Black Tourmaline Properties, Meaning and Healing Properties

More likely than not, you’ve heard of this black stone that resembles shimmering chunks of charcoal, but what is it exactly and how can we fully utilize everything it has to offer? In this article, we’ll discuss what makes Black Tourmaline such a sought-after stone, how it affects us, and the various ways in which we can harness its energy for spiritual as well as physical benefits. 

What is Black Tourmaline?

Black Tourmaline is an aluminum borosilicate crystal found on every continent in the world but known most commonly as being mined in Africa, Brazil, Pakistan, and the United States. Since medieval times, it’s been regarded as a highly protective and cleansing stone because of its solid black color which absorbs negative energy without compromising its own. This stone has since been recognized for its powerful abilities to repel negativity and protect the wearer as well as the home. It is naturally somewhat brittle so should be handled with care.

Black Tourmaline and how it affects us 

Before we can properly benefit from a healing crystal, we must first understand what areas of the body and mind they relate to best, as well as how they affect us. Each healing crystal has its correlations to the zodiac, the planets, and their chakras, each affecting us in different ways, depending on their and our characteristics. Listed below are the astrological, celestial, and spiritual aspects of Black Tourmaline. 

Birthstone: Capricorn 

As it pertains to the element of Earth, Black Tourmaline is most popularly associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn, whose characteristics tend to lean toward independence and seriousness in their approach to life. This stone helps to keep Capricorns grounded and level-headed.  

Planet: Pluto

Also known as the planet of creative destruction, pluto brings to light those of our truths that are difficult to uncover as well as accept. In astrology, this planet symbolizes the death of the ego and introspection, and with its dark attributes, it is the planet most correlative to Black Tourmaline. This stone’s properties encourage grounding, spiritual healing, and self-awareness in much the same way that Pluto’s energies push us to look inward and face our deepest fears. In these respects, Sundays are the best days to utilize Black Tourmaline’s protection and cleansing properties.

Vibration Number: 3 & 4 

In numerology, each number or combination of numbers corresponds to a particular energetic vibration. Every crystal and healing stone has a vibrational frequency that is unique to its structure, shape, size, and color. This number determines the level at which the stone itself vibrates energetically and therefore how it responds to different areas of our being. Black Tourmaline vibrates energetically at levels 3 & 4- the number 3 corresponding to motivation and success while the number 4 represents stability and progress, making this the perfect stone for those who are moving ever-forward. 

Chakra: Base

In spiritual healing, the Base Chakra (also known as the Root Chakra) is associated with the aspects of our most primal instincts as well as our recognition of self. It is where the seed of our power resides and from which we harness our healing energies. With black tourmaline and its intense grounding energy, this stone’s properties are most relevant to the base chakra which stabilizes the self as well as the vital organs residing near the base of the spine. Press this stone against the lowest point under the navel while meditating to alleviate any blockages. 

For Protection

Black Tourmaline’s ability to dispel negative energy makes this the ideal stone for protecting yourself and your home. Many practitioners often lay this stone in protection candles, jars, and pouches as well as on their altars. However, to utilize this crystal’s protective energy, it can be kept in your pocket, your purse, your car, and in your home (near the front and back door). It can also be worn in jewelry to hold its energy nearer to yourself. 

For Cleansing

In much the same way that this stone repels negative energy, it also absorbs it, making Black Tourmaline exceptional at cleansing. For these purposes, it can be kept in the home and on the person, next to a candle, on the windowsill, or on the doorstep to purify energetic interference before it enters the home or your psychic bubble. Add this stone to any cleansing salt before you use it in your home, or pass it in circles over your head before and after meditation. If you like the idea of cleansing with water, you can also put black tourmaline crystals in a spray bottle and spritz yourself and your area with the infused water (do not consume).

For Mental Health

Oftentimes, the mind can become cloudy, chaotic and generally speaking, not a very pleasant place to be. Because we have no choice but to endure the happenings of our mind, it’s a good idea to clear out that space in much the same way as you would your home. The properties of black tourmaline support emotional grounding as well as mental clarity and stability – all the attributes necessary for a healthy mind. Meditate with this stone atop your head, surrounding your person or while holding it in your hand. You can even keep it near your chest for steady breathing or at your feet to keep you present while exercising your mind. 

For Physical Health

Healing stones affect not only the mind but also the body and it’s important to remember to address these areas while using crystals in your meditative practices. Black Tourmaline’s healing properties affect the circulatory and respiratory systems and aids in detoxing the body of environmental pollutants as well as residual metals. It reduces bloating and promotes a healthy immune system while alleviating stress and anxiety. Carry this stone along the body during physically therapeutic and meditative sessions, focusing on the areas which you would like to heal. You may also infuse your cleansing water with these stones’ energetic properties to boost your overall physical and mental health (do not consume).

