When you Google search “Best Crystals for Protection”, I bet I can guess what comes up repeatedly. Black Tourmaline. This powerhouse crystal should be in everyone's crystal essentials kit.

It is a key stone in terms of grounding, EMF protection, and overall energetic wellness. It is a jack of many trades, and if you don’t have some, I would grab some ASAP. 

What is Black Tourmaline?

Black Tourmaline is also known as Schorl. It is in the Tourmaline family, alongside other well-known color variations like Watermelon Tourmaline and Rubellite. It is a silica-based mineral, and, as clearly in the name, it is a deep, inky black.

It is found on every continent, making it one of the most popular crystals worldwide. It has a hexagonal formation, and it contains iron, magnesium, and other metals within its structures.

Tourmaline (in any of it’s forms) was primarily used within communities and cultures and not really popularized within the western, modern world until it became a popular gemstone within jewelry in the late 1800’s - when Tiffany & Co introduced it in its jewelry. Black Tourmaline is still not nearly as popular as its other color variations, but it can still be widely found.

How to tell if Black Tourmaline is real

Black Tourmaline is a hard stone, registering at a 7 on the Mohs scale. (link) This means that it should not scratch or break easily. To test if your Black Tourmaline is real, take a sharp object like a knife and scratch it on its side. If the stone is easily scratched, it is likely not real.

You can also take it to a professional, who will be able to conduct tests to determine its authenticity.

Another way to potentially spot a fake is by looking at its shine. Real Black Tourmaline will have a very glassy, shiny finish. If the finish is matte or metallic, it is likely not authentic.

Energetic and Physical Properties of Black Tourmaline

Energetically, Black Tourmaline is top-notch for protection. Cleansing, grounding, and balance are all present when working with it. Other things Black Tourmaline is great for are:

- self-confidence
- compassion
- inspiration
- prosperity
- dispelling fear or anxiety
- energy balance
- clearing energy blockages

Black Tourmaline works great for the physical body as well. As it works with your vibrational body, it also works on your physical alignment and centering. Physically, this stone helps with:

- boosting the immune system
- detoxifying
- circulation
- spinal alignment
- releasing tension
- increasing vitality and energy
- blocking EMF, radiation, and pollution from affecting the body.

Crystal Healing with Black Tourmaline

If you are wanting to embark on a healing journey with this super BFF of a stone, you are going to need to set some intentions and really hone in on what it is you would like to achieve with Black Tourmaline. While it is a great everyday stone to use along with others, when you are using it for specific healing sessions, it is helpful to know what exactly it is you are hoping for.

If bringing in Black Tourmaline, it is often used to clear and soothe the root chakra. This is where you often hold a massive amount of stuck energy, and where a large number of people have chakra imbalances.

The root chakra is the first one and is where you are most connected to the physical body and material world. It is where you ground into yourself and connect to your environment.

Working with Black Tourmaline for crystal healing really calls us to focus on the moving of stuck energy, while consciously grounding yourself down to the earth and to your own self. Feel the energy moving while also knowing that you are worthy, clear, and able to deal with whatever life sends your way.

The healing you do with both Black Tourmaline and the root chakra is some of the most powerful you will experience. It is a true reminder that when you know and love who you are, exactly how you are in this world - you can handle anything.

Caring for Black Tourmaline

Can Black Tourmaline go in the sun?

Yes, it can. Make sure that it does not stay in direct sunlight for too long though, or you can risk bleaching the stone and it losing some of its color and depth. It is a resilient enough stone that sunlight will not compromise it in any significant way if left for small amounts of time. Please note: almost all crystals are not recommended to be left in direct sunlight for long periods of time, as it can change color and make the crystal more easily broken or damaged.

Can Black Tourmaline go in water?

Yes! It is not a soft stone and is generally resilient to any damage that fresh water could do. The minerals in Black Tourmaline are not water soluble and stand up to being submerged. Like any crystal, prolonged contact with water (especially salt water) can compromise the stone, so it is recommended that water only be used for short amounts of time and that it is not underwater indefinitely.

Charging Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline, like other crystals such as Selenite, is such a fierce protector and clearing pro that charging it is not particularly hard or energy intensive. Simply leave it in sunlight on your windowsill for a few hours, put it out under the moon and stars, or keep it close by when listening to spiritual music or mantra.  Additionally, you can also charge it with your own energy by rubbing it on your palms for a few minutes, feeling the warmth and vibrations infuse into the stone while doing so.

Cleansing Black Tourmaline

Cleansing Black Tourmaline is also simple! Placing it under running water or in still water is one of the most popular ways to cleanse. You can also use your sacred smoke of choice, or sound clearing by clapping around the stone and visualizing any stuck energy moving out.

Ways to use Black Tourmaline

Using Black Tourmaline on your body

Carry Black Tourmaline on your person whenever you feel you need a little bit more protection from energy vampires or high-stress situations. Carrying it in your pocket or bag can give you a little grounding nudge when you need it most in your day to day.

Using it while you sleep is also a great way to utilize its grounding energies with your physical self. Hold it in your palm or place it on your chest for a few minutes before you nod off, sending intentions of inspiration, balance, and calm from the stone to your body. When you are done, place it under your pillow or on your nightstand to receive vibrations throughout the night.

Using Black Tourmaline in your home

Placing Black Tourmaline throughout your home is a great move for those who want a particularly cozy and “safe space” feeling. Create a grid in your house by placing Black Tourmaline in each corner. For extra protection, you can create grids within the larger house grid by placing it in the corner of a specific room.

You can also place it where lots of electronic devices are used, to protect from vibrational emissions issues.

Other Black Tourmaline Facts and Questions

Does all of this info make you extra curious about Black Tourmaline? Here are some other frequently asked questions about this crystal.

Is Black Tourmaline Toxic?

Tourmaline can contain aluminum, which can be toxic when ingested. For everyday crystal uses, Black Tourmaline is completely safe to use.

Are Obsidian and Black Tourmaline the same?

They look similar, but no, they are not the same. They are structurally different, with Obsidian being a non-crystalline material, and Tourmaline being crystalline. Obsidian is smooth and glassy, whereas Back Tourmaline has ridges, layers, and lines in it.

Where is Black Tourmaline sourced?

Brazil is the most common place that Black Tourmaline is sourced from. Some other popular places include Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and the United States.

Where can I buy Black Tourmaline?

Any crystal shop should carry Black Tourmaline because of its popularity and essentialism. You can grab some Raw Black Tourmaline over at the AF Shop today. 

Learn more about other crystals in our Beginner's Guide for Crystals blog here!