Tourmaline is a very interesting stone with a very interesting trigonal crystal structure. A crystal will have nine sides but when you get to the end there are only three faces. This is called a Trigonal - Ditrigonal Pyramidal Structure.
There are three main types of tourmaline: Schorl, Dravite, and Elbaite. Schorl is the most common, blue black to Black, and gets its color from high iron content. Dravite tourmalines are golden to dark brown and their color is derived from high magnesium content. Elbaite tourmalines are Lithium rich stones and can occur in a variety of colors from greens and blues to nearly colorless and pink. Pink tourmaline is also known as Rubellite, named after Ruby, but has nothing to do with ruby. It obtains it color by irradiation of natural gamma ray exposure in the granite pegmatites where it is found.
Another interesting fact about all tourmalines is that they are both piezoelectric and pyroelectric, explaining partially why they are such powerful stones in the metaphysical world.
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Black tourmaline is thought to be one of the strongest and most powerful deflectors of negative energy. In general, tourmaline attracts inspiration, goodwill and friendship. It protects the wearer against misfortune and grounds high-frequency energies into the physicality. Black tourmaline in particular, strengthens the nervous system, regulates blood pressure, and attracts prosperity.
Pink tourmaline supports emotional healing and the activation of the heart chakra. It stimulates feelings of joy, happiness, and relaxation. Due to its high lithium content, it is a powerful calming stone that can calm the emotions the the physical body. It is a partner to Black Tourmaline in relieving stress and diffusing worry or obsessive behavior. It is a powerful emotional balancer.
Green (Chrome) tourmaline is one of the premier stones used for self healing and is viewed as a beneficial influence on one's physical well-being. It centers its energies at the heart chakra and is more connected to physical life than pink tourmaline. It can create a resonance that benefits the heart chakra which in turn benefits the physical heart. Because the heart is the center of one's being, bringing harmony to that chakra creates a flow of wholesome energy to all parts of the self. Green tourmaline is the masculine / yang counterpart to the feminine / yin Pink tourmaline. Green tourmaline used with Tiger Iron will add to its abilities of restoring health and vitality and will link the heart chakra with the lower chakras. Green tourmaline's energies are also enhanced when used with Emerald, Hiddenite, Peridot, and Uvarovite.
Dravite (Brown Tourmaline) has a calming, soothing effect on the energetic systems and the body. Its energy helps one relax, release, and become centered within oneself. Its ability to calm and soothe is paired with it's ability to deeply cleanse the emotional and physical bodies and draws one's most deeply hidden patterns and issues to the surface, allowing one to calmly review and clear them. It aids in seeing the aspects of self one has hidden from oneself out of fear or denial.
Dravite works well in conjunction with Black Tourmaline, Jet, Black Obsidian, Aegirine, and Smoky Quartz, all of which clear and ground the root chakra and provide psychic protection. Moldavite can help speed the process of inner transformation which Dravite initiates and supports.
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Black Tourmaline
Tumbled schorl from Tanzania
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