Tourmaline: meaning, origin, properties

What does tourmaline mean?

The name of this fine stone comes from Sinhalese, the official language of Sri Lanka, "turamali" meaning"stone of a thousand colors".

The origin of tourmaline

In ancient times, tourmaline was used by the Egyptians and Greeks as an ornamental stone. As for the Romans, they were convinced of its protective power, which is why they wore it as a talisman. During this period, black tourmaline was also associated with magic and sorcery. Legends have it that the great magicians of the time invoked this gemstone to protect themselves from demons and evil entities evolving on earth.
The philosopher Theophrsates made a surprising discovery about tourmaline. He noted its pyroelectric (static electricity) properties, as it attracted straw, ashes or small pieces of wood.

Because of its pyroelectric effect, alchemists considered it to be linked to the philosopher's stone.

The popularity of this colored stone peaked in the 17th century. Jewellers used it to adorn the crowns of Russian monarchs.
In the 18th century, Dutch merchants imported large quantities from Sri Lanka. They named it "asshentrekker", meaning"ash headband", because of its electrostatic properties.
This natural stone was said to be beneficial to artists, writers, actors and creators.

Even today, in certain African, Amerindian and aboriginal tribes, this stone is worn as a talisman in a necklace or bracelet to protect the wearer from all dangers.

What color is tourmaline?

Tourmaline is a natural stone renowned for its diversity of shades and chromatic variations. These range from green to pink, violet, black, green, blue, red, ochre and brown:

• Black tourmaline, also known as Schörl, is very common.
• Rubellite is pink to red.
• Verdelite is a green tourmaline.
• Indicolite is indigo blue with duck-blue tones.

Some varieties are colorless. Other stones can present a combination of two or more colors, creating unique and fascinating effects. Such is the case with watermelon tourmaline, with its pink and green hues.
Legend has it that tourmaline passed through a rainbow on its journey from the depths of the earth to the surface, capturing all its colors.

What are the properties of tourmaline?

This fine stone (formerly known as a"semi-precious stone") has a hardness of between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale and a density of between 2.8 and 3.3.

Where to find tourmaline

The main deposits are found in Afghanistan, Angola, Australia, Burma, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rhodesia, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand and the United States.

What are tourmaline's virtues?

Considered a protective stone in lithotherapy, this gemstone is said to combat electromagnetic waves and negative energies. It is an excellent ally for meditation. It also calms emotions and stressful situations.

What is tourmaline's chakra? This gemstone is associated with several chakras, depending on its color and energetic properties:

• Black tourmaline is associated with the root chakra. It can be used for its rooting and protective properties.
• The heart chakra is linked to green tourmaline. It is associated with unconditional love and emotional harmony.
• The third eye chakra is stimulated and balanced by green tourmaline, linked to intuition and open inner vision.
• The throat chakra is associated with blue tourmaline or blue-green tourmaline. It is used for self-expression and communication.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. The effects of stones have not been scientifically proven. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I recharge a tourmaline stone?

Like all gemstones, tourmaline needs to be recharged regularly to restore all its properties.
Before recharging, it needs to be cleaned and purified. This can be done by rinsing it with distilled water, or by placing it in a container of distilled water for a few minutes. Then rinse with clean water and dry with a clean, soft cloth. Then purify it, either by passing it through incense or sage smoke, or by burying it in the ground.
Finally, to recharge it, simply expose it to sunlight or moonlight for a few hours.

How to wear tourmaline

Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors, so it's equally at home in gold or silver. Gold filled (laminated gold), stainless steel, 925 silver, gold-plated stainless steel, gold-plated or 925 silver gilded with fine gold... all are suitable.

Which stone goes with tourmaline? In lithotherapy, we recommend wearing tourmaline with gemstones with complementary powers or similar benefits:

• with rose quartz, for example, to balance emotional energies, promote self-love and encourage compassion.
• with a rock crystal to enhance positive energy.
• with amethyst, to help calm the mind, promote meditation and stimulate spiritual growth.
• with citrine, to reinforce positive energy and promote self-confidence.
• with carnelian, to boost creativity and motivation.
• black tourmaline with a tiger's eye, to combat negative vibes.

But there's nothing to stop you combining it with other natural stones, depending on your mood, your taste and your DIY project.