Rainbow Tourmaline Meaning and Properties

Rainbow tourmaline has a mix of at least two colors, such as red, blue, and orange, to name a few. The shade will depend on its mineral composition and concentration.

Metaphysically, rainbow tourmaline is said to act as a shield because it blends various types of tourmaline.  And, thanks to its array of colors, this stone can help balance your chakras and restore your energy. If you’re seeking emotional well-being, think about bringing rainbow tourmaline into your life.

Why?

Using this gem is said to convert negative vibes into pure love, boosting your happiness. While the exact meaning of tourmaline can change a tad based on its color, energy remains its core attribute across all shades. This stone, known for its strong healing and protective energies, primarily consists of a mineral blend featuring aluminum borosilicate, with traces of metals like magnesium and iron.

In today’s guide, let’s explore rainbow tourmaline in detail and how it can impact your life.

What is rainbow tourmaline?

Rainbow Tourmaline refers to tourmaline crystals that exhibit multiple colors within a single gemstone. The term ‘rainbow’ alludes to the stone’s ability to display a broad spectrum of hues, akin to the colors of a rainbow. It’s often used interchangeably with “watermelon tourmaline” when the gemstone displays a specific combination of green and pink/red colors resembling a watermelon slice. This multi-colored tourmaline is prized in the gemstone market due to its unique appearance and vibrant color palette.

Is rainbow tourmaline real?

Rainbow tourmaline, in the sense of a single tourmaline crystal displaying a full spectrum of colors akin to a rainbow, is not a standard or recognized term in the gem world. However, tourmaline can exhibit multiple colors in a single crystal, the most famous of which is the “watermelon tourmaline” which has a pink center and green perimeter, resembling a slice of watermelon.

That said, it’s crucial to approach claims of “rainbow tourmaline” with a degree of skepticism, especially if someone is trying to sell it as a rare variety at a high price. Genuine tourmaline does come in a wide range of colors, but it’s relatively rare to find a single crystal with more than two or three distinct colors.

Rainbow tourmaline spiritual meaning

Connection to God:  In the realm of Christian beliefs, some even associate this gem with the divine rainbow made by God.

Emotional balance:  Rainbow tourmaline, with its variety of colors, mirrors the spectrum of human emotions. It is believed to help stabilize and harmonize emotional imbalances, fostering a sense of inner peace and contentment.

Harmony:  Rainbow tourmalines are known as harmony crystals since they are said to have the ability to clear negative emotions and mend past pain. Since they embody all the colors of the rainbow, they’re especially handy when you’re aiming to balance your chakras and stabilize your energy.

Happiness:  With rainbow tourmaline by your side, you could expect an influx of happiness, commitment, and emotional balance.

Negating adverse energies:  Across the globe, indigenous community healers have incorporated tourmaline in their shamanic rituals. Those who believe in its power often attest to the transformative shifts it brings about, especially in balancing chakras and negating adverse energies.

Promotes balance and empathy:  If you have ever felt disconnected emotionally, this stone can help you rediscover that zest for life. It’s superb at promoting balance, joy, and empathy.  When used properly, it’s said to turn negative energy into pure love, amplifying happiness. If you’re seeking emotional solace, rainbow tourmaline might be a choice to consider.  They excel in aligning chakras, purifying your aura, and restoring the meridian system’s flow.

Self growth:  If you’re on a journey of self-growth, this stone might be your ally. It’s said to have the power to align your mind, heart, and spirit, igniting passion in your endeavors.

Stress relief: The gem is said to alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a calming effect on the mind. It’s a stone that aids in centering yourself during tumultuous times.

Rainbow tourmaline history

The term “Tourmaline” has its roots in the ancient Sinhalese words: ‘turmali’ or ‘turamali’, translating to “a gem of mixed colors” or “a tiny piece from the earth”, respectively. Its electrifying characteristics led it to be dubbed the “Ceylonese magnet.” Intriguingly, the Dutch observed this gem as the “ash mover” because of its peculiar trait of attracting or repelling ash near flames. From a religious perspective, in Christianity, a segment believes that Rainbow Tourmaline is emblematic of God’s celestial rainbow.

Over the centuries, the allure of rainbow tourmaline has been deeply entrenched in various cultures and traditions.

In many cultures, for example, the colors of rainbow tourmaline have been seen as a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms. Its diverse range of colors is believed to represent the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences. This made it a popular talisman among spiritual practitioners and shamans.

Traditional healers in various parts of the world, on the other hand, have used rainbow tourmaline in their practices. They believed that the stone could help align the body’s energy centers, facilitating both physical and emotional healing.  Many spiritual practitioners also consider rainbow tourmaline to be a “bridge stone.,” which means it could connect the bearer to higher realms of consciousness, facilitating communication with divine entities and ancestors.

