Introduction to Meaning and Uses of Black Tourmaline

Ancient magicians relied upon Black Tourmaline, known as Schorl, to protect them from earth demons as they cast their spells. Today this stone is still revered as a premier talisman of protection, a psychic shield deflecting and dispelling negative energies, entities, or destructive forces. It guards against radiation and environmental pollutants, and is highly useful in purifying and neutralizing one’s own negative thoughts and internal conflicts, and turning them into positive, usable energy. [Eason, 204][Raphaell, 132][Ahsian, 407]

Black Tourmaline is also a powerful grounding stone, electrical in nature, providing a connection between Earth and the human spirit. Its supportive energy aligns the energy centers of the body and channels healing light throughout the system. It promotes a sense of power and self-confidence, allowing for a clearer, more objective view of the world. It is empowering to those who must live or work in challenging environments or when facing difficult circumstances. [Eason, 204][Simmons, 406][Raphaell, 132][Hall, 298]

Although Tourmaline may be found on every continent, fine crystal specimens and gems are still considered rare and can be quite expensive. Its vast popularity as a gemstone began in 1876, when mineralogist and jeweler George Kunz sold a Green Tourmaline from Maine to the famous Tiffany and Co. in New York, and its desirability spread. More recently it has become a favorite of metaphysical collectors and practitioners for its versatile energy properties. [Simmons, 406]

Tourmaline belongs to a complex family of aluminum borosilicates mixed with iron, magnesium, or other various metals that, depending on the proportions of its components, may form as red, pink, yellow, brown, black, green, blue or violet. Its prismatic, vertically striated crystals may be long and slender, or thick and columnar, and are uniquely triangular in cross-section. They often vary in coloration within a single specimen, lengthwise or in cross sections, and may be transparent or opaque. The name Tourmaline comes from an ancient Sinhalese word turmali, meaning “a mixed color precious stone,” or turamali, meaning “something small from the earth.” [Mella, 110][Simmons, 406][Megemont, 182]

The most common species of Tourmaline is Schorl, which accounts for ninety-five percent of all Tourmaline in nature. It is black, or sometimes a blue so deep it appears to be black. The term Schorl was in use before the 1400s, named for a town in Saxony, Germany, where Black Tourmaline was found in nearby tin mines. [wikipedia.org]

Needles of Black Tourmaline, or Schorl, can also be found embedded in clear Quartz, called Tourmalinated or Tourmalated Quartz. The combination of clear white and radiant black are believed to create a perfect polarity of energies, a manifestation of light and dark forces united together for a common goal. It is regarded as a symbol of great fortune and is not carried as an ongoing charm, but when specific good luck is needed. [Raphaell, 132][Eason, 132]

One of Tourmaline’s most distinguishing properties is its ability to become electrically charged simply by heating or rubbing it. When charged, one end becomes positive and the other negative, allowing it to attract, or repel, particles of dust or bits of paper. This property of pyroelectricity (from heat) or piezoelectricity (from pressure or rubbing) was well-known to the Dutch traders of the 1700s who used Tourmaline to pull ash from their Meerschaum pipes, calling the stone Aschentrekker, or “ash puller.” [Simmons, 406]

Black Tourmaline Uses and Purposes - Overview

Tourmaline is a shamanic stone, providing protection during ritual work. It can be used for scrying, and was traditionally used to point out a cause of trouble or an offender, and to indicate a good direction in which to move. [Hall, 297] To use Black Tourmaline in purification and protection rituals, create a ring of eight small natural tumblestones for a protection circle or place upon an altar. [Eason, 204]

Black Tourmaline is an excellent grounding crystal for meditation and healing, and a small number of Black Tourmalines are double-terminated, ideal for body layouts. The linear flow of energies is enhanced equally in both directions along the crystalline form. [Simmons, 407]

Black Tourmaline soothes panic attacks, especially those caused by dark or confined spaces, or in places where the atmosphere is frightening. It also helps control fears of doctors or dentists. [Eason, 204]

Wear this crystal for protection against moaners, whiners, complaining neighbors or emotional vampires who burden you with their problems but do nothing to improve their situations. [Eason, 204]

In the workplace, hold Black Tourmaline for a few minutes when you need to wake up your mind or when you need full concentration. It provides an excellent shield against environmental pollutants, electromagnetic smog, and radiation associated with cell phones, computers, and other electronic equipment. [Eason, 204][Hall, 298] It is a professional support stone for miners and telephone workers. [Mella, 132-133]

In industry, Tourmalines are highly valued as electrical tuning circuits for conducting television and radio frequencies. They are used for their durability since high frequencies can be passed through them without shattering, as many crystals do. [Mella, 110]

Tourmaline strengthens the sense of smell, and in that respect, can also enhance the perception of pheromones which produces an aphrodisiac effect.

Tourmaline is specifically used to treat motion sickness. It may also assist in restoring luster and shine to hair and nails. [Megemont, 184]

Black Tourmaline Healing Therapies - Overview

(Please note: Information on this web site is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this web site, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is for informational purposes only. Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements or exercise programs.)

