Black Tourmaline

Table of Contents: Black Tourmaline

“Black Tourmaline”
- Did you know?
I. Geological Overview of Black Tourmaline
II. Traditional Applications of Black Tourmaline
III. Holistic Properties of Black Tourmaline
IV. Care and Use of Black Tourmaline
V. History of Black Tourmaline
VI. Crystallography of Black Tourmaline
Sources & Credits
- More Healing Crystals

“Black Tourmaline”

Pronunciation: blak toor-muh-leen

General use: Absorbing negative energy, providing deep grounding, and shielding against electromagnetic frequencies (EMF).

Location: Extensively mined in Brazil and Namibia, with significant deposits also found in Pakistan, Africa, and the United States (notably Maine and California).

Time Period: Known since ancient times; Dutch traders rediscovered the stone in the early 1700s, though it was likely utilized by earlier civilizations under the name “Schorl.”

Quick Facts


Varieties	Schorl (Pure Black), Dravite (Dark Brown/Black), Verdelite (Dark Green/Black), Indicolite (Dark Blue/Black)
Chakra Alignment	Root Chakra
Affirmation	I am protected, grounded, and secure in my own energy.
Vibration Number	Number 3 and Number 4
Element	Earth
Planet	Saturn
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn and Libra
Birthstone	October (Traditional)
Cleansing	Smudging, Earth Burial, or Moonlight. Avoid long water exposure.
Mineral Class	Borosilicate
Chemical Formula	NaFe3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4
Crystal System	Trigonal
Mohs Hardness	7 to 7.5
Primary Color	Opaque Black
Transparency	Opaque
Lustre	Vitreous to Sub-metallic
Refractive Index	1.614 to 1.666
Specific Gravity	3.06 to 3.11

ART: Victorian mourning jewelry often featured Black Tourmaline as a centerpiece, as its deep, light-absorbing surface symbolized the solemnity of remembrance while providing the wearer with emotional strength.

HIDDEN TRUTH: This mineral possesses a unique property called pyroelectricity, meaning it generates an electric charge when heated, which historically allowed Dutch traders to use the stone to pull ash out of their clay pipes.

FACT: Black Tourmaline is one of the few minerals that naturally occurs in long, striated columns, which act like “lightning rods” to direct and ground electrical energy.

Did you know?

Did you know that Black Tourmaline is officially recognized by scientists for its piezoelectric properties, allowing it to convert mechanical pressure into electrical energy, a feature that makes it invaluable in the manufacturing of high-pressure gauges?

I. Geological Overview of Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline, scientifically known as Schorl, forms as a complex boron silicate mineral within igneous and metamorphic rocks. It typically crystallizes in granitic pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where mineral-rich fluids cool slowly over vast periods. The inclusion of high iron concentrations within its molecular lattice results in its characteristic opaque black hue. Geologically, its distinct vertical striations and triangular cross-sections distinguish it from other black minerals, as these features reflect the internal trigonal symmetry of its atomic arrangement.

II. Traditional Applications of Black Tourmaline

Ancient magicians and tribal shamans utilized Black Tourmaline to protect themselves from earth demons and malevolent spirits during sacred rituals. In the modern era, technology-conscious individuals place large specimens near computers and Wi-Fi routers to mitigate the perceived effects of electromagnetic smog. Furthermore, it remains a favorite for lapidaries who carve the stone into protective amulets and grounding spheres, maintaining its status as a staple in both the jewelry and metaphysical industries.

III. Holistic Properties of Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline provides comprehensive holistic benefits across the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual planes of existence. This mineral acts as an energetic vacuum cleaner that removes toxic debris from the user’s auric field. On a physical level, it supports the adrenal glands and helps to realign the spinal column. Mentally, it encourages a positive attitude regardless of external circumstances, while emotionally, it assists in the neutralization of self-doubt and chronic anxiety. Spiritually, it serves as a powerful anchor that keeps the soul connected to the physical world during deep meditation.

IV. Care and Use of Black Tourmaline

Proper care for Black Tourmaline involves maintaining its structural integrity and clearing the “energetic dust” it repels. Owners must recognize that while Black Tourmaline is quite hardy, its striated structure means it can occasionally “flake” or splinter if dropped, representing the stone’s role as a shield that takes hits on behalf of its owner.

Cleansing/Clearing: You should clear your Black Tourmaline by rinsing it under cool, running water for three minutes; the “Water” element effectively washes away the energetic residue of the day. Alternatively, you can utilize the smudging method by passing the stone through the smoke of cedar or palo santo to reset its protective boundaries and refresh its connection to the “Earth” element.
Charging: You can charge your Black Tourmaline by burying it in the soil of the Earth for 24 hours; this “Terrestrial” infusion re-anchors its vibration to the planet’s core and strengthens its grounding properties. Furthermore, you may place the stone on a Selenite charging plate for six hours to amplify its ability to transmute negative energy into a higher-vibration shield.
Clearing Crystals: To cleanse other stones, you may place them in a bowl with Black Tourmaline; its dense, grounding nature helps to pull “flighty” or stagnant energy out of more sensitive crystals. Furthermore, you should utilize it in “room gridding” by placing a piece in each of the four corners of a room to maintain a consistently clear and protected environment.

V. History of Black Tourmaline

The history of Black Tourmaline reveals a narrative of industrial utility and mystical protection. For instance, the 1703 discovery by Dutch merchants that the stone could attract ash led to the first scientific inquiries into the relationship between minerals and electricity. Similarly, the ancient use of Tourmaline in the “Crown Jewels of Russia” (though often misidentified as other gems) highlights its long-standing association with power and spiritual endurance. Furthermore, the stone remains a central symbol for “The Sentinel” in modern metaphysical practices. This enduring legacy confirms that Black Tourmaline is a mineral of exceptional geological stability and profound protective importance.

VI. Crystallography of Black Tourmaline


Crystal System	Trigonal: Forming as elongated, prismatic crystals with a characteristic three-sided cross-section.
Striated Habit	Vertical grooves on the faces act as energetic “highways” to move energy quickly.
Iron Inclusions	The Fe content provides both the opaque black color and the stone’s magnetic/conductive properties.
Refractive Index	1.614 – 1.666: A moderate index that contributes to its sub-metallic to vitreous shine.
Birefringence	0.017 – 0.035: High double refraction that supports the stone’s ability to transmute energy.
Optical Character	Uniaxial Negative: Reflects a downward-flowing energy that is ideal for deep grounding.
Specific Gravity	3.06 – 3.21: A relatively heavy feel that provides an anchoring and “weighted” presence.
Fracture Type	Conchoidal to Uneven: Breaks with shell-like surfaces, signifying its volcanic and fluid origins.
Lattice Structure	Ring Silicate: Hexagonal rings of silica tetrahedra that represent a “closed-circuit” of protection.
Piezoelectricity	High: Generates an electric pulse under pressure, which is used to harmonize the user’s bio-field.