Black Tourmaline, also known as Schorl, is a color variety of the mineral Tourmaline, colored by the presence of iron in the crystal structure. Tourmalines are a large group of borosilicate minerals. Many tourmalines are elbaites, which are multi-colored minerals rich in sodium, aluminum, lithium and occasionally copper. They are adored for their array of beautiful colors causes by a huge variety of chemical compositions and color zoning. When conditions change during the formation of tourmaline crystals it can cause two or more colors to occur on a single crystal. Tourmaline crystals are pyroelectric, piezoelectric, and produce negative ions. This makes Tourmaline a very powerful stone to wear and keep in your space to create positive energy.

The word Tourmaline is derived from the Sinhalese (language of Sri Lanka) word "Toramalli" which means “mixed gems”. Dutch merchants used this word to describe the multicolored pebbles that miners found in the gem gravels of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Ancient Egyptian legend describes Tourmaline crystals traveling up from the center of the Earth along a rainbow, gathering the diverse array of colors as they journeyed to the heavens. Magicians living in the Andes mountains used Tourmaline to create magical staffs to access the ancient knowledge of the Earth. Ancient Indian ceremonies used Tourmaline crystals to attain enlightenment and peace.

Black Tourmaline is an enchanting stone of cleansing, grounding, health, and protection. Its enchanting energy cloaks your aura to ward off negativity and cultivate a sanctuary of health, tranquility and strength. Black Tourmaline grounds you in the present moment and instills a sense of stability and inner peace. Its grounding energy connects you with the healing and rejuvenating energy of Mother Earth. Black Tourmaline invites you to delve into the depths of your subconscious, unraveling hidden truths and illuminating the path forward with clarity and purpose. Its a stone of introspection and renewal, inviting you to release negativity and embrace the beauty of your inner light.

Hardness: 7-7.5

Color: Black

Structure: Trigonal

Care: Remove before contact sports, weight lifting or activities where it may come into contact with force. As always, it should be stored away from minerals higher on the MOHs scale.

Cleaning: Warm water, mild soap, and soft brush.

Feng Shui Placement: Black Tourmaline is a great stone to keep at your front entryway to cleanse energy as it enters your home and provide protection.