Black Tourmaline – Healing Properties, Meaning, Benefits & Uses
Note: The correct name for ‘black tourmaline’ is ‘schorl’ but most people will know it as black tourmaline which is why I’ve used that term instead.
Key themes of Black Tourmaline
Protection & Shielding [1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022 [3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995 [6]Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones, Katrina Raphaell, 1985 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021 [8]The Crystal Fix: Healing Crystals for the Modern Home, Juliette Thornberry, 2019 [9]Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, Scott Cunningham, 2011
Grounding & Stability [1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022 [2]The Encyclopedia of Crystals, New Edition, Judy Hall, 2007, 2013 [3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021 [8]The Crystal Fix: Healing Crystals for the Modern Home, Juliette Thornberry, 2019 [9]Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, Scott Cunningham, 2011
Energy Cleansing & Purification [1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022 [5]Crystals: A Complete Guide to Crystals and Color Healing, Jennie Harding, 2007 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021
Electromagnetic Protection [2]The Encyclopedia of Crystals, New Edition, Judy Hall, 2007, 2013 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021
Emotional Resilience & Stress Relief [6]Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones, Katrina Raphaell, 1985 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021 [8]The Crystal Fix: Healing Crystals for the Modern Home, Juliette Thornberry, 2019
What Is the Overarching Theme of Black Tourmaline?
Black Tourmaline is a powerful protective and grounding stone, known for its ability to repel negativity and create a stable energetic foundation. It acts as a shield against harmful influences, absorbing and deflecting dense energies while promoting emotional resilience. Often used for clearing spaces and energy fields, it provides a deep connection to the Earth's stabilising forces, promoting balance, security, and energetic purification. [1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022 [3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995 [6]Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones, Katrina Raphaell, 1985 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021 [8]The Crystal Fix: Healing Crystals for the Modern Home, Juliette Thornberry, 2019 [9]Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, Scott Cunningham, 2011
How Can Black Tourmaline Help You?
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Promotes emotional resilience and reduces stress. [6]Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones, Katrina Raphaell, 1985 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021
Clears negative thought patterns and obsessive thinking. [1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022
Encourages mental clarity and focus in stressful environments. [3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995
Energetic and Spiritual Benefits
Grounds and stabilises energy, connecting to the Earth’s frequencies. [1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022 [2]The Encyclopedia of Crystals, New Edition, Judy Hall, 2007, 2013 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021 [9]Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, Scott Cunningham, 2011
Protects against psychic attacks and negative energy. [3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995 [6]Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones, Katrina Raphaell, 1985 [9]Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, Scott Cunningham, 2011
Purifies and clears energy fields, removing blockages. [1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022 [5]Crystals: A Complete Guide to Crystals and Color Healing, Jennie Harding, 2007 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021
Physical Benefits
Shields against electromagnetic smog and radiation from electronics. [2]The Encyclopedia of Crystals, New Edition, Judy Hall, 2007, 2013 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021
Supports detoxification by removing energetic and physical toxins. [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021
Boosts physical stamina and energy levels. [3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995
Something to Note...
We believe that the true power of crystals comes from your personal connection with them.
Rather than relying on lengthy descriptions of what a crystal can do, we encourage you to use your intuition when selecting which crystal you need. Very often the elaborate descriptions will likely leave you feeling more overwhelmed and confused than clarified!
By tuning into your intuition, you'll discover how the crystal can uniquely support you in your journey. Trust the process, listen to the energy it offers, and let it reveal its purpose to you — because the best healing comes from within.
If you need help on how to select crystals, you can follow our “How to Choose Crystals Guide”.
What Is Black Tourmaline?
Chemical Composition: Black tourmaline, also known as schorl, is a boron silicate mineral with the chemical formula NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄.
Origin: Black tourmaline is found in many locations worldwide, including Brazil, Pakistan, Africa, the United States, and Afghanistan.
Crystal System and Habits: Black tourmaline belongs to the trigonal crystal system and typically forms in long, vertically striated prismatic crystals, often with a glossy black surface.
Crystal Family or Group: Black tourmaline is part of the tourmaline family.
Hardness and Durability: Black tourmaline has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and suitable for everyday wear.
Colour: Black tourmaline is a deep, opaque black, often with a shiny surface due to its striated crystal habit.
