Tourmalinated quartz, sometimes called tourmalated quartz, is essentially a clear crystal quartz with black tourmaline, hence the name. This distinctive type of quartz is characterized by the presence of naturally formed, needle-like inclusions of black tourmaline, also known as Schorl.
Over two million years ago, people in Ethiopia used this quartz variant in their tool-making practices, marking its first recorded use.
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Today, the use of this gemstone by crystal healers is rooted in age-old traditions that have been utilizing the stone for hundreds of years. Tourmaline, precisely, was prized by Native Americans and ancient cultures and was mainly known for its protective energy against negative forces. Historically, tourmalinated quartz was used to create beads and other decorative artifacts in ancient Ethiopia, Egypt, and Rome.
Tourmalinated quartz’s metaphysical properties
Grounding: Tourmalinated quartz is known for its grounding properties and ability to balance opposites. This gemstone blends the properties of both tourmaline and clear quartz, essentially creating a powerful combination. While tourmaline is said to cleanse personal energies and safeguard against negativity, clear quartz, on the other hand, serves to amplify the energies it channels. This fusion results in a strong shield stone. Depending on your intentions, it can either intensify and reflect negative energy, similar to a mirror spell, or even transform your negative energy into positive energy.
Guarding properties: This type of quartz is said to be able to guard you from pessimistic thoughts and emotions. It’s often depicted as a source of exciting energy that builds bridges to other energy fields. Many consider this quartz as a harmonizer of yin and yang energies, with the power to dispel harmful patterns. It bolsters the body’s energy field against external disturbances and ward off harmful environmental influences.
Symbol of unity: It is also often perceived as a symbol of unity and a potent problem-solver. It may help eliminate destructive patterns in your life and release tension at all levels. Its power to counteract negative energy can be harnessed to cultivate the strength required to mitigate negative or hostile relationships and situations. Crystal healers often use it in unity rituals.
Equilibrate yin and yang energies: Tourmalinated quartz is said to align with contrasting elements and polarities, which may transmute negative thoughts and energies into positive ones. From a psychological perspective, it facilitates the integration and healing of shadow energies, thereby mitigating self-sabotage. It’s said to promote harmony within the meridians, the subtle bodies, and the chakras.
Helps you navigate emotionally: It may have the ability to provide insight required to navigate emotionally challenging scenarios. This crystal may pave the way for a positive transformation and emotional restoration by addressing and letting go of ingrained emotions and past traumas. In cases of experiencing uneasiness or emotional strain, tourmalinated quartz is said to aid in instilling a sense of tranquility and serenity.
Absorbing negative energies: Black tourmaline quartz, one of the strongest energy conductors, possesses excellent properties for absorbing and transforming harmful energy within your body or surroundings. It is said to be a valuable addition to any home healing sanctuary, including high levels of radiation and electromagnetic energy. Position the crystal near electronic devices such as computers or TVs to maintain a space free from damaging electromagnetic waves, benefiting from its neutralizing and grounding effects.
How is tourmalinated quartz formed?
Tourmalinated quartz is formed when strands of tourmaline crystals form within quartz. This combination will happen naturally and is often due to the nature of these two minerals. Both quartz and tourmaline are formed in conditions where hot hydrothermal fluids carrying dissolved silica and other minerals react with rocks. The temperatures and pressures involved in these geological processes allow these crystals to grow.
As the hydrothermal fluids cool, they start depositing minerals into the cavities and fractures of the surrounding rocks. If the conditions are right, quartz will begin to crystallize in these spaces, growing over time. At the same time, if tourmaline is also present in these fluids, it may start to form within the quartz. This can happen either because the quartz is still partially liquid and the tourmaline will grow within that liquid or because the quartz is already solid but has small cracks or inclusions where the tourmaline can grow.
Tourmalinated quartz chakra
Tourmalinated quartz’s characteristics extend to the chakra realm, as it aids in clearing blockages and negative patterns, making it a beneficial companion if you’re striving to lead an improved life. It is said to activate and open the root chakra, thereby forging a connection between the body, mind, and Earth. It helps you rejuvenate yourself and discard negative thoughts or notions from the mind. The quartz amplifies this effect, potentially elevating your consciousness and understanding your surroundings instantly. Healers say you should consider this gemstone a reliable companion, especially when you’re feeling scattered and unfocused.
Where is tourmalinated quartz found?
Although this quartz can be discovered globally, Brazil is recognized as the primary source of jewelry-grade specimens. It is believed that the first recorded specimens emerged from Brazil around the mid to late 20th century. Brazil continues to be a significant source of this mineral. However, deposits have also been found across the United States, with notable examples being extracted from California’s renowned Tourmaline King Mine and Blue Lady Mine in San Diego.
Is tourmalinated quartz rare?
Tourmalinated quartz is not considered a rare gemstone, and the main reason is that inclusions within quartz are relatively standard in the geological world. However, the quality, size, and visual appeal of these inclusions can significantly vary, leading to different attributes. In this case, high-quality pieces can be rare. For example, a piece with densely packed, well-formed, and visible tourmaline inclusions could be more highly prized than a piece with sparse, poorly formed inclusions.
What is the difference between rutilated quartz and tourmalinated quartz?
Rutilated quartz and tourmalinated quartz are two different types of quartz crystal, each with unique inclusions. These inclusions are the strands or needles within the quartz crystals, giving them their unique appearance and specific properties.
The main differences will include the inclusions, properties, and visual appearances.
For inclusions, rutilated quartz contains inclusions of rutile, a titanium dioxide mineral. These inclusions typically appear as fine golden, silver, or copper-red needles. Tourmalinated quartz, on the other hand, contains inclusions of black tourmaline, a complex silicate mineral. These inclusions appear as dark, often black, rods or threads.
Visually, rutilated quartz is typically a clear or smoky quartz with thin, golden strands of rutile running through it, creating a striking, hair-like appearance. Tourmalinated quartz is usually clear or white quartz with black or dark green “needles” or “strands” of black tourmaline embedded in it.
Caring for tourmalinated quartz
Tourmalinated quartz, due to its robust nature, can be cleaned effectively using an ultrasonic cleaner. You can also use lukewarm water, drying it with a soft cloth after. However, exposure to heat and direct sunlight should be avoided to maintain the gemstone’s color integrity.
As for purifying, it can be done in various ways, including exposing it to the sun for a few hours, rinsing it for a few minutes, or smudging it with sage or Palo Santo. You can also let it set outside under a full moon.
Tourmalinated quartz uses
Meditation: Hold this crystal or have it near you during your sessions to enhance your meditation and increase mindfulness. Set an intention, say it out loud, and let the crystal absorb your negative thoughts while you focus your energy through it.
Wear it as jewelry: Wearing tourmalinated quartz as jewelry or carrying a piece around with you is said to help filter out negativity from various energies you encounter throughout the day. This way, it’s harder for negative vibes to penetrate your energy shield. Popular pieces include rings, bracelets, and pendants.
Put it in a room: Keeping a piece in your room, such as a sphere or tower, offers several benefits. For example, it is a visual reminder to stay present and/or slow down. Additionally, it purifies the space by absorbing harmful energies. If you practice crystal healing or enjoy keeping crystals around, consider pairing them with complementary healing stones such as black obsidian or citrine.
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