A Guide to the Tourmaline Gemstone!
Crystals and gemstones can come in such a range of colors, shapes, and serve such a variety of purposes that they can be a little difficult to keep track of. We’re going to explore one type of crystal: tourmaline.
We’re going to cover a basic overview of tourmaline crystals and the tourmaline properties that come with specific colors, before going on to look a little more extensively at black tourmaline.
The reason why we need to take a more focused look at this specific type of crystal will become apparent when we reach that point in the article. However, the obvious place to start is at the beginning.
Back to Basics
Tourmaline is a crystal that comes in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and textures. If you were to compare black, pink, and green tourmaline, you’d struggle to tell that they are the same crystal.
Before we can explore the tourmaline meaning, we have to consider why this gem is so unique. Let’s start by exploring what the name actually means.
Tourmaline is a word that was adapted to English by gem collectors after this type of stone was discovered in Sri Lanka and shipped in vast quantities to Europe by the Dutch East India Company in the early 1700s.
The original word is ‘thoramalli’ which is a Sinhalese word, the most common language found in Sri Lanka.
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Since then, this stone has been discovered all over the world. For example, Africa, Brazil, Canada, and the US all have large deposits of this crystal, specifically in California which provided some of the largest quantities of this crystal in the 1900s.
Of course, all of this information is pointless if we don’t discuss the tourmaline properties.
Tourmaline properties
Tourmaline crystals offer a wide range of naturally occurring properties. The sheer range of colors is only possible due to the stone’s natural ability to alter its color based on its exposure to radiation within the Earth’s core and crust.
By the time a stone reaches anywhere near the surface, it’s settled on a color. Interestingly though, this color can be altered through special heating and radiation exposure treatments. It does hold a few other tricks as well.
This crystal has unique magnetism properties that vary depending on the color of the stone. For example, black tourmaline and yellow varieties of the stone have a higher magnetic susceptibility, meaning they carry a stronger influence over magnetic fields.
On the other hand, red and pink stones will have a weaker magnetic susceptibility. So, what about the tourmaline meaning?
Tourmaline meaning and Metaphysical Properties
The meaning of tourmaline gives us some insight into the spiritual properties that it possesses.
Each of its colors is associated with balance and it’s often believed that the stones cover every shade of every color, as more and more are being found every single day: from black to colorless.
This balancing property can be used for a wide range of purposes: reducing certain negative emotions, raising or lowering vibrational energy levels, increasing focus to a more neutral level, and even boosting the power of your aura.
It may not be considered one of the most powerful crystals, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t provide many benefits.
Its crystals can be used in a wide range of ways: you can wear them as jewelry, carry them in your pocket, carve them into crystal balls, or simply use the stones during meditation sessions.
As we already mentioned though, there is one color of tourmaline that is rather unique. Black tourmaline has a few extra metaphysical properties that are certainly worthy of discussion.
Black Tourmaline
For most people, black is the most functional and effective color of this crystal that you can get your hands on. Why?
Well, along with the benefits of balancing out your various energies, these black stones are more effective at providing you with a more efficient and powerful spiritual shield, as well as aiding with anxiety and fear.
Despite being able to balance out certain aspects of our very being, other shades of this gem aren’t known for combatting anxiety or fear. So that’s one of the reasons that the black shade is so special.
Even though it does resemble coal or charcoal, the polished version of black tourmaline looks truly remarkable. It’s no surprise that people who are sensitive to energy (such as empaths or those with psychic abilities) use this crystal to limit the energy input from other places or people.
Many people turn this type into crystal balls. In this form, it can’t be used as a traditional crystal ball, due mainly to the fact that you can’t see into it at all, but it can be used to form a spiritual shield within a room or around your home. Not to mention that it looks lovely as a form of decoration as well.
Black tourmaline, even more, so that the other members of its crystal family work as a great enhancer of your vibrational energy level.
This can be used to increase your communicative abilities with angels or spirit guides. It can also be used purely to boost your meditation abilities.
Many people are unsure exactly how to use crystals during meditation, so let’s take a look at some simple steps you can follow to make the most of your session.
Crystal Meditation
This simple meditation technique can be used with any color of this stone, but it works particularly well with the black variety. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed and hold the crystal in front of you with both hands.
You can rest your arms in your lap, don’t feel the need to hold them up in the air. Begin to breathe in and out, slowly and deeply. Count each breath until you get to 10, then start with 1 again.
As you enter into a meditative state, begin to feel the energy flow from the crystal. Tourmaline gives off subtle energy, so it will feel like warmth or slight static electricity sensation creeping up your arms. Begin to visualize your objective.
For example, if you’re trying to bring balance to your emotions, picture a choppy sea that’s being blown around by a storm. Watch as the sea gradually become calm with the clouds clearing and the sun shining down.
If you’re trying to communicate with your angels, reach out to them and visualize the crystal sending out a beam of energy, sort of like a lighthouse.