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I chose Tourmaline for this post because it is one of the birthstones of October (lesser known), and because I have a gorgeous piece of tourmaline sitting here on my desk. What I did not know was how vast a gem it was! Oh my lanta folks.
So I am focusing on black tourmaline because otherwise, we would be here all week.

History and Geography

The first known discovery was in Saxon Germany in the year 1400, however, it has been known to be used by ancient magicians and powerful shamans throughout history. Many shaman of African, Aboriginal, and Native American tribes carried Tourmaline to protect themselves from danger. 

Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese toramalli, meaning “mixed-color gems.” Sinhalese is Sri Lankan, but the term originated from Dutch merchants. 
The main locations of tourmaline mines have been in the US, Brazil, and all across Africa.
In the US, Maine claims tourmaline as their official state mineral.

Composition and Colors

Tourmaline is available in more colors than any other gemstone, there are at least 14 different colors ranging from greens to blues, from yellows to brown, and from pink to even rainbow tourmaline! As well as black.
It is so fitting that it is a gem affiliated with autumn, all the changing colors of the leaves and such.
The ancient Egyptians attributed this profusion of colors to the tourmaline’s long journey up from the center of the earth, during which it passed over a rainbow.

I love the visual of a rainbow in the center of the earth.
Black tourmaline, however, is jet black.
The shade of black that draws you in, into the mysterious yet safe darkness, the knowing you are protected from any evil.

Associations

Black tourmaline as the October gemstone is also then related to the sign of Libra and Scorpio. Scorpios are famously discreet and even secretive, with an air of mystery around them. Other personality traits include fearlessness, boldness (thanks to Mars), passion, creativity, and fierce loyalty!
Libras are compassionate and empathetic people. They are willing to go out of their way to help others. They dislike conflict and avoid confrontations.
This stone is also particularly beneficial to Capricorns.

Coming from deep within the earth, it is no surprise tourmaline is associated with the lower three chakras, keeping us grounded, safe and secure within ourselves.

Healing Properties

To have such a powerful stone within reach is especially important to me as I spend so much time in front of a computer, or working on my phone. I personally love black crystals, the strong protection they provide is palpable and reassuring.

Before we dive in, want to know an astonishing fact? Black tourmaline has pyroelectric properties, meaning that when it is heated, it becomes electrically charged! It will release positive ions from one end, and negative from another which actually causes the stone to swing back and forth, oscillating and attracting small particles. The Dutch used a heated tourmaline to draw up the ash from their meerschaum pipes, and called the gemstone “aschentrekker.”

This a wonderful stone to have on a piece of jewelry to keep the power close.

Physical Healing

As stated above, keeping black tourmaline near my workspace is important, and this is because it is one of the most effective crystals for negating the absorption of radiation from electromagnetic frequencies (EMF). Providing this natural shield it leaves our bodies feeling more alert, more innovative, having more physical strength and a true sense of physical security.

Black tourmaline wants us to be whole, human, and healthy. It helps to support our immune system, strengthens our adrenal glands, and works to draw out toxins and increase circulation.
Use this gem along your spine or any joints that are feeling stiff, achy, and affected by arthritis as it has pain-relieving and healing properties related to bone and muscle conditions.

Interestingly, black tourmaline is said to increase the sense of smell, and also strengthen hair and nails, making it a wonderful addition to any bathroom or vanity.

Emotional Support

The most potent aspect of this crystal in my opinion is its ability to ward off negativity, both from outside sources and from within. Black tourmaline is a purification stone, which is perfect for working with the season of autumn, which is all about letting go of things that no longer serve us.

We all have experience anger, anxiety, self-doubt, repulsion, and those down-in-the-dumps days. There are even times when we don’t know exactly where those feelings are coming from, but we have to deal with them. This dark piece of earthy magic will benefit us by not only drawing out the impurities but transforming them into more positive forces of energy, restoring our vitality and joy in life.

Holding onto the crystal will provide stress and anxiety relief, the frequencies supporting you by rooting you into the present moment. Black tourmaline has your back and works to bring out the most radiant version of you.

Metaphysical

Black tourmaline is a powerful meditation tool, it aids us in letting go of doubts, bringing us deeper into a meditative state, while also keeping us grounded through the lower chakras.

Carrying this stone with you while in large crowds or meeting new people is beneficial because of its energy shielding. We have all met those “energy vampires” that seem to drain the life force from us, whether they are aware of it or not. This gem will help to protect your energy and gives you a boost so that you aren’t prone to having your energy depleted by these people.

As well as blocking EMF’s the stone is a great energy purifier for space as well if certain parts of your home or workspace feel dark and unwelcoming.
Natural Tourmaline wands are considered quite special and channel high-powered electrical energy capable of transcending physical laws and producing phenomenal healing. The positive force of this stone clears blockages in the aura and removes negative energy.

Conclusion

I’ve hoped you’ve learned something about this powerful stone of protection. As with all your crystals be sure to charge and cleanse them regularly, especially this stone as it absorbs so much of the negative energy forces.

Black tourmaline will truly be an ally in moving through dark times. Bringing in the beautiful light of the Divine, and helping to release any burdens that you need to set down, overall enhancing your spiritual growth.

Love and vibe,