Pink Tourmaline

Pink Tourmaline may vary in color from pale pink to deep red, and in clarity from flawless transparent gems to opaque rough crystals, yet all are devoted to serving the highest aspects of the heart. A primary stone of the Heart Chakra, Pink Tourmaline links to the Crown Chakra infusing love and spirituality, encouraging compassion and gentleness during periods of growth and changes as humanity works toward enlightenment. [Simmons, 407][Raphaell, 131][Melody, 658]

Although Tourmaline may be found on every continent, fine crystal specimens and gems are still considered rare and can be quite expensive. Its vast popularity as a gemstone began in 1876, when mineralogist and jeweler George Kunz sold a Green Tourmaline from Maine to the famous Tiffany and Co. in New York, and its desirability spread. More recently it has become a favorite of metaphysical collectors and practitioners for its versatile energy properties. [Simmons, 406]

Tourmaline belongs to a complex family of aluminum borosilicate’s mixed with iron, magnesium, or other various metals that, depending on the proportions of its components, may form as red, pink, yellow, brown, black, green, blue or violet. Its prismatic, vertically striated crystals may be long and slender, or thick and columnar, and are uniquely triangular in cross-section. They often vary in coloration within a single specimen, lengthwise or in cross sections, and may be transparent or opaque. The name Tourmaline comes from an ancient Sinhalese word turmali, meaning “a mixed color precious stone,” or turamali, meaning “something small from the earth.” [Mella, 110][Simmons, 406][Megemont, 182]

A favorite among the Tourmalines is a variety known as Watermelon Tourmaline, named for its pink center surrounded by an outer green “rind.” This combination is considered a super activator of the Heart Chakra. While Pink Tourmaline is associated with the emotions, Green Tourmaline is beneficial in one’s physical being. Together they link to the higher self, and are believed to bring true joy to one’s life and relationships. [Simmons, 410-411][Melody, 660][Hall, 302-303]

One of Tourmaline’s most distinguishing properties is its ability to become electrically charged simply by heating or rubbing it. When charged, one end becomes positive and the other negative, allowing it to attract particles of dust or bits of paper. This property of pyroelectricity (from heat) or piezoelectricity (from pressure or rubbing) was well-known to the Dutch traders of the 1700s who used Tourmaline to pull ash from their Meerschaum pipes, calling the stone Aschentrekker, or “ash puller.” [Simmons, 406]

Pink Tourmaline has been used to reduce the proclivity for falls, in all ages, including toddlers learning to walk. [Melody, 658][Megemont, 184]

Wearing Pink Tourmaline throughout the day helps release stress, worries, depression and anxiety. It can be used in partnership with Black Tourmaline to diffuse obsessive behavior. [Simmons, 408][Ahsian, 408]

Pink Tourmaline is one of the most loving stones for children. It provides comfort to those who have suffered any form of abuse, helps with sleep issues, and is particularly useful for spiritually sensitive Indigo children for its calming, centering qualities and assistance in considering consequences before taking action. [Eason, 53][Ahsian, 408]

Pink Tourmaline is the best crystal of emotional support for teenage pregnancy and to assist in bonding with the baby. [Eason, 53]

Tourmaline is a shamanic stone, providing protection during ritual work. It can be used for scrying, and was traditionally used to point out a cause of trouble or an offender, and to indicate a good direction in which to move. [Hall, 297]

Tourmaline strengthens the sense of smell, and in that respect, can also enhance the perception of pheromones which produces an aphrodisiac effect. [Megemont, 184]

Tourmaline is specifically used to treat motion sickness. It may also assist in restoring luster and shine to hair and nails. [Megemont, 184]

In industry, Tourmalines are highly valued as electrical tuning circuits for conducting television and radio frequencies. They are used for their durability since high frequencies can be passed through them without shattering, as many crystals do. [Mella, 110]