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The Magic of Rocks and StonesBlack Tourmaline Written and compiled by - Patricia Jean MartinEven though Tourmaline
has been known in the Mediterranean region throughout the ages, it was only in
1703 that it was imported by the Dutch from Sri Lanka to Western and
Central Europe. They gave these new gems a Sinhalese name, Turamali, which
is thought to mean "stone with mixed colors". There are many
varieties of Tourmaline — too many to list here — but some are: black (Schorl
or Aphrizite), blue (Indicolite), pink and red (Rubellite), brown (Dravite),
pink and green ("Watermelon Tourmaline"), green (Verdelite, also known
as "Brazilian Emerald"), yellow (Tsilasite, also known as "Peridot
of Ceylon"), and the extremely rare colorless (Achroite).
Gem quality Tourmalines are most often members of the Tourmaline group called
Elbaite and come from California, Maine, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan,
Tanzania, Kenya, Myanmar and the Malagasy Republic. In its natural
state, all the Tourmalines are characterized by parallel ridges
(striations) which run the length of the crystal, as are the Black Tourmalines
which are the most common in the Tourmaline group. Tourmaline forms in
igneous and metamorphic rocks and veins. It frequently occurs with
Lepidolite, Microcline, and Spodumene in granite pegmatites and others. Tourmaline crystals are
interesting because they are hemimorphic, having a different shaped top than
the bottom of the crystal. Some crystals of Black Tourmaline can
reach a rather large size and can display a great variety of crystal faces.
Another interesting characteristic of this stone is that it is pyroelectric
which means that when heated, a positive charge develops at one end and a
negative charge at the other. These charges reverse themselves when the
crystal cools. A piezoelectric charge can be developed if the crystal
is compressed (or vibrated) at both ends. Conversely, if an electrical
potential is applied to the crystal, it will vibrate. Metaphysically
speaking, this can help break up an energy blockage, thus bringing new
clarity of purpose by helping one integrate and experience the physical and
spiritual worlds as one. Secondly, Tourmalines
are pleochroic. This means that the crystal will look darker in color when
viewed down the long axis of the crystal than when viewed from the side.
This property goes beyond the idea that the crystal is just thicker in that
direction. Even crystals of equal dimensions will demonstrate this
trait. General
Information:
Chemistry:
NaFe3(Al,Fe)6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4, Sodium Iron Aluminum Boro-silicate Hydroxide Class:
Silicates Subclass:
Cyclosilicates Group:
Tourmalines Color:
Black Luster:
Vitreous to submetallic Crystal System:
Trigonal Crystal Habit:
Typically elongated three-sided prisms. Terminations can be either a
simple to complex trigonal pryamid or flat basal face. Prism faces are
usually striated lengthwise. Cleavage:
Absent, but with basal parting Fracture:
Uneven to conchoidal Hardness:
7 - 7.5 Specific Gravity:
3.2+ (slightly heavier than average) Streak:
White Other Characteristics:
Piezoelectric Notable Occurrences:
Brazil; Colorado; Appalachian Mountains; Germany; Cornwall, England; and many
others. Best Field Indicators:
Crystal habit, overall triangular cross-section, striations, color and hardness. Uses:
Mineral collection specimens, electrical uses and as ornamental stone. Myth & Lore:
Long thin crystals of
Black Tourmaline are common as inclusions in Quartz, forming the ornamental
stone called "Tourmalinated Quartz". This stone is unique with
its long needle to straw sized, arrow straight, prismatic crystals of pitch
black Schorl criss-crossing the clear colorless Quartz. Alone, Black
Tourmaline has long been used by shaman in African, Native American and
Aboriginal tribes. Native Americans used it as a protective stone against
negative spells...but when found included in Quartz, it not only
breaks the spell, but has been known to energize the "victim" and
actually enhance well-being! Used with Mica, Black Tourmaline is said
to be able to return the "spell" or negative energy from whence
it came, along with providing a view of the sender of such negativity.
Working like a lightning conductor, Black Tourmaline dispels the negativity
and protects against harmful energies such as anger, envy, and greed. Recognized as the
"Teller" stone, all Tourmalines provide insight during times of
difficulty or struggle and can aid in "telling" who or what is causing
the problem. Black Tourmaline is
well-known and most valued for its grounding effects, as are Obsidian, Hematite,
Bloodstone and Smoky Quartz. However, for grounding of spiritual
energies Black Tourmaline is the first stone of choice; a gift of nature which
enables its human companion to route and receive higher energies from the Crown
Chakra down into the Root Chakra. Metaphysical Properties of Black Tourmaline
(Schorl):
Astrological Sign(s): Capricorn
(although Tourmalines in general have been associated with the sign of Libra). Element(s): Earth Chakra(s): Root. Grounding. Protection. Purification rituals. Deflects and repels
negative energy. Increases physical
vitality. Relieves stress. Clears confusion. Brings clarity. Sense of purpose. *Gives physical aid in treating: Dyslexia. Disorientation. Arthritis.
Stress. Strengthens immune system. Stimulates and helps balance adrenal
glands. Helps protect against radiation. *NOTE:
Stone therapy should NOT take the place of medical evaluation and
procedures, and should be used merely to enhance one's health and well-being. My own thoughts
and experiences:
Black
Tourmaline...although an excellent protective, grounding, and Root Chakra
balancing stone...seems so much more than that. It feels as if it places a
protective fence around you...a stockade. And within that
"fence" there is a clearing in the landscape of your mind. And
within that clearing there is a complete darkness that empties your mind of all
extraneous and chaotic thought. It mirrors a time when things stood still
and there was a void...a void that awaits the first thought; the first song; the
first movement; the first spark of light. And it is with this stone that
you can find comfort in the stillness, feel a weightlessness amidst the
density!, and experience the jubilance of the first spark of creative
inspiration which will flash swiftly to the forefront of your mind. This
will inevitably astound you, as the encompassing void allows for sharp focus on
any sudden brilliance emanating from the darkest corner of your inner self.
It is at this point that Black Tourmaline's task is finished, and you will be
prompted to move on with renewed vigor and clarity of purpose. Many an ingenious thought
can come through the protective stillness of Black Tourmaline. Or you may
simply use it whenever you feel the need for merely a shielding guardian
"fence". End.Sources:
"The Crystal
Bible" ~ Judy Hall "Love Is In the
Earth" ~ Melody http://webplaza.pt.lu/public/andre/healing_stones/tourmaline.html http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/schorl/schorl.htm
©
2006 Patricia J. Martin
Website:
http://www.peacefulpaths.com/
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