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Tourmaline Family:
Cyclosilicates (A complex silicate of boron and aluminum, whose composition varies widely due to substitutions) Na(Mg,Fe)3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH,F)4 AKA: Achroite, Buergerite, Dravite, Elbaite, Indicolite, Liddicoatite, Rubellite, Schorl, Uvite, Verdelite, Watermelon Tourmaline |
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System: Hexagonal, usually short to long prismatic crystals that commonly have a rounded cross section, striated lengthwise; also radiating, columnar and compact. Appearance: Black (schorl), blue (indicolite), pink and red (rubellite), brown (dravite), green (verdelite), multicolored (elbaite), rarely white, very rarely colorless (achroite); vitreous; streak white. Physical Properties: Hardness: (7.0 - 7.5); Specific gravity: (3.0 - 3.3). Cleavage: none; fracture, uneven, conchoidal; transparent to opaque; brittle. Similar species: Tourmaline is harder than apatite and further distinguished from apatite and beryl by striations. It is distinguished from hornblende by its triangular cross section. Occurrence: Tourmaline forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and veins. It occurs with lepidolite and microcline in granite pegmatites and with siderite and quartz in hypothermal veins; it can also be found in schist of regional metamorphic rocks and in massive hydrothermal replacement deposits. The finest elbaites come from Italy, Brazil, the Urals (USSR), Sri Lanka, Namibia, Mozambique and USA. Uvite is found in well-formed crystals in New Jersey and New York (USA). Dravite crystals occur in Australia and USA. Schorl is a common accessory mineral in granite pegmatites. Liddicoatite is found in Malagasy Republic. Miscellaneous: Most gem tourmalines are color varieties of elbaite, which may be green, pink, or any of an enormous ranges of tints and shades, including the green-and-pink zoned crystals called watermelon tourmaline, and the blue variety called indicolite. At present there are six members of the tourmaline group: elbaite (sodium lithium aluminum rich), schorl and buergerite (sodium iron rich), dravite (sodium magnesium rich), uvite (calcium magnesium rich) and liddicoatite (calcium lithium aluminum rich). A continuous solid solution series exists between elbaite and liddicoatite and also between uvite and dravite (calcium-sodium substitution in sodium- and magnesium-rich tourmalines respectively). The name is from the Singhalese touramalli, "mixed colored stones", in reference to varicolored water-rolled gem pebbles from the placer gravels in Ceylon. Tourmaline is widely used as a semiprecious gemstone. Conventional Wisdom: A powerful, electromagnetic, striated gem. Strengthens body and spirit (and meridians), transmutes lower frequency thought/energy to a higher frequency of light and brings light/spirit into the physical. Radiates light protection for wearer. Clearer = higher frequency and effectiveness. Especially for nervous system; clears blood and lymph toxins. Black (Schorl): Powerfully deflects/shields against unwanted or dark energies, especially for sensitive people. Grounds spiritual energy into root chakra, for centeredness amid chaos. Neutralizes fears, resentment, neurosis, obsessions, intestinal or spine energy blocks, toxins, constipation. Blue (Indicolite): Wonderful for aligning with higher self for deep insight, vision, intuition, mental peace and patience. Green (Verdelite): Taking heart, will to live, lifeforce, prosperity and compassion. Energizes Central Nervous System (for neuralgia, migraine, burns, etc.) Opens/heals physical and emotional blocks, stimulates new growth, rejuvenates heart, lymph, immune system. Thymus and entire body health. Pink (Rubellite): Emotional and spiritual love, healing loss, emotional pain, fear, self-gentleness. Best in combination with counseling. Most powerful together with Kunzite or Rhodochrosite. Promotes self-love, compassion and release of old hurt. Allows trust. Watermelon: (Red/pink and green) Brings together compassion, passion, depth of heart with lifeforce and groundedness (red). Emotional and spiritual love (light pink) expressed in the physical heart chakra. Excels for immune system and life-threatening illnesses (green). Balances metabolism, endocrine system; harmonizing. Empowers other tourmalines. Belongs to the Astrological Sign of Libra. |