| Tourmaline
Healing Properties
Tourmaline gets its name from the Singhalese name, turamali, which means
colored stone, and indeed Tourmaline comes in dozens of colors. The Dutch
called it aschentrekker, meaning ash-drawer as it will draw ashes toward
it when warmed (pyroelectric). Tourmaline comes in a variety of beautiful
and vivid colors, and is a durable gemstone that has gained tremendous
popularity (with skyrocketing costs) over the last 20 years. Highly prized
is Watermelon Tourmaline (green outside and pink inside).
Mystical Properties: A relatively new gem, Tourmaline
wasn't discovered until the early 1700's.
Tourmaline is thought to bring favor from the Muses and is sometimes considered
lucky for artists, writers and other persons pursuing creative careers.
Pink: (Rubellite) is thought to brin love
and friendship. Thought to be a stone with feminine energy.
Red: (Rubellite) is thought to instill courage
and a strong will in the wearer. Protective.
Blue: (Indicolite) This is considered a de-stresser
and promotes sound sleep. Natural Healers consider this an important gemstone
for 5th and 6th Chakras. Thought to
help with intuition (6th Chakra) and eloquence in communication (5th
Chakra).
Green: (Verdite) Also known as a Brazilian Emerald.
This stone is thought to bring money
and stimulate creative abilities. Thought to be a stone with masculine
energy. An important gemstone to Natural Healers, who think it opens a
conduit for healing. Thought to help with indigestion.
Black (Shorl): Thought to be an excellent stabilizer
and absorber of negative energy. Natural Healers consider this an important
gemstone for subduing and over-active
1st Chakra. They consider it useful in dispelling negativity and providing
powerful protection.
Watermelon: (Rubellite/Verdite/Elbaite) This
is thought to balance the male/female energies. Also for attracting love
as Green and Pink are the colors that stimulate the Heart
Chakra. Considered an important gemstone in subduing an over-active
6th Chakra. Natural Healers use Watermelon Tourmaline to heal the
heart and emotions. Thought to reduce nervousness and anxiety.
Violet/Purple: (Siberite) inspires meditation.
Yellow (Tsilaisite) : Said to increase intelligence.
Colorless: (Achroite) is said to help
attune to higher beings.
Brown (Dravite): Considered to have a stabilizing
effect.
Considered a secondary gemstone for October Birthdays by Jewelers.
Hindu Astrology assigns Green Tourmaline as a secondary gem of Gemini
and Virgo. Rubellite, the red/pink variety of tourmaline, is assigned
a secondary gemstone of Leo.
The gemstone of New England and New Englandites and Brazilians.
Considered lucky for men named Theodore.
Healing Properties: Blue varieties (Indicolite)
are said to relieve stress. Green varieties (Verdelite) are said to speed
general healing and help regain strength. Black
Tourmaline is said to help clear the psyche of negative energy.
Scientific Properties: Tourmaline is a composed
of Borosilicates.
In its natural, un-faceted state, it is characteristically long and thin,
roughly triangular in midsection, and usually striated. It has pyro-electric
properties (meaning when warmed it attracts and holds dust, ashes, small
pieces of paper). Another unusual property of Tourmaline is, when viewed
from the side, it appears more opaque, but when viewed through mid-section,
appears clearer. This is called dichroism.
Tourmaline was used on high-pressure gauges in submarines as the boron
in its chemical structure has incredible strength.
Found in Brazil, Connecticut, Maine, New York and California.
Hardness: 7.0-7.5 on the
Moh's Hardness Scale.
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