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The Magic of Rocks and Stones

Black Tourmaline

Written and compiled by - Patricia Jean Martin

Even though Tourmaline has been known in the Mediterranean region throughout the ages, it was only in 1703 that it was imported by the Dutch from Sri Lanka to Western and Central Europe.  They gave these new gems a Sinhalese name, Turamali, which is thought to mean "stone with mixed colors".  There are many varieties of Tourmaline — too many to list here — but some are: black (Schorl or Aphrizite), blue (Indicolite), pink and red (Rubellite), brown (Dravite), pink and green ("Watermelon Tourmaline"), green (Verdelite, also known as "Brazilian Emerald"), yellow (Tsilasite, also known as "Peridot of Ceylon"), and the extremely rare colorless (Achroite).  Gem quality Tourmalines are most often members of the Tourmaline group called Elbaite and come from California, Maine, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Tanzania, Kenya, Myanmar and the Malagasy Republic. 

In its natural state, all the Tourmalines are characterized by parallel ridges (striations) which run the length of the crystal, as are the Black Tourmalines which are the most common in the Tourmaline group.  Tourmaline forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and veins.  It frequently occurs with Lepidolite, Microcline, and Spodumene in granite pegmatites and others. 

Tourmaline crystals are interesting because they are hemimorphic, having a different shaped top than the bottom of the crystal.  Some crystals of Black Tourmaline can reach a rather large size and can display a great variety of crystal faces.  Another interesting characteristic of this stone is that it is pyroelectric which means that when heated, a positive charge develops at one end and a negative charge at the other.  These charges reverse themselves when the crystal cools.  A piezoelectric charge can be developed if the crystal is compressed (or vibrated) at both ends.  Conversely, if an electrical potential is applied to the crystal, it will vibrate.  Metaphysically speaking, this can help break up an energy blockage, thus bringing new clarity of purpose by helping one integrate and experience the physical and spiritual worlds as one. 

Secondly, Tourmalines are pleochroic.  This means that the crystal will look darker in color 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 crystals of equal dimensions will demonstrate this trait. 

General Information:

Chemistry:  NaFe3(Al,Fe)6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4, Sodium Iron Aluminum Boro-silicate Hydroxide

Class:  Silicates

Subclass:  Cyclosilicates

Group:  Tourmalines

Color:  Black

Luster:  Vitreous to submetallic

Crystal System:  Trigonal

Crystal Habit:  Typically elongated three-sided prisms.  Terminations can be either a simple to complex trigonal pryamid or flat basal face.  Prism faces are usually striated lengthwise.

Cleavage:  Absent, but with basal parting

Fracture:  Uneven to conchoidal

Hardness:  7 - 7.5

Specific Gravity:  3.2+ (slightly heavier than average)

Streak:  White

Other Characteristics:  Piezoelectric

Notable Occurrences:  Brazil; Colorado; Appalachian Mountains; Germany; Cornwall, England; and many others.

Best Field Indicators:  Crystal habit, overall triangular cross-section, striations, color and hardness.

Uses:  Mineral collection specimens, electrical uses and as ornamental stone. 

Myth & Lore:

Long thin crystals of Black Tourmaline are common as inclusions in Quartz, forming the ornamental stone called "Tourmalinated Quartz".  This stone is unique with its long needle to straw sized, arrow straight, prismatic crystals of pitch black Schorl criss-crossing the clear colorless Quartz.  Alone, Black Tourmaline has long been used by shaman in African, Native American and Aboriginal tribes.  Native Americans used it as a protective stone against negative spells...but when found included in Quartz, it not only breaks the spell, but has been known to energize the "victim" and actually enhance well-being!  Used with Mica, Black Tourmaline is said to be able to return the "spell" or negative energy from whence it came, along with providing a view of the sender of such negativity.  Working like a lightning conductor, Black Tourmaline dispels the negativity and protects against harmful energies such as anger, envy, and greed. 

Recognized as the "Teller" stone, all Tourmalines provide insight during times of difficulty or struggle and can aid in "telling" who or what is causing the problem. 

