An introduction into this stone!
Black Tourmaline has been a popular protection stone for many centuries and has been a vital part of rituals in many ancient cultures. Prior to the 15th century, Black Tourmaline was referred to and known as schorl. This name comes from a German village that is near a tin mine where the stone was first found. Black Tourmaline is an abundant crystal and can be found in many areas of the world. Most of the Tourmaline mined now comes from Brazil, Africa and Pakistan. Some areas that produce the highest quality Black Tourmaline include Pakistan’s Shigar Valley, Namibia and Madagascar.
Geology and how it forms!
Tourmaline is a crystalline silicate mineral group in which boron compounds with elements such as aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium and potassium. Tourmaline has a hexagonal crystal system and its complex molecular formula is Al6B3Fe3H10NaO31Si6.
Black Tourmaline forms through a hydrothermal process that involves undissolved water from hot magma and rainwater. This mix of water and minerals (such as iron and silicon) fills in the cracks of magma and as it cools, it hardens into a rock. Black Tourmaline is a Pegmatite which is an igneous rock which shows a very coarse texture with large interlocking crystals. Pegmatite is developed from the aqueous solutions within the magma. Black Tourmaline has many ridges and crystal formations since it forms by molding around magma.
Metaphysical properties!
This is my favorite protection stone and it’s an incredibly powerful crystal. Black Tourmaline is a very strong protection stone that blocks bad intentions and energy while soaking up negative intent and toxic energy. Black Tourmaline is like a shield to negative energy and situations that could hurt you. Along with being a protection stone, Black Tourmaline is also really good at cleansing the emotional body of negative feelings and thoughts in order to boost mental health.
My favorite ways to incorporate Black Tourmaline into my life is by setting it above every doorframe in my house, keeping it by my bed and carrying it in my purse or backpack. This is also a stone that I like to travel with.
Fun facts!
- Black Tourmaline can commonly be seen growing on aquamarine.
- Even though it’s rated a 7-7.5 on the MOHS hardness scale, this crystal easily breaks and creates powder when handling.
- This crystal becomes electrically charged when rubbed or warmed by heat. When charged, it can attract dust and small paper scraps.