Black Tourmaline

Black tourmaline, natural gemstone, origin, characteristics, symbolism and jewelry

Stone profile

• Family or nature: Black variety of tourmaline, generally schorl
• Colors: Opaque black, sometimes with longitudinal striations
• Symbolic markers: symbolic protection, boundaries and grounding

Characteristics and origin

Tourmaline is a complex family of borosilicates. Schorl, which is rich in iron, is its most common black variety. Deposits exist notably in Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Pakistan and the United States.

Traditional symbolism

In the traditions of lithotherapy and certain cultural uses, this material is associated with the following themes: symbolic protection, boundaries and grounding. These associations are cultural, spiritual or personal markers. They do not describe an action produced by the stone.

Black tourmaline in jewelry

Its hardness of approximately 7 to 7.5 resists scratching well, but the crystals can be brittle and may have natural fractures. It is used raw, polished, as beads or as cabochons.

Care: Use lukewarm water, mild soap and a cloth. Avoid impacts, ultrasonic cleaners on fissured stones, and temperature fluctuations.

Also discover

Consult our A–Z Gemstone Guide to compare materials, colors and care precautions.

To remember

Black tourmaline is most often schorl, a variety of iron-rich tourmaline with a sober, striated appearance.

Important note: No physical or psychological effect is scientifically proven. Lithotherapy does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.