Black Tourmaline Physical Healing Energy

Black Tourmaline stimulates the reflex points associated with the lower back, legs, ankles and feet, and may be used to realign the spinal column. It provides pain relief and assists with strained or torn muscles, numbness, arthritis, and scar tissue. [Gienger, 86][Eason, 204][Melody, 655][Hall, 299]

Black Tourmaline defends against debilitating disease and strengthens the immune system, heart, and adrenal glands. It also is beneficial in treating the bowels, constipation, IBS, and diseases of the colon, as well as ridding the body of heavy metal toxins and environmental pollutants. [Eason, 204][Melody, 655][Hall, 299][Ahsian, 407]

Tourmaline is a marvelous tool for balancing the right/left hemispheres of the brain and bringing mental processes into alignment with the chakras and auric body. It diminishes fear and may be useful in treating paranoia, and to overcome dyslexia by improving eye/hand coordination and the assimilation and translation of coded information. [Hall, 297][Melody, 653-654]

Black Tourmaline Emotional Healing Energy

Black Tourmaline is a stone of purification, cleansing the emotional body of negative thoughts, anxieties, anger or feelings of unworthiness. It helps in overcoming substance abuse, and releases any suicidal thoughts or self-harming tendencies. It may be beneficial in treating obsessive or compulsive behaviors, and in relinquishing chronic worry. [Simmons, 406-407][Ahsian, 407][Eason 204]

Black Tourmaline increases physical vitality, replacing tension and stress with the ability to view the world objectively with clear, rational thought and neutrality. It inspires a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances, and stimulates altruism and practical creativity. [Gienger, 86][Hall, 298][Melody, 654-655]

Black Tourmaline Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy

Black Tourmaline may be used to activate grounding between the Base Chakra and the center of the Earth, providing further enhancement of one’s well-being on the physical plane. [Melody, 655]

The Base, or Root Chakra, is located at the base of the spine, and controls the energy for kinesthetic feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical and spiritual energy for the body. When physically out of balance the symptoms will manifest themselves as lethargy, low levels of activity, low enthusiasm, and a need for constant stimulation. When its spiritual energies are out of balance, you will feel flighty, disconnected from reality, and distant. When the Base Chakra is in balance, the physical body regains its strength and stamina, and the spiritual energy is rekindled in the form of security and sense of one’s own power. It often leads to independence and spontaneous leadership.

Black Tourmaline Spiritual Energy

Black Tourmaline is devoted to grounding spiritual energies, bringing a clearer expression of Light into the world and into the lives of those drawn to its powers. It furthers the ability to remain radiant in the darkest of circumstances, and to maintain a spiritual consciousness while living among those who are not always in the Light and do not understand the love of the universe. [Raphaell, 132-133][Melody, 654-655]

Natural Tourmaline wands are considered quite special and channel a high-powered electrical energy capable of transcending physical laws and producing phenomenal healing. The positive force of these Light tools effectively clears blockages in the aura and removes negative energy. Black Tourmaline wands may be placed at the knees or feet with the terminations facing the toes to direct negative energies out of the body. They can also be used to direct energies from the crown and ethereal body to the base chakra, re-balancing the meridians of the physical body and providing an optimal balance in the ethereal body. [Raphaell, 128, 132][Melody, 654][Hall, 297]

Black Tourmaline Color Energy

Tourmaline with black color energy deepens our connection to the physical, natural world. It brings power and strength, relieving fears specifically associated with the physical existence here on Earth. Black Tourmaline offers protection and a retreat, the safety of being hidden from your enemies.

Meditation with Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline is one of the most common meditation crystals. It is exceptionally grounding to the Earth's energies, freeing one to explore the spiritual world without harm or danger, and provides high levels of purification for the auric field and the etheric body.

Black Tourmaline Divination

The Divinatory meaning of Black Tourmaline: A confusing or clouded issue will be made clear and you will receive an insight to overcome the problem. [Eason, 204]

Dreaming of Tourmaline signifies an accident. [Kunz, 358]

Black Tourmaline and the Angelic Realm

If your birthday falls in any of the following periods, a Black Tourmaline can be a valuable conduit to your Guardian Angel. The table also provides the name of the Guardian Angel of those born in the time period.

Date

Crystal Color

Name of Guardian Angel

March 11-15

Black

Haiaiel (Hajael)

May 16-20

Black

Hahaiah (Hahajah)

August 29-September 2

Black

Vasiariah

November 3-7

Black

Sealiah

There are other Angels that are partial to Black Tourmaline. The table below gives you the information about them.

Purpose

Crystal Color

Name of Angel

Protector and Ruler of the dates May16-20; Taurus.

Black

Hahaiah

Protector and Ruler of the dates March 11-15; Pisces.

Black

Haiaiel

Protector and Ruler of the dates May 1-5; Taurus.

Black

Haziel

Protector and Ruler of the dates November 3-7; Scorpio.

Black

Sealiah

Master of the 9th Tarot Card “The Hermit”.

Black

Shelathiel

Protector and Ruler of the dates August 29-September 2;  Virgo.

