Tourmaline: what does it look like, what properties does it have and where is it used?

The talisman of victory, hope, eternal youth and strength - tourmaline was revered in Ancient Egypt. Legend has it that the Gods, flying from the heart of the Earth to the Sun, flew around a rainbow. They collected all of its colors and encased them in a mineral, calling it the rainbow gem.

This rock is located in the hydrothermal layers of the earth's crust, where there is a natural circulation of hot and cold springs. Accumulated without oxygen under high pressure the water in narrow crevices has been congealing for tens of hundreds of years, turning into rainbow stones. Tourmaline is of volcanic origin, it is found in granite and granite-like rocks, it is found in quartz deposits with beryl, topaz and wolframite.

In Russia, these stones were called sybarites, because their deposit was discovered in the Urals and Transbaikalia... They were used to decorate the frames of icons and church utensils, and the largest Russian gem, weighing 100 grams, adorns the Crown of the Russian Empire, made for Catherine I.

In India, this particular type of mineral is considered the most valuable. The stone has been used to create jewelry from time immemorial, but later it was revealed magical and medicinal properties. Until the 16th century, tourmaline was called lal, like all red jewelry.

Tourmalines were brought to Europe by sailors from the Netherlands who were returning from Indian colonies at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries.The first description of the stone in the catalog of minerals in 1711 was carried out by the physician practicing in Ceylon Paul Hermann.

In those times stone jewelry was made only for royalty and nobility. There is a legend that Cleopatra gave Caesar this gem in the form of a bunch of grapes. He was called the Ruby of Caesar.

Then traces of the mineral are lost in time, but in the 18th century it falls to the Swedish king Gustav III, who presented it to the autocrat of Russia Catherine II. True, at that time the mineral was ranked among rubies and only in the last century it turned out that this Burmese pink tourmaline. The jewel is kept in the Russian Diamond Fund.

Some historians believe that the name of the stone comes from the Senegalese phrase tura mali, which means “mixed color stone". Some believe that the word tourmali translates to precious. Others insist that "tourmaline" is interpreted as "attracting ash." Allegedly, using this property of the mineral, the Dutch colonists took tobacco ash from their smoking pipes with raw tourmaline crystals.

Tourmaline stone has a constant electric charge of 0.06 microamperes, this was revealed in the last century by Pierre and Marie Curie. They called this stone electric mineral... Tourmaline has the properties of pyro- and piezoelectric.

The mineral is a transparent (cloudy specimens are rare), a shiny prismatic stone with a size of 10 cm or more. Elongated specimens with a triangular cut are sometimes found. Color palette - all colors of the rainbow.

Some specimens change color depending on the lighting. Mixing of colors is often found in the same mineral. The color ranges from colorless to black. Depending on it and the degree of transparency, crystals are jewelry, decorative and technical... Technical ones are in demand in the production of electronic devices, in optics and medicine.

The stone contains 26 chemical elements: iron, manganese, chromium, lithium and other substances, but aluminum silicate and bromine are constant in its base. The hue is determined by the amount of impurities. Depending on the color, the name of the tourmaline also changes.

Raspberry - apyrite, colorless - achroite, pink or red - rubellite... Some names are misleading. Green tourmaline known as brazilian emeraldand people believe that it really is him.

Black or sherl has a high iron content. Bioenergetics believe that it creates an energy field for people that is impenetrable by electromagnetic radiation or mental influences such as damage. These crystals are energy nuggets that normalize the body's biofield and have a powerful healing effect. Tourmaline products improve health by working at the cellular level. The stone is said to emit microcurrents, infrared rays and negative ions.

In many parts of the world, industrial mining of the mineral is carried out, for example, in Sri Lanka, India and Afghanistan, Burma and Madagascar. Polychrome and red crystals are mined in Mozambique. It is mined in Angola, Australia, Italy on the island of Elba, in China, in eastern Brazil (states of Minas Gerais, Bahia and Espiritu Santo), in the United States (states of Maine and California), in Canada (province of Ontario), South Africa.

