Tourmaline
A guide for the history, meaning, metaphysical uses, purposes, crystal healing, and properties of the beloved tourmaline.
Tourmaline is probably most well known with two colors: black and red. Black tourmaline is among the most popular because it's the most common, for sure. Red because it has been one of the most loved and sought types in history. Red tourmaline caused a lot of trouble for certain royal families down the line who thought they bought rubies when in reality, they had bought red tourmaline. Historically, due to the wide variety of colors, tourmaline was often confused for other stones, not just emeralds. Despite its commonality, black tourmaline is a popular choice among crystal collectors.
Tourmaline can actually come in a wide variety of colors; another common shade is green tourmaline. When pink tourmaline — or red — and green tourmaline come together to form a bicolor tourmaline, it is referred to as "watermelon tourmaline." Pink tourmaline is very well-loved for its soft yet beautiful color.
Tourmaline, although a pretty and fascinating material, has more purposes than being used for decoration or jewelry. Tourmaline can withstand extreme pressures and can be found all around the Earth, both above and below the surface, at varying levels. Add in the fact that it can keep chemical signatures, and you have one of the best geological recording devices conceived. The history of the mineral goes back a long time, all the way to the ancient period (like many minerals). It became scientifically significant due to its pyroelectricity in the early 18th century.
Common Questions
What is a tourmaline? A tourmaline stone is a silicate mineral part of the tourmaline family, a collection of other silicate stones that form with boron.
Is Tourmaline Quartz? No, tourmaline is not a type of quartz. The two can grow together, however. Tourmaline is a silicate mineral, like quartz, but tourmaline differs in that it forms with boron and other metals.
How do you pronounce tourmaline? Pronunciation: /toʊr-mə-lin/ (tor-muh-leen).
Common Misspellings: Tormaline, Tourmalin, Tormalin.
Tourmaline Meaning
Does tourmaline work? Well, it is said to promote good luck and repel negative energy. As for the metaphysical properties of the tourmaline stone, it is also said to work well with the Root Chakra in meditation. Thus, the tourmaline meaning it is said to be a:
- Stone of Good Luck
- Stone of Protection
- Stone of Support
- Stone of Clarity
If you are interested in healing stones, then you may find these metaphysical properties of the tourmaline stone to be useful or interesting in your spiritual journey. But remember that these metaphysical properties are not verified by scientific evidence.
The Wrap-Up
Time for the wrap-up! What is tourmaline? Tourmaline is a boron silicate mineral sometimes used in meditation and in spiritual endeavors, as it is said to be a stone of luck and the Root Chakra. Tourmaline can come in a variety of colors, but the most common is black, and the black tourmaline crystal is common in many crystal collections.
Sources
Dutrow, Barbara L., and Darrell J. Henry. "Tourmaline: a geologic DVD." Elements 7.5 (2011): 301-306.
https://www.mindat.org/min-4003.html
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