Tourmaline is a crystalline boron silicate mineral compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. This gemstone can be found in a wide variety of colors.Tourmaline is a birthstone for October, along with opal. Tourmaline is also the gem of the eighth anniversary. The stone was first discovered by Dutch traders off the West Coast of Italy in the late 1600's or early 1700's. The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese term “turmali,” which was the name given to all colored crystals on the island of Sri Lanka at that time. This all inclusive name indicates the inability of ancient gem dealers to differentiate tourmaline from other stones. In fact, at one time in history, pink and red tourmaline were thought to be rubies. Pink tourmaline tends to be pinker in color than ruby. However, their similarities in appearance are so strong that the stones in the Russian crown jewels believed to be rubies for centuries, are now thought to be tourmalines.
First, they are piezoelectric which means that when a crystal is heated or compressed (or vibrated) a different electrical charge will form at opposite ends of the crystal (an electrical potential). Conversely if an electrical potential is applied to the crystal, it will vibrate. Secondly they are pleochroic which means that the crystal will look darker in colour 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 equally dimensioned crystals will demonstrate this trait.
Tourmaline aids in understanding oneself and others. It promotes self-confidence and diminishes fear. Tourmaline attracts inspiration, compassion, tolerance and prosperity. It balances the right-left sides of the brain. Helps treat paranoia, overcomes dyslexia and improves hand-eye coordination. Tourmaline releases tension, making it helpful for spinal adjustments. It balances male-female energy within the body. Enhances energy and removes blockages. Tourmaline releases tension, which makes it helpful in spinal adjustments. It balances yin and yang in the body. Tourmaline enhances energy flow, making it a stone for removing blockages. Natural tourmaline wands are useful for healing, hold them over the chakras of the body to clear, the aura, remove blockages, disperse negative energy and they will point to specific problems that then can be addressed. They are excellent for opening the chakras and connecting them together. The wands rebalance the meridian. Tourmaline helps you understand yourself and others. It promotes self-confidence and lessens fear. It banishes feelings of being a victim. Tourmaline attracts inspiration, compassion tolerance and prosperity. Tourmaline is a powerful mental healer, it balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain and changing negative energy into positive. Tourmaline is helpful in treating paranoia, dyslexia, improves hand/eye coordination. Tourmaline cleanses, purifies and transforms dense slow moving energy into lighter vibrational energy. It grounds spiritual energy into the physical plane, This stone clears and balance all the chakras, and forms a protective shield around the body. Tourmaline is a shaman stone, that brings you protection during rituals. It can be used for scrying and was traditionally used to point the way ahead. Tourmaline has a strong affinity with the devic energies and is extremely beneficial for the garden and plants. It can act as a natural insecticide, place a specimen near doors and window. If buried in the garden tourmaline will encourage the growth and health of all plants.