, tourmaline is a fascinating gemstone with a rich history and numerous mystical powers. Its healing properties make it highly sought after in the world of alternative medicine. With its association to various chakras, tourmaline can help balance and align our energy centers.

When buying tourmaline, it is important to consider the type and variety that best suits your needs. Additionally, proper care and cleansing techniques should be followed to maintain its beauty and effectiveness.

Overall, tourmaline is a versatile stone that offers both aesthetic appeal and spiritual benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourmaline be used for protection against negative energy?

Yes, tourmaline is believed to have protective properties against negative energy. It is said to create a protective shield around the wearer and absorb negative energies, promoting a sense of calmness and positivity.

Can tourmaline help with anxiety and stress?

Yes, Tourmaline has been associated with reducing anxiety and stress in some belief systems. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited. Further research is needed to determine the potential benefits of tourmaline for anxiety and stress management.

Are there any specific precautions to take when wearing or using tourmaline?

When wearing or using tourmaline, it is important to take certain precautions. Avoid exposing the stone to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this can cause discoloration. Additionally, be cautious when cleaning the stone to prevent any damage.