Ode to Tourmaline!

Tourmaline is such a gorgeous and fascinating material. It's long been a favorite of mine, in all the colors! I can hardly resist a good looking piece, especially a well formed one with bold colors. 🤤 Below is a few fun facts and then some tips for adding tourmaline to your individual practice, if your into that sorta thing.

This gemmy, colorful crystal has been mistaken for many other precious gems through history, until it was scientifically recognized and named in the 1800's. The name Tourmaline comes from toramalli, a Sinhalese word for "mixed gems". It was likely named that because it can display SO MANY colors! In some cases, you can have multiple colors in one piece, like with watermelon tourmaline and other bi-colored specimens. They can be found all over the world. In the shop, we have had specimens from Brazil, India, and the US, to name a few places. 

Tourmaline is formed in a hydrothermal process. That is to say that HOT and STEAMY water vapor is carrying the mineral deposits to the spaces where crystals will form. Igneous or metamorphic rocks may have cavities or spaces where these minerals can seep in and accumulate just right. High temperatures and pressure crystallize the mineral rich deposits and *poof*, tourmalines! 😆 The endless variety of colors that are displayed in tourmaline are from the trace minerals present during formation. I am currently obsessed with blue tourmaline. It's just so pretty! 

A few types of tourmaline that you may enjoy looking up:

Dravite - brown

Schorl - black

Watermelon - green "rind" & pink center

Indicolite - light icy blue

Rubellite - pink / red

 

Metaphysically or Spiritually

Tourmaline's array of colors can offer great flexibility in metaphysical matters. Chakra color associations or other color codes can be a great way to connect with that aspect in your practice for which you are seeking support. Additionally, a gem with a good reputation can help you stand on business. It's always important to pay attention to what you are drawn to in this process as well. 

Examples:

Watermelon tourmaline shows green and pink hues, which could help wonderfully for Heart Chakra support, heart opening and bringing in compassionate energy.  

Black Tourmaline has a huge reputation for repelling negativity, and offering a shield of protection from unwanted vibes and ill will. Your intentions are always the most powerful part of carrying a stone or crystal. The knowledge that many others have found this effective in this way is also helpful. 

 

Thanks for stopping by, and if you made it this far, thanks again for reading my little bloggy. 

Blessings,

Stephanie