Updated July 17, 2023 by Alexandre Baillairge

Made of silicon dioxide, Tourmalinated Quartz is a Quartz crystal that has grown together with Tourmaline. It is a Clear Quartz crystal containing long and needle-like Tourmaline inclusions that are usually black (sometimes green) in colour.

The Physical Properties of Tourmalinated Quartz

The formation process of Tourmalinated Quartz, a unique variety of Quartz, is a fascinating event that requires two minerals: Quartz and Tourmaline. These two elements come together when subjected to very specific, intense conditions.

When liquid Quartz and Tourmaline interact under high temperatures and immense pressure deep within the earth, a unique chemical and physical reaction takes place. These conditions are typically found in areas with high volcanic activity or where tectonic plates meet, creating the intense pressure and heat necessary for this process.

In this heated, pressurized environment, the two minerals combine, however, this unification is temporary. When the surrounding temperatures and pressure start to decrease, the Quartz and Tourmaline separate once again. But there's a catch: during the cooling process, Tourmaline, which forms as elongated, needle-like crystals, becomes trapped inside the Quartz crystal. This gives the resulting stone a distinctive appearance, with these black Tourmaline needles frozen in a moment of geological time, embedded in the clear or slightly milky Quartz crystal.

Tourmalinated Quartz, like many gemstones, is rated on the Mohs hardness scale - a measurement system used to classify minerals by their ability to scratch one another. With a score of 7, Tourmalinated Quartz is relatively hard, a bit less than a Topaz at 8, but harder than a typical window glass, which is around 5.5. This means that if you were to drag a piece of Tourmalinated Quartz across a glass window, it would leave a scratch.

While the hardness makes it suitable for jewelry, its striking appearance makes it highly desirable. The gemstone can be cut into various shapes, including the typical round, oval, pear, and square cuts. However, the preferred cut for Tourmalinated Quartz is the 'cabochon', a shape that is rounded and polished, but not faceted. This cut is chosen as it beautifully displays the black Tourmaline needles running through the stone, adding depth and intrigue to the gem.

In addition to jewelry, Tourmalinated Quartz is also a popular choice for sculptures and carvings, owing to its hardness and unique aesthetic appeal. The black needles provide a stark contrast against the clear or milky white Quartz, making it an intriguing focus for both small carvings and larger pieces. Artisans, sculptors, and jewelers alike are captivated by the natural artistry of the Tourmalinated Quartz, the result of an incredible geological process millions of years in the making.

 

The History of Tourmalinated Quartz

The name Quartz comes from the Greek word krystallos which means ˜ice', while the name Tourmaline is derived from the Sinhalese term turmali, the name given to all coloured crystals in Sri Lanka in the olden times.

Besides Tourmalinated Quartz, there are many spelling variations of the name of this stone: Tourmalated Quartz, Tourmaline Quartz, or Tourmaline in Quartz. All of these terms describe a clear Quartz crystal penetrated by Tourmaline needles.

It is believed that the earliest primitive tools created by man are made of Tourmalinated Quartz which date back to 2.5 million years ago. Geologists discovered these tools in the Omo Valley in Ethiopia and were fashioned by Hominids. Quartz was said to have just the right hardness and brittleness for this application.

During the second World War, synthetic Quartz crystals were extensively used as oscillators for radios. This is due to Quartz's piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties that make it capable of generating electrical energy, boosting the performance of electronic and communication devices. It is also used in the production of watches, clocks, and computers.

Today, Quartz is mainly used for making gemstones. It also finds an important use in manufacturing abrasives, glass, concrete, and cement.

Tourmalinated Quartz can be found in various parts of the world, but it is mainly extracted from Minas Gerais in Brazil.

The Healing Properties of Tourmalinated Quartz

Tourmalinated Quartz, a unique combination of Clear Quartz and Black Tourmaline, is renowned for its robust energetic properties. This extraordinary crystal is believed to act as a formidable shield, protecting the individual wearing it from harmful and negative energy.

It is said to absorb and neutralize malevolent forces and emotions such as jealousy, resentment, and bitterness. Its potency is particularly harnessed when the stone is in direct contact with the skin.

Historically, sphere-shaped Quartz crystals have been shaped into spherical forms, commonly known as crystal balls. In ancient times, these objects were frequently used for diagnosing diseases and predicting the future, as they were thought to amplify the healer's intuition and foresight.

Some cultures even maintain the belief that these crystals can heighten awareness of events occurring in remote locations, allowing the bearer to sense, perceive, and understand happenings beyond their immediate environment.

Associated with the astrological signs Capricorn, Libra, and Scorpio, the crystal is often utilized in mystical and astrological practices. Individuals born under these signs might find an enhanced connection and resonance with the Tourmalinated Quartz, helping them channel their innate strengths and mitigate their weaknesses.

What is in Tourmalinated Quartz?

Clear Quartz, one component of Tourmalinated Quartz, is revered as a crystal with high energy and vibration levels. This crystal serves as a conduit for communication with spiritual realms, encouraging enlightenment, insight, and spiritual growth. It acts as a spiritual purifier, cleansing one's energy field of negative influences and attachments, and hence, facilitating inner peace and spiritual healing.

Additionally, Clear Quartz is known for its property of energy regulation - it aids in balancing, restoring, amplifying, and transmitting energies. It magnifies the energy of other stones and purifies the energetic environment. It also enhances spiritual consciousness, leading to a better understanding of oneself and providing clarity on one's life path.

On the other hand, Black Tourmaline, the second component of Tourmalinated Quartz, is highly recognized for its protective and grounding properties. Often called a shielding stone, it protects its bearer from intense, damaging emotions like anger, greed, and envy. Furthermore, as a grounding stone, Black Tourmaline reconnects its user to the Earth, promoting emotional stability and a sense of belonging.

The amalgamation of Clear Quartz and Black Tourmaline in Tourmalinated Quartz forms a potent healing energy that brings about tranquility and harmony. This crystal combination not only strengthens the body's energy field against external invasion but also cleanses and purifies it, leading to an overall sense of wellbeing and mental clarity. The unique mixture of protection and purification in Tourmalinated Quartz makes it an invaluable tool in maintaining energetic hygiene and emotional equilibrium.

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Tourmalinated Quartz. (n.d.). Mindat.org. Accessed at https://www.mindat.org/min-26498.html

Tourmaline Meaning, Powers and History. (n.d.). Jewels for Me. Accessed at https://www.jewelsforme.com/tourmaline-meaning

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