To date, the Ural reserves located in the vicinity of the villages of Lipovka, Murzinka, Shaitanka, Sarapulka and Yuzhakovo are depleted. The best stones are mined in Transbaikalia at the Malkhanskoye deposit. On the Kola Peninsula, in the Voroni tundra region, there are tourmalines of pink and green colors, as well as black. Sherls are also found in Karelia.

Since ancient times, healers endowed tourmaline with healing and magical properties and used it as amulet or talisman. Lithotherapists studying the effect of natural materials on the body recommend the crystal for a positive effect on the endocrine and nervous systems. Tourmaline is useful for people to focus their attention and dispel fears. Many people believe that it is beneficial for cancer. It is an indicator of radioactivity and surrounds a person with a protective field.

It has a beneficial effect on the hematopoietic system and helps with liver diseases. Gives a sense of peace and security.

It is assumed that the color of the gem affects the magical properties of the gem. Astrologers claim that red minerals give erotic energy, and green stimulate creativity, rejuvenate and promote cheerfulness.

Blue color helps with insomnia. Black neutralizes all negativity. Colorless crystals provide mental and physical balance.

Multicolor bring optimism. They are recommended to be used daily as decorations. These can be pendants or rings on the index finger of the right hand or on the middle finger of the left.

Jewelers appreciate the diverse palette of stone colors, thanks to which it is used to create pendants, brooches, earrings or rings. The mineral is ideal for grinding and is fairly easy to cut compared to other gemstones. Besides, tourmaline products can be given the most incredible shapes.

Price per carat for elite paraiba tourmaline, which has a neon blue color, glowing at dusk, mined in the state of the same name in Brazil, reaches tens of thousands of dollars. There are also ornamental stones that are cheap.

Conquistadors who returned from America brought green pebbles to the Old World in the middle of the 16th century, which they christened Brazilian emeralds. Carl Faberge himself fell in love with this beautiful stone and often used it in his works. Only two centuries later mineralogists, having studied it, recognized that it is an independent mineral - tourmaline. Its color is responsible for the increased content of chromium and iron.

• The most famous tourmaline stone is verdelite. Its shades can be pinkish, yellowish-green, sometimes turning into blue. It is believed that the stone delays the onset of old age, relieves headaches, cleanses blood vessels, eliminates neuroses, and helps the heart. Improves the condition of the skin and the circulatory system.

• One of the varieties of valuable stone is polychrome, called watermelon. The mineral is really similar to watermelon: a dark green rind covers the red ripe pulp, reaching the yellow core of the stone. Mineral strengthens the nervous system, helps with communication.

• Tsilaisite is characterized by a palette of yellow-brown hues. Rarely are purple specimens considered magical. The stone is characterized by a high content of magnesium and potassium, which give the yellow color. It is rarely found in nature, therefore it is not so popular with jewelers, although the best examples are considered precious stones. The price for them is quite high.

• A grounding brown mineral (Dravite) promotes emancipation. It gives confidence to a person, strengthens family ties. The main purpose is the fight against diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Restores the functions of the pancreas, spleen, liver and gallbladder. In the early stages, he fights cancer.

• A variety of this mineral is pink rubellite or Burmese tourmaline. It is characterized by reflections of garnet and dark red shades. It is brought from Burma, where it is mined. Mineral improves tone, cleanses blood vessels.Helps to stop chronic ailments, increases the level of immunity.

• One type of crimson rubellite, in high demand, it is mined in Russia (Siberia, the Urals) and is called siberite.

• Coloring of polychrome minerals (elbaites) represents a real rainbow, in which colors change each other, creating a whimsical pattern. They are used by jewelers to make jewelry that creates the illusion of a rainbow. The stones have several varieties, one of which ("Turk's head") has a light edging and a red core. The other ("the head of the moor") has a dark brown or black center, framed by a lighter color. These tourmalines help you to know yourself.