Black Tourmaline is well-known and most valued for its grounding effects, as are Obsidian, Hematite, Bloodstone and Smoky Quartz.  However, for grounding of spiritual energies Black Tourmaline is the first stone of choice; a gift of nature which enables its human companion to route and receive higher energies from the Crown Chakra down into the Root Chakra. 

Metaphysical Properties of Black Tourmaline (Schorl):

Astrological Sign's: Capricorn (although Tourmalines in general have been associated with the sign of Libra).

Element's: Earth  

Chakras: Root.

Grounding.  

Protection. 

Purification rituals.  

Deflects and repels negative energy.

Increases physical vitality. 

Relieves stress. 

Clears confusion.

Brings clarity.

Sense of purpose.

*Gives physical aid in treating: Dyslexia. Disorientation. Arthritis. Stress. Strengthens immune system. Stimulates and helps balance adrenal glands. Helps protect against radiation. 

*NOTE: Stone therapy should NOT take the place of medical evaluation and procedures, and should be used merely to enhance one's health and well-being. 

My own thoughts and experiences:

Black Tourmaline...although an excellent protective, grounding, and Root Chakra balancing stone...seems so much more than that.  It feels as if it places a protective fence around you...a stockade.  And within that "fence" there is a clearing in the landscape of your mind.  And within that clearing there is a complete darkness that empties your mind of all extraneous and chaotic thought.  It mirrors a time when things stood still and there was a void...a void that awaits the first thought; the first song; the first movement; the first spark of light.  And it is with this stone that you can find comfort in the stillness, feel a weightlessness amidst the density!, and experience the jubilance of the first spark of creative inspiration which will flash swiftly to the forefront of your mind.  This will inevitably astound you, as the encompassing void allows for sharp focus on any sudden brilliance emanating from the darkest corner of your inner self.  It is at this point that Black Tourmaline's task is finished, and you will be prompted to move on with renewed vigor and clarity of purpose. 

Many an ingenious thought can come through the protective stillness of Black Tourmaline.  Or you may simply use it whenever you feel the need for merely a shielding guardian "fence".

Sources:

"The Crystal Bible" ~ Judy Hall 

"Love Is In the Earth" ~ Melody 

http://webplaza.pt.lu/public/andre/healing_stones/tourmaline.html 

http://www.cigem.ca/414.html 

http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/schorl/schorl.htm

© 2006 Patricia J. Martin

Best wishes and Blessed Be

 

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Traditions:

 

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Traditions Part 2 Gardnerian Wicca /  Georgian Tradition /  Henge of Keltria /  Hereditary Witchcraft /  Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (H.O.G.D.) /  Kitchen Witch (Hedge Witch) /  Minoan Brotherhood and Minoan Sisterhood Tradition /  Nordic Paganism /  Pagan Federation /  Pectic-Wita /  Seax-Wica /  Shamanism /  Solitary /  Strega /  Sylvan Tradition /  Vodoun or Voodoo /  Witches League of Public Awareness (WLPA) /

 

Other things of interest:

 

Gods and Goddesses (Greek Mythology) /  Esbats & Full Moons Links to Personal Friends & Resources Wicca/Witchcraft Resources What's a spell? Circle Casting and Sacred Space  Pentagram - Pentacle Marks of a Witch The Witches Power The Witches Hat An esoteric guide to visiting London SatanismPow-wowThe Unitarian Universalist Association /  Numerology:  Part 1  Part 2  /  Part 3A history of the Malleus Maleficarum:  includes:  Pope Innocent VIII  /  The papal Bull  /   The Malleus Maleficarum  /  An extract from the Malleus Maleficarum  /  The letter of approbation  /  Johann Nider’s Formicarius  /  Jacob Sprenger  /  Heinrich Kramer  /  Stefano Infessura  /  Montague Summers  /  The Waldenses  /  The Albigenses  /  The Hussites /  The Native American Sun DanceShielding (Occult and Psychic Protection)  The History of ThanksgivingAuras  - Part 1 and Part 2 Doreen Valiente Witch” (A Book Review) /   

 

Sabbats and Festivals:

 