Methods for Cleansing and Charging Black Tourmaline
Water: Black tourmaline can be safely rinsed under running water to cleanse its energy, but avoid prolonged exposure to moisture to prevent dulling its shine.
Moonlight: Place black tourmaline under the full moon to cleanse and recharge its energy. The moon’s gentle light enhances its protective and grounding properties.
Sunlight: Brief exposure to sunlight can recharge black tourmaline, but avoid prolonged periods as sunlight may affect the surface over time.
Selenite: Use a selenite plate to cleanse and charge black tourmaline by placing it on the plate for several hours to refresh its protective and grounding energy.
Visualisation: Hold black tourmaline in your hands and visualise a black or dark red light flowing through it, clearing away stagnant energy and amplifying its shielding and grounding properties.
Sound: Cleanse black tourmaline using sound vibrations from a singing bowl or tuning fork. Let the sound waves pass through the stone to refresh its energy.
Smoke Cleansing: Pass black tourmaline through the smoke of sage, palo santo, or other cleansing herbs to purify its energy and restore its protective qualities.
Storage and Protection: Store black tourmaline in a soft pouch or cloth to prevent scratches and protect its surface from exposure to moisture or harsh chemicals.
How to Use Black Tourmaline
Meditation and Spiritual Work: Use black tourmaline during meditation by holding it near your root chakra to enhance grounding, protection, and emotional stability. Its protective energy helps you stay centred and resilient.
Jewellery and Accessories: Wearing black tourmaline as jewellery keeps its protective and grounding energy close throughout the day, shielding you from negative energies and promoting calm.
Home and Office: Place black tourmaline in your home or workspace to create a protective shield against negative energy and electromagnetic radiation. Its energy encourages a stable, focused environment.
Crystal Grids: Use black tourmaline in crystal grids for protection, grounding, or clarity. Pair it with stones like smoky quartz or hematite to enhance its shielding and grounding properties.
Elixir or Infused Water: Black tourmaline is safe for direct contact in elixirs due to its hardness and stability. Use it to charge water with protective and grounding energy.
References:
Gemma Petherbridge, The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), 2022.
Judy Hall, The Encyclopedia of Crystals, New Edition, 2007, 2013.
Melody, Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, 1995.
Isodore Kozminsky, The Magic and Science of Jewels and Stones, 1922.
Jennie Harding, Crystals: A Complete Guide to Crystals and Color Healing, 2007.
Katrina Raphaell, Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones, 1985.
Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, 2021.
Juliette Thornberry, The Crystal Fix: Healing Crystals for the Modern Home, 2019.
Scott Cunningham, Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, 2011.
Energy TypeReceptive Receptive energy is inward-focused, bringing calm, grounding, and enhancing intuition by attracting gentle, supportive energies. [9]Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, Scott Cunningham, 2011
Chakras / Energy CentresCrown The Crown Chakra links you to higher consciousness and universal wisdom, completing your spiritual connection. [5]Crystals: A Complete Guide to Crystals and Color Healing, Jennie Harding, 2007
Root The Root Chakra at the base of your spine grounds you, bringing stability and security. [1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022 [2]The Encyclopedia of Crystals, New Edition, Judy Hall, 2007, 2013 [3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995 [6]Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones, Katrina Raphaell, 1985 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021 [8]The Crystal Fix: Healing Crystals for the Modern Home, Juliette Thornberry, 2019
Earth Star The Earth Star Chakra sits below your feet, connecting you deeply to Earth’s energy, grounding you with stability and balance. [6]Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones, Katrina Raphaell, 1985
ZodiacAries
[1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022
Taurus
[1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022
Capricorn
[2]The Encyclopedia of Crystals, New Edition, Judy Hall, 2007, 2013
[3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995
Gemini
[4]The Magic and Science of Jewels and Stones, Isodore Kozminsky, 1922
ElementEarth [1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022 [7]The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2021 [9]Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, Scott Cunningham, 2011
Planet / Celestial BodySaturn [9]Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, Scott Cunningham, 2011
Incense & Essential OilNumerology3
[3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995
4
[1]The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing (Kindle Edition), Gemma Petherbridge, 2022
[2]The Encyclopedia of Crystals, New Edition, Judy Hall, 2007, 2013
[3]Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, Melody, 1995
Colours
Not to be confused with…
Black Onyx
Jet