• White stone (achroite) somewhat similar to a diamond, but does not have a brilliant luster. It is devoid of color or has a faintly visible pale green haze. The deposit is available only on the island of Elba, therefore the stone is considered elite, precious, carrying Yin energy. It has a positive effect on the immune system and the endocrine system. It is argued that achroite attracts good luck and protects from negativity, helps to unleash creativity, and activates the brain.

• One of the semiprecious species is indigolite, having a rare blue tint, turning into purple, reminiscent of the endless waters of the ocean. Indigolite is often confused with a precious stone, therefore it is called Ural, Brazilian, Siberian sapphire. Crystals have a well-defined parallel shading and refract light, create shine. The mineral carries positive energy, protects against stress and neuroses, normalizes the production of thyroid and adrenal hormones. Emotional people are encouraged to use deep blue shades, while depressed people are recommended to use green shades.

• The variety of chrome tourmaline is closest in shade and pattern to emerald. The only difference is that the tourmaline shines less than the emerald itself.

• One of the most interesting and unusual varieties of tourmaline is chameleonite. Such a stone looks rather inconspicuous, of a swamp hue, but as soon as it gets into the shade, it changes its color up to reddish-brown. Pay attention to the difference in shades of the mineral day and night, and you will understand why it has such a "telling" name.

Since ancient times it was believed that this stone has a healing effect on humans. It is effective both as a whole mineral and as a dust. The grinding of crystals does not violate its electromagnetic properties, on the contrary, it makes it more active to release energy.

Pillows made of this fiber relieve insomnia, cloth bandages help with osteochondrosis, and men's underpants treat prostatitis. Permanent wearing such underwear speeds up metabolism, rejuvenates and revitalizes, and the products do not lose their properties until they are completely worn out.

Micron electric currents emitted by the gem, negative ions and infrared rays improve human health, stimulate blood circulation, expand capillaries, activate metabolism at the cellular level.

Negative ions increase cell vitality, relieve fatigue, calm nerves, strengthen immunity and improve indoor air. It is this property of the stone that was used to create special healing chandeliers. As you know, high-voltage cables, radiation from cell phones and many other modern inventions of mankind contribute to the appearance of positive ions. The negative ions that tourmaline generates are needed to compensate for the harm caused by the positive particles. The mineral can create protection against electromagnetic radiation and neutralize susceptibility in geopathogenic zones.

In medicine, most often used yellow crystals with their constant magnetic field.With their help, they fight pathologies in the body without the use of drugs. Knee and elbow pads, socks, insoles, radiculitis belts, blindfolds, scarves and gloves are made from their fiber.

Although some doctors and physiotherapists are skeptical about such products, the popularity of the products is growing. The use of products has no side effects and contraindications, but you should be careful for pregnant and lactating mothers, people with high blood pressure and prone to bleeding, as well as cancer patients. When using a pacemaker, after a stroke, fever and allergies consultation with a doctor is required.

The healing properties of this gem are mentioned in Ayurveda and in Chinese medicine. It has been used since antiquity for poisoning as an adsorbent. He helped remove metals from the body. It was by studying the properties of tourmaline that static electricity was discovered.

Large crystals are used in radio engineering, creating high-precision instruments. The mineral is used to cover household items. Claim that stones are indicators of radioactivity, possessing elements that have different effects on a particular person.

The intensity and direction of the effect of this healing mineral on a person depends on its color, which is due to the content of various chemical elements:

• strengthen the immune system, inhibit aging, improve blood circulation, treat pathologies of the heart, liver, kidneys - green stones;
• eliminate hormonal imbalance, support immunity - blue;
• Paraiba will help restore the reproductive function of the stronger sex;
• lung diseases and various dermatitis are treated with crystals of pink and pinkish-red color;
• soothe - yellow;
• if you apply the sherl to the affected area, the patient's condition will immediately improve.

