Tourmaline
Tourmaline is one of the most complex silicate mineral, with variations that result from the inclusion of many different elements. The principal sources of tourmaline are the United States, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa, and Afghanistan.
An Egyptian legend claims that tourmaline, in its long journey upwards through the molten earth, acquired all the colors of the rainbow. Certainly, tourmaline is one of the most variegated of gem stones in colors.
Green, pink, black, blue, brown, and many other colors are often found mixed in tourmaline. The very popular "watermelon" tourmaline combines a rind of green, white inner layer, and a pinkish-red core. Some varieties of tourmaline are named, e.g., colorless achroite, red or pink rubelite, dark blue indolite, brown dravite, iron-rich black schorl. But others are simply called by their color.
Metaphysical properties of tourmaline include the enhancement of self-confidence, understanding of one's true nature, and psychic abilities. Tourmaline dispels fear and grief, and aids concentration. Depending upon the color, tourmaline also benefits love, business, friendship, accumulation of money, courage, and astral projection.
The correct color of tourmaline can stimulate any of the chakras, making tourmaline a very versatile energy-healing and aura-cleansing stone. The more colors in a bit of tourmaline, the more chakras it can resonate with. The healing properties of tourmaline are vast.
Green tourmaline regulates blood pressure and strengthens the heart and nervous system; it also benefits the immune system and stimulates digestion. Black tourmaline increases muscle strength and protects against harmful radiation. Blue tourmaline lessens the body's water retention (diuretic action), detoxifies the body, and wards against throat and lung infections.
In magical work, tourmaline can attract different benefits depending upon its color. Receptive pink tourmaline draws love and friendship. Red tourmaline is worn to bring courage and strength of will, and to protect one in battle or other competitions. Green tourmaline attracts money and enhances creativity in entrepreneurial affairs. Blue tourmaline brings peace and restful sleep. Black tourmaline grounds one to the Earth and absorbs negative energy. Watermelon tourmaline balances male and female energies, binding lovers.
Tourmaline is not a traditional birth stone for any month. Tourmaline is a stone of the planets Saturn, Venus, and Mars. It is associated with the astrological Zodiac signs of Pisces and Libra.