The Sabbats in History and Mythology /  Samhain (October 31st)  /  Yule (December 21st)  /  Imbolc (February 2nd)  /  Ostara (March 21st)  /  Beltane (April 30th)  /  Litha (June 21st)  /  Lammas/Lughnasadh (August 1st)  /  Mabon (September 21st)

 

Rituals contributed by Crone:

 

Samhain / Yule Imbolc Ostara /  Beltane Litha Lammas Mabon

 

Tools:

 

Tools of a Witch  /  The Besom (Broom) /  Poppets and DollsPendulums / Cauldron Magick Mirror Gazing

 

Animals:

 

Animals in Witchcraft (The Witches Familiar and Totem Animals) /  AntelopeBatsCrow Fox Frog and Toads Goat / HoneybeeKangarooLion OwlPhoenix Rabbits and HaresRaven Robin RedbreastSheep Spider SquirrelSwansUnicornWild Boar Wolf /  Serpent /  Pig /  Stag /  Horse /  Mouse /  Cat /  Rats /  Unicorn

 

Trees:

 

In Worship of Trees - Myths, Lore and the Celtic Tree Calendar.  For descriptions and correspondences of the thirteen sacred trees of Wicca/Witchcraft see the following:  Birch /  Rowan / Ash /  Alder /  Willow Hawthorn /  Oak /  Holly /  Hazel /  Vine /  Ivy /  Reed /  Elder

 

Sacred Sites:

 

Mystical Sacred Sites  -  Stonehenge /  Glastonbury Tor /  Malta - The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni /  Avebury /  Cerne Abbas - The Chalk Giant /  Ireland - Newgrange /

 

Rocks and Stones:

 

Stones - History, Myths and Lore

 

Articles contributed by Patricia Jean Martin:

 

Apophyllite  / Amber Amethyst Aquamarine Aragonite Aventurine Black Tourmaline Bloodstone Calcite Carnelian Celestite Citrine Chrysanthemum StoneDiamond  /  Emerald / Fluorite Garnet /  Hematite Herkimer Diamond Labradorite Lapis Lazuli Malachite Moonstone Obsidian Opal Pyrite Quartz (Rock Crystal) Rose Quartz Ruby Selenite Seraphinite  /  Silver and GoldSmoky QuartzSodalite Sunstone ThundereggTree AgateZebra Marble

 

Wisdom and Inspiration:

 

Knowledge vs Wisdom by Ardriana Cahill I Talk to the TreesAwakening The Witch in YouA Tale of the Woods I have a Dream by Martin Luther King /

 

Articles and Stories about Witchcraft:

 

Murdered by Witchcraft The Fairy Witch of Clonmel A Battleship, U-boat, and a Witch The Troll-Tear (A story for Children) /  Goody Hawkins - The Wise Goodwife /  The Story of Jack-O-Lantern The Murder of the Hammersmith Ghost Josephine Gray (The Infamous Black Widow) /  The Two Brothers - Light and Dark

 

Old Masters of Academia:

 

Pliny the ElderHesiodPythagoras

 

 

Biographies

 

A "Who's Who" of Witches, Pagans and other associated People

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Remembered at Samhain

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Pagan Pioneers:  Founders, Elders, Leaders and Others

 

