What Is Black Tourmaline?

Black tourmaline, also called schorl, is the most common variety of tourmaline and one of the best-known protection stones in crystal lore. It is a hard, durable mineral that forms long black crystals, and it is cut into beads, wands and tumbled stones. Here is how it forms, where it comes from and how it is used traditionally.

The Physical Properties of Black Tourmaline

Black tourmaline (also called schorl) is the most common variety of tourmaline, a large group of aluminum borosilicate minerals. It forms as hexagonal crystals with 6-sided cross sections and round edges. Tourmaline is an accessory mineral (a constituent mineral present in small amounts) in igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Iron, magnesium, and a host of other metallic minerals give tourmaline its colour variations. The crystal is known for its intense pleochroism, an optical effect that makes a crystal display 2 or 3 colours when viewed from different angles.

With a hardness rating of 7, tourmaline is a strong and durable crystal. It can withstand minimal impact and exposure to chemicals, although its colour can change when exposed to bright light or heat. Sudden temperature changes can cause tourmaline to form fractures.

Tourmaline is often cut and polished into beads, cabochons, wands, and tumbled stones.

The History of Black Tourmaline

Tourmaline was first discovered in Brazil in the 1500s. A Spanish conquistador found a green tourmaline crystal which he mistakenly identified as an emerald stone. Tourmaline was thought to be emerald until scientists recognized it as a mineral species of its own sometime in the 1800s.

While it's been known since the medieval ages, the crystal only rose to popularity in 1876 when mineralogist George Kunz sold it to Tiffany & Co. This increased the global demand for tourmaline.

Prior to this, black tourmaline was first called schorl in 1400. This name was derived from a small village in Saxony, Germany called Schorl (now Zschorlau) where black tourmaline deposits were found.

Tourmaline is found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It forms as large, well-formed crystals in cavities resulting from hydrothermal activity. Hot waters and vapors transport minerals in fractures, pockets, and voids to form crystals as small as a few millimeters to as large and heavy as 100 kg.

Gem quality tourmalines are extracted from stream sediments by artisanal miners. These crystals occur as tiny granules and pebbles naturally polished by stream waters during transport.

For over 500 years, Minas Gerais in Brazil has been the largest producer of tourmaline in the world. Other important sources of the crystal are China, the USA, Afghanistan, Namibia, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

The Lore of Black Tourmaline

Black tourmaline has been known to be a stone of protection to many tribes including the Aboriginal and Native American tribes.

Dutch traders in the 18^th century believed that when rubbed, the crystal produces a positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other. The traders used the positive end to remove dust from their Meerschaum pipes.

Black tourmaline is also a popular desk stone. Many people keep a piece near their computer or phone as a symbolic protective charm. It does not affect electronics.

Black Tourmaline in Crystal Lore

In crystal lore, black tourmaline's pitch-black colour is linked with absorbing negative energy, and it is a popular stone of protection. These are traditional associations, not effects on the body or mind.

For Protection

In crystal lore, black tourmaline is a protective stone said to drive away low energies from people, objects, places, and situations that threaten your intentions.

Many people place black tourmaline near the entrance of a home or office as a symbolic guardian against bad vibes.

Energy Cleansing

People also use black tourmaline in cleansing rituals, as a symbol of clearing space and starting fresh. A popular idea is that the stone acts like a magnet for unwanted energy. This is traditional symbolism only.

Popular ways to use black tourmaline:

• Keep it close by, for example as a black tourmaline bracelet or necklace.
• Put a black tourmaline tumbled stone or rough chip inside your pocket or purse so you can access its energy anytime and wherever you go.
• Place the crystal in your personal space (e.g., on your nightstand, shelf, desk, or under your pillow) or any space that needs energy clearing. You can even make space clearing jars of water, sea salt, and black tourmaline. Display it in any room in your house or office to purify the energy of that space.
• Meditate with the crystal and use the intention, I release all unwanted energy or I dispel negativity; I'm protected on all levels.

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Sources:

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Black Tourmaline Meaning. (2018, March 17). Energy Muse. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.energymuse.com/blacktourmaline-meaning

Black Tourmaline: Meaning and Uses. (n.d.). Gemstone Well. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://gemstonewell.com/blogs/news/black-tourmaline

Black Tourmaline Meanings and Crystal Properties. (n.d.). The Crystal Council. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://thecrystalcouncil.com/crystals/black-tourmaline

International Gem Society LLC. (2021, July 4). What is Gemstone Pleochroism? International Gem Society. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.gemsociety.org/article/what-is-gemstone-pleochroism/

King, H. M. (n.d.). Tourmaline: Earth's most colorful mineral and gemstone. Geology.Com. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://geology.com/minerals/tourmaline.shtml

Tourmaline Care and Cleaning Guide. (n.d.). GIA. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.gia.edu/tourmaline-care-cleaning

Tourmaline History and Lore. (n.d.). GIA. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.gia.edu/tourmaline-history-lore