Black

Vasiariah

Black Tourmaline Goddess Crystals

Black Tourmaline honors Manat, the Arabian Goddess of Waning Moon, Time, Destiny and Death. She is honored because time brings us all a transition we call death, but in life she can bring a world filled with magic, wisdom and protection. She rules as a triple goddess with Allat and Al-Uzza.

Black crystals honor Cybele, the Roman Earth Goddess and Modern Goddess of Spring Break. She is the Earth Mother and embodies the fertile Earth. Her festival is the first on the Roman calendar, the Festival of Joy.

Black Tourmaline also honors Aradia, the Tuscany Witch Goddess; and Hine-Nui-Te-Po, the Polynesian Goddess of the Night.

Birthstones

There are several ways to find an appropriate birthstone. The traditional one is listed first. These are from the popular lists that most people are familiar with. The second way is to find your natural birthstone by the color wheel of life. You can click on the Natural Birthstone graphic below to learn more. Finally many people use the traditional stones of the Zodiac.

In this section you will find information on all three approaches.

Black Tourmaline Traditional Birthstone

Black Tourmaline is not a traditional birthstone.

Black Tourmaline Natural Birthstone.

Black Tourmaline is not a natural birthstone.

Black Tourmaline - Zodiac Stone of Libra

Tourmaline is one of the zodiac stones for those born under the sign of Libra, between September 23 and October 22, the middle of the harvest. Libra is the only sign that is an inanimate object - a balance beam, referred to as The Balance. During this month the days and nights are equal length, and the Earth and Sun are in balance. Librans are very strong-willed, artistic, sensitive, and respectful. They are understanding and relate well to other people.

Black Tourmaline will also help Scorpios to be less demanding and Capricorns to be more expressive. [Megemont, 184]

Black Tourmaline Amulets and Talismans

In antiquity, Tourmaline was considered a talismanic Gem of Autumn, and the six o'clock Gem of the Night. [Kunz, 326, 337]

Tourmaline is a Seeker Energizer talisman. Seekers contain the crystal energy structure that aligns the natural energy of the crystal to the natural power of the human mind to find the way to new horizons and new capabilities. They're pointers, directors, and compasses; the fresh start crystals. These are talismans of the scientist, the adventurer, the hunter, wanderer, and explorer. They're also crystals of the student and the researcher.

Energizer crystals, such as Tourmaline, are powerful conduit crystals for focusing and amplifying the Universal Life Force and our energy to accomplish our goals. They aid in our efforts to gain what we seek, enhance our lives, protect what we value, and defend us from undesirable elements.

Black Tourmaline Feng Shui

Black Tourmaline utilizes Water energy, the energy of stillness, quiet strength, and purification. It embodies potentialities unrealized. It is yielding, formless, yet powerful. The Water element brings power of regeneration and rebirth. It is the energy of the circle of life. Use black tourmaline crystals to enhance any space that you use for repose, calm reflection, or prayer. Water energy is traditionally associated with the North area of a home or room. It is associated with the Career and Life Path area, its flowing energy assuring a balance of energy as your life unfolds and flows.

Black Tourmaline in Ancient Lore and Legend

Tourmaline was known to the ancients in the Mediterranean. Egyptian legend speaks of how Tourmaline made its journey from the center of the Earth and passed over a rainbow, taking with it all of the colors as its own. [Eason, 53] The Romans used these stones for their relaxing properties of inducing tranquil sleep, calming the mind and relaxing the body. [Mella, 110]

In India, a likeness of Alexander the Great was carved in Tourmaline and dates to around the second or third century B.C., and in rituals of this culture, Tourmaline was used to provide direction toward that which would bring good, and was believed to be a “teller” stone to provide insight as to who or what was causing trouble. [Simmons, 406][Melody, 654]

Used by shaman of the African, Native American, and Aboriginal tribes, Tourmaline was thought to bring healing powers to the user and provide protection from all dangers occurring on the physical plane. The African shaman also used it to promote the awakening of the “dream of illusion” and to experience the self as a part of the universal spirit. [Melody, 654]

Tourmaline was first brought to Europe by Dutch traders in the 1700s who gave it the name, Aschentrekker, or “ash puller,” for its alternating powers of attracting, then repelling, hot ashes from burning coals when the stone was laid near the coals for any length of time. The Dutch traders used the crystals to pull ashes from their Meerschaum pipes. This ability to gain magnetic powers and become electrically “polar” by means of heat readily distinguished Tourmaline from any other gem. [Fernie, 154][Simmons, 406]

More recently, some in the metaphysical world have come to believe Tourmaline is not indigenous to Earth, but has been materialized onto our planet by higher life forms to assist humans with their transition into the Aquarian Age. It is further believed that special Tourmaline wands are being created in alchemical laboratories deep in the Andes in South America, and the enlightened beings who perform this magic dematerializes these wands, transports and then rematerializes them into mines in South America. These perfectly terminated wands may be up to twelve inches long and contain the full color spectrum, capable of vibrating all of the chakras simultaneously as they align the consciousness with the omnipotent cosmic force. Once mined, these wands attract themselves to those who intuitively know how to use them. [Raphaell, 129]