Abramelin the Mage /  Agrippa Aidan A KellyAlbertus Magnus - “Albert the Great” Aleister Crowley - “The Great Beast” /  Alex Sanders - “King of the Witches” /  Alison Harlow /   Allan Bennett - the Ven. Ananda MetteyyaAllan Kardec (Spiritism) /  Alphonsus de SpinaAmber KAnn Moura /  Anna FranklinAnodea JudithAnton Szandor LaVey /  Arnold CrowtherArthur Edward Waite /  Austin Osman SpareBalthasar Bekker /  Biddy EarlyBarbara Vickers /  Bridget Cleary - The Fairy Witch of Clonmel /  Carl " Llewellyn" Weschcke Cecil Hugh WilliamsonCharles Godfrey Leland /   Charles WaltonChristopher PenczakChristina Oakley Harrington Cornelius Loos /  Damh the Bard - "Dave Smith" /  Dion Fortune /  Dolores Aschroft-NowickiDonald Michael Kraig Doreen ValienteDorothy MorrisonDr. John Dee & Edward Kelly /  Dr. Leo Louis Martello /  Edain McCoy /  Edward FitchEleanor Ray Bone - “Matriarch of British Witchcraft” Eliphas Levi /  Ernest Thompson Seton /  Ernest Westlake /  Fiona Horne /   Frederick McLaren Adams - Feraferia Friedrich von Spee /  Francis Barrett /  Gavin and Yvonne Frost and the School and Church of Wicca /  Gerald B. Gardner - The father of contemporary Witchcraft /  Gwydion Pendderwen Hans HolzerHelen Duncan /   Herman Slater - Horrible Herman /  Heinrich KramerIsaac Bonewits Israel RegardieIvo Domínguez Jr. /  Jack Whiteside Parsons - Rocket Science and Magick /  James "Cunning" Murrell - The Master of Witches /  Janet Farrar and Gavin BoneJean Bodin Jessie Wicker Bell - “Lady Sheba” / Johann Weyer  / Johannes Junius - "The Burgomaster of Bamberg" /   Johann Georg Fuchs von Dornheim  -  the “Hexenbrenner” (witch burner) /  John Belham-Payne John George Hohman - "Pow-wow" /  John Gerard /  John Gordon Hargrave and the Kibbo Kith Kindred /  John Michael Greer /  John Score /  Joseph “Bearwalker” Wilson /  Joseph John Campbell /  Karl von Eckartshausen Lady Gwen Thompson - and "The Rede of the Wiccae" /   Laurie Cabot  - "the Official Witch of Salem" /  Lewis SpenceLodovico Maria Sinistrari Ludwig LavaterMadeline Montalban and the Order of the Morning Star /  Margaret Alice MurrayMargot AdlerMichael Howard and the UK "Cauldron Magazine" /  Margaret St. Clair - the “Sign of the Labrys” /  Marie Laveau - " the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans" /  Marion WeinsteinMartin Antoine Del Rio Matthew Hopkins - “The Witch-Finder General” /   Max Ehrmann and the "Desiderata" /  Michael A. Aquino - and The Temple of Set /  Monique WilsonMontague Summers /  Nicholas CulpeperNicholas RemyM. R. SellarsMrs. Maud Grieve - "A Modern Herbal" /  Oberon Zell-Ravenheart and Morning GloryOld Dorothy Clutterbuck /  Old George PickingillOlivia Durdin-Robertson - co-founder of the Fellowship of Isis /  Paddy SladePamela Colman-SmithParacelsus /  Patricia CrowtherPatricia Monaghan /  Patricia “Trish” TelescoPaul Foster Case and the “Builders of the Adytum” mystery school /  Peter Binsfeld /  Philip HeseltonRaven GrimassiRaymond Buckland /  Reginald Scot /  Richard BaxterRobert CochraneRobert ‘von Ranke’ Graves and the "The White Goddess" /  Rosaleen Norton - “The Witch of Kings Cross” /  Rossell Hope Robbins /   Ross Nichols and the " Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids" (OBOD) /  Rudolf SteinerSabrina Underwood - "The Ink Witch" /  Scott CunninghamSelena Fox - founder of "Circle Sanctuary" /  Silver RavenwolfSir Francis Dashwood /  Sir James George Frazer and the " The Golden Bough"S.L. MacGregor Mathers and the “Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn” /  Starhawk /  Stewart Farrar /  Sybil LeekTed Andrews The Mather Family - (includes:  Richard Mather, Increase Mather and Cotton Mather ) /   Thomas AdyT. Thorn CoyleVera ChapmanVictor & Cora Anderson and the " Feri Tradition" /  Vivianne CrowleyWalter Brown GibsonWalter Ernest ButlerWilliam Butler YeatsZsuzsanna Budapest /  

 

 

Many of the above biographies are briefs and far from complete.  If you know about any of these individuals and can help with additional information, please contact me privately at my email address below.  Many thanks for reading  :-)

 

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