Due to its captivating colors, rainbow tourmaline became a favorite among royalty and the elite. It has adorned the jewelry collections of monarchs and aristocrats across different epochs, symbolizing wealth, power, and divine favor.  A famous brooch belonging to a Russian tsarina from the 18th century, for instance, was believed to contain a large rainbow tourmaline centerpiece. The brooch was a testament to the stone’s appeal to royalty.

Lastly, archaeological excavations along ancient trade routes have unearthed artifacts embedded with rainbow tourmaline, suggesting that the gemstone was traded and highly valued in ancient civilizations.

How is rainbow tourmaline formed?

Rainbow tourmaline forms in pegmatite, a type of coarse-grained igneous rock.

As the pegmatite cools and solidifies, cavities or voids within the rock fill with mineral-rich liquids. Tourmaline crystals will then grow within these cavities. The various colors exhibited in rainbow tourmaline arise from different trace elements present during its formation. For instance, iron might give a blue or green coloration, while manganese can result in pink or red hues.

The presence and concentration of these trace elements, combined with conditions like temperature and pressure during the gemstone’s formation, lead to the diverse range of colors seen in rainbow tourmaline.

Rainbow tourmaline properties

Tourmaline belongs to the boron silicate mineral group, and each gem in this family shares a standard crystal structure and composition but is distinct in color. Their spectrum ranges from black, brown, green, pink, to red, yellow, blue, blue-green, and the enchanting “watermelon”. The unique rainbow tourmaline emerges when these colors synergize. This gem has global footprints found in the mines noted below.

When rubbed against a streak plate (usually made of unglazed porcelain), rainbow tourmaline generally leaves a colorless streak, which is common for many transparent minerals.

Tourmalines, including the rainbow variety, show birefringence. This optical property refers to the mineral’s ability to refract light into two different rays as it passes through the crystal. The measure of birefringence for rainbow tourmaline ranges from 0.018 to 0.040. This characteristic is responsible for the “doubling” effect that can be seen when looking closely at some facets of a cut tourmaline gem.

One of the fascinating properties of the tourmaline group is pyroelectricity. When a tourmaline crystal is heated or cooled, it becomes electrically charged. This means that the crystal can attract or repel lightweight particles like dust.  In addition to this, tourmalines are piezoelectric. When mechanical pressure is applied to a tourmaline crystal, it generates an electrical charge. This property has been utilized in various scientific and industrial applications.

Lastly, tourmaline exhibits strong pleochroism, meaning it can display different colors when it’s viewed from different angles. This optical effect is particularly pronounced in colored varieties and must be considered when cutting the gem to achieve the best color display.

Where can you find rainbow tourmaline?

You can find tourmaline in several countries such as Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, the United States, and Sri Lanka, among others.

A particularly striking type of tourmaline is Liddicoatite, which is recognized for its geometric color patterns. Named after gemologist Richard Liddicoat in 1977, it became the sixth identified species of tourmaline. Fast forward to today, and we know of 14 types of tourmalines. Top-quality Liddicoatite is a rarity, typically showcased as polished slices to highlight its patterns.

Rainbow tourmaline jewelry

For those who wish to carry the energy of rainbow tourmaline with them, wearing it as jewelry or carrying a small piece in their pocket can be beneficial. Here are a few ways you can wear or carry this gemstone:

Pendants: Wearing a rainbow tourmaline pendant close to your heart can help with emotional balance and heart chakra alignment.

Bracelets: A bracelet made of rainbow tourmaline can serve as a constant reminder of its protective and balancing properties.

Rings: Rings are not just decorative; they can also serve as a medium to channel the stone’s energies. A rainbow tourmaline ring can help you feel connected to its energies at all times.

Pocket Stones: For those who might not want to wear jewelry, carrying a tumbled piece of rainbow tourmaline in your pocket can offer the same benefits, ensuring you are always in its energetic field.

Rainbow tourmaline benefits

• Emotional Balance: Helps align the chakras and harmonize emotions.
• Healing: Associated with both physical and mental healing properties, aids in stress relief, and promotes relaxation.
• Enhanced Spirituality: Stimulates spiritual growth and a deeper connection to the spiritual realm.
• Intuition and Psychic Abilities: Bolsters intuition and psychic development.
• Protective Qualities: Believed to transmute negative energies into unconditional love.
• Joy and Happiness: Promotes a sense of joy by balancing energies.
• Connection with Higher Realms: Helps in establishing a bond with higher consciousness.
• Emotional Support: Offers emotional strength and support, especially during challenging times.

Rainbow tourmaline chakra

Different shades of tourmaline correlate with distinct chakras. However, rainbow tourmaline specifically connects primarily with the heart and root chakras. This potent stone may detect any imbalance around you and aid in restoring peace and stability. It’s especially calming for your foundational chakra and safeguards your heart chakra from external negative influences. Beyond the heart chakra, rainbow tourmaline is believed to activate both the crown and root chakras. When seeking emotional healing, this stone is especially beneficial, channeling energy upwards and fostering feelings of joy and contentment.