Cleansing, Charging and Bonding with your Black Tourmaline

Every person who has handled a crystal, has involuntarily made an energetic impression upon it, which will in turn be inevitably passed on to you. So even though this stone cleanses and charges itself, and unless you’ve personally mined for it and it has come directly from the earth, it’s important to cleanse and charge it yourself. Because of Black Tourmaline’s dark color, it does not fade easily in the sun. One of the simpler ways to cleanse this crystal is by giving it a bath in either regular water or moon water and then leaving it out in sunlight for anywhere between three hours to three days. Like most other healing crystals, it can also be paired with selenite to cleanse, charge and amplify its energies. You can even go a step further and repeat the process of cleansing in a water bath that’s been left under moonlight and then follow up with drying them in the sun. After each time you’ve cleansed your crystal, it’s also important to form a bond between yourself and the stone. Bonding with your crystals is quite simple. In the same way that healing stones lend energy, they also absorb it so in order to make a stone your own, simply hold in your hands, meditate with it and wear or carry it often. This imprints your energy on the stone, forming a bond that allows for smooth communication between the crystal and the wearer. 

Black Tourmaline and its Compatibility with other Crystals

You’ve most likely heard about stone pairings and their ability to amplify the energies of each stone with the other, but what does it mean for this particular healing stone? Black Tourmaline’s ability to absorb energy also allows it to magnify that of whichever stone it’s paired with. Exercise caution when choosing a partner stone for black tourmaline as its own low vibrations can deepen the properties of darker stones, resulting in colder and chaotic moods as well as a lower energetic frequency of the self which may cause depression. 

Black Tourmaline and Clear Quartz

Pairing light and dark healing crystals is always a good idea as they provide the perfect energetic equilibrium. Clear Quartz is known for its master healing abilities which amplify and accelerate those of any stone it’s paired with. Sound familiar? Black Tourmaline does the same thing, but with its deeper and darker energy, it provides power in areas of grounding while clear quartz magnifies aspects of purification and enlightenment. This is the perfect combination of light and dark, protection and cleansing, while aligning the base chakra with the crown. Keep these two stones together for optimal equilibrium in all areas of healing. 

Black Tourmaline and Amethyst

If ever there was a crystal pairing that’s both appealing to the eyes and extremely effective in balancing creativity with reason, this would be it. Amethyst is known for its creative as well as protective energies, making this stone a complementary partner to black tourmaline, which amplifies amethyst’s healing abilities and deflects negativity, allowing the seeker to find and maintain a steady train of thought. When paired, these healing crystals promote alignment of the third eye chakra with the base chakra, promoting honesty, stability, insight and a calm mind. Wear or carry them together for peace of mind at all times. 

Black Tourmaline and Obsidian

In this day and age, one can never have too much protection. Most of the time when we’re feeling a little insecure, it’s nice to know we can guard ourselves against negativity. Also known for its rich dark hues, obsidian has many of the same healing properties as black tourmaline, adding energies of transformation, purification, and manifestation. Both stones provide protective energies and relate to the base chakra, keeping the seeker grounded and at the same time connected to the higher self. Because of their dark colors and low vibrating energies, it’s not commonly advised to use this combination too often. Whenever you do pair them, keep them near the entrances of the home to neutralize the energies flowing in and out.

Black Tourmaline and Smoky Quartz

Whenever things get a little hectic, it’s easy to forget that we all need to take a moment and stabilize ourselves. Smoky Quartz’s healing properties relate to those of many stones in the quartz variety, providing serenity, clarity, and intuition. It stabilizes energy and improves communication skills while promoting healing on psychic levels. Paired with black tourmaline, smoky quartz adds an extra level of protection and grounding while allowing energy to flow freely between the base and the solar plexus chakra. Partner these stones for intentions of scrying and self-exploration. 

Black Tourmaline and Lapis Lazuli

Sometimes we need a little help expressing ourselves and dispelling energies that interfere with the thought process. Lapis Lazuli, with its deep blue tones relates to the throat chakra and matters of truth, self-expression, and communication. It also carries protective as well as grounding properties which aid in self-awareness and purification. Together with black tourmaline, these healing crystals promote compassion and morality, strengthening relationships and balancing emotions. This pair allows energy to flow healthily from the base to the throat chakra. Keep them together for a clear mind, unimpeded upon by outside influences.

If you’re looking for a healing crystal that packs all the energy you’ll ever need, Black Tourmaline is the obvious choice. Check out your local metaphysical store and pick up some – or a lot!