As mentioned several times above, the healing and magical properties of tourmaline are determined by its color. The strongest effect on the body is considered a stone. black color, which removes negative emotions, finds vulnerable organs and systems, heals them, protecting the owner. Green pacifies passions, and Red acts as an activator of feelings.

Tourmaline will develop creativity, inspire and help you find the right path through life.

Minerals are often used for rituals, they are used to decorate the clothes of priests and church symbols.

In addition, having a strong energy, tourmaline will protect anyone who wears it from the "evil eye". In India and China to stone are credited with the ability to develop dedication, determination, and self-confidence. If you constantly use tourmaline jewelry, all energy centers will combine, and the energies of Yin and Yang will balance. The feeling of inner exhaustion and nervous tension will disappear.

What else is tourmaline powerful?

• Restore the human biofield, to revive extinct love, to achieve harmony in the family under the power of reddish and pink pebbles.
• Accumulate and embody extraordinary ideas are helped by wearing a gem of green shades.
• Clear consciousness of negativity and stones devoid of color will help to achieve spiritual tranquility.
• To establish contact with higher powers use crystals of blue color. They can also help in meditation.

When worn constantly, discard unnecessary energy and black energy by rinsing the product under running water.

Different types of crystals affect the zodiac signs in different ways, but most of all, the stone is suitable for Pisces, Libra, Gemini. Gems are good for Cancer, Capricorn, Virgo. People born in September-October are in the clouds. Tourmaline brings them back to reality. Scorpio This stone is categorically contraindicated.

But there is no consensus on the zodiacal compatibility with the mineral. Some believe that for Aries and Leo it works too, especially pink and green shades. The mineral will remove hot temper, obstinacy in a person and soothe. Aquarius and Sagittarius the blue gamut of tourmaline will relieve the smothering emotions. Well, black will calm the nerves, relieve irritability Scorpion... For people under 35, bright transparent crystals complete with alexandrite and ruby ​​are ideal.

It is also necessary to correlate the color of the gem with the character and profession of the owner. Red gives inspiration to creative personalities, stabilizes the relationship of lovers. A pair of rings with this red stone would be a good purchase.

Green and blue calms the psyche and allows you to find inner balance. For those who are disappointed in a loved one, a mineral is shown watermelon, which combines red and green shades. Schorl develops the gift of foresight and is considered a witch's stone.

• Natural stone is colored unevenlyand the fake is always perfect. The imitation is made of glass, painted in the desired color, or even plastic.
• The original cannot be compared to glass in terms of hardness and strength, it is much stronger.
• Since the stone has piezoelectric properties, it is able to attract small pieces of paper or hair.
• Large stones are rarely found in nature. If they offer jewelry with a large crystal, then this is an imitation.
• The original breed is very pure and transparent, without any inclusions.
• Artificial stones differ from natural ones in absolutely complete absence of defects.
• Natural stone coloring under artificial lighting, it is poorly expressed, and the color of the fake plays with glare. Natural stones refract and decompose the transmitted light into two rays.

A technology for obtaining synthetic tourmaline by dosed bombardment of atoms of a silicon blank. The workpiece is charged with boron, sodium, potassium and aluminum atoms under pressure and high temperature. This technology is expensive and the stones obtained are also expensive, so such production has no practical sense.

Taking care of tourmaline products is easy. This requires water, soap and a soft sponge, but experimenting with steam, abrasive particles and heating is not worth it. The stone does not tolerate purification with a brush or ultrasound.

Over time, the stone is magically depleted, so it is necessary to feed it with the sun's rays. A couple of times a week is necessary place mineral under running water, and then with your own hands try to transfer your energy to him. Moonlight can also be used.

Pink, blue, green and red gems should not be placed in direct sunlight. Although they are charged with energy, they become discolored. Dark minerals (indigolite and sherl) charge very well in the sun.

The following video will tell you more about the properties of tourmaline.