Pink Tourmaline, Light of the heart and love
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 change as humanity works toward enlightenment.
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.
Tourmaline belongs to a complex family of aluminum borosilicates 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."
Pink Tourmaline honors Al-Uzza, the Nabataean Moon Goddess of Full Moon and Mothers. She is also the Most Mighty Goddess, and maiden warrior form in the triple goddess with Allat and Manat. She is a fertility goddess and protector, and the ruler of wild beasts.
Pink Tourmaline is a deeply compassionate stone cherished for its broad spectrum of colors, which range from soft, gentle pinks to rich, deep reds. This gemstone can appear as flawless, transparent gems or opaque, rough crystals, showcasing the incredible diversity within the Tourmaline family. Despite these variations, every form of Pink Tourmaline is dedicated to nurturing the highest aspects of the heart, making it a powerful emotional ally.
As a significant stone for the Heart Chakra, Pink Tourmaline not only fosters love but also connects with the Crown Chakra, encouraging a bridge between earthly concerns and spiritual wisdom. During periods of personal growth and change, this stone inspires compassion and gentleness, serving as a reminder of our shared journey toward enlightenment and emotional maturity. Those born in October are incredibly fortunate, as Pink Tourmaline stands as a vibrant birthstone alongside the opal, symbolizing hope and renewal.
The associations of Pink Tourmaline with love, compassion, and emotional well-being render it an excellent ally for anyone seeking emotional balance and inner peace. This beautiful stone invites positivity into our lives, fostering a serene atmosphere and promoting relaxation. For individuals experiencing anxiety or depression, wearing a Pink Tourmaline ring, particularly on the middle finger of the right hand, may help channel grounding and calming energy effectively.
Astrologically speaking, Pink Tourmaline is considered a potent stone, governed by the planet Uranus, which is associated with electricity, inspiration, and innovation. The term "Tourmaline" originates from the Singhalese word "tourmali," meaning "mixed stones," reflecting its historical presence alongside various precious gems such as ruby, sapphire, peridot, and spinel in regions like Sri Lanka and Burma. It was the Dutch East India Company that first introduced Sri Lankan tourmaline to Europe, and it wasn't until later that traders linked it to the mineral known as schorl.
Tourmaline captivated the world's attention in 1876, when mineralogist and jeweler George Kunz sold a stunning Green Tourmaline sourced from Maine to the renowned Tiffany & Co. in New York. Its popularity soared, inspiring many. In Chinese history books, it is said that the last Empress Dowager of China, Cixi, developed a profound admiration for pink Tourmaline. She famously incorporated this enchanting stone into her elaborate headdress and was laid to rest on a pillow made of pink Tourmaline, signifying beauty and profound sentiment.
Pink Tourmaline belongs to a complex family of aluminum borosilicates, showcasing colors that span red, pink, yellow, brown, black, green, blue, and violet. The prismatic, vertically striated crystals can take on various forms, some slender and elegant, others thick and robust, often featuring a distinctive triangular cross-section. The remarkable beauty of Tourmaline lies in its ability to reveal different colors in a single specimen, a stunning reminder of how light can transform our perceptions. Identifying Tourmaline is often a straightforward process, as it possesses a soft, lustrous appearance and specific refractive indexes (1.620 and 1.640), which can create a delightful doubling effect of facets and inclusions. Most tourmaline crystals are long and sub-triangular, adorned with unique striations that make each one special. For gem cutters, the care taken in orienting the cut correctly—ensuring the table is parallel to the crystal's c-axis—is essential for showcasing the stone's natural beauty. When you admire a transparent tourmaline crystal from various angles, you may witness incredible visual effects, reminding us of the wonders of nature and the beauty it holds.
Additionally, Pink Tourmaline pays homage to Al-Uzza, the Nabataean Moon Goddess, who embodies nurturing strength and compassion. She serves as a protector and fertility goddess, as well as a ruler of wild beasts. In times of challenge and transformation, may we take solace in the gentle embrace of Pink Tourmaline and draw inspiration from the multifaceted strength of Al-Uzza. Through this connection, we can find reassurance and support in our journey, reminding us that we are never truly alone.
Identifying Tourmaline is generally straightforward due to its soft, vitreous luster and specific refractive indexes (1.620 and 1.640), which can produce a remarkable doubling effect of facets and inclusions. Tourmaline crystals are characteristically long and sub-triangular in shape, with intricate striations adorning their outer surfaces. For gem cutters, the orientation of the cut is critical; it is essential to keep the table parallel to the crystal's c-axis to ensure the stone's natural beauty and brilliance are fully captured.
Viewing a transparent tourmaline crystal from various angles reveals incredible visual effects, which serve as a potent reminder of the beauty found in nature's diversity. Additionally, Pink Tourmaline honors Al-Uzza, the Nabataean Moon Goddess revered for her nurturing spirit and multifaceted strength. She embodies the essence of compassion, serving as a protector, fertility goddess, and ruler of wild beasts.
In moments of challenge and transformation, may we draw inspiration from Al-Uzza's strength and the gentle embrace of Pink Tourmaline, finding solace and unwavering support within its uplifting energy.
References:-
[Ahsian, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).
[Eason, pp.]Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible (London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010).
[Fernie, pp..] William T. Fernie, The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones (Blauvelt, NY: Rudolph Steiner Publications, 1973).
[Gienger, pp..] Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals (Scotland: Earthdancer Books, 2009).
[Hall, pp..] Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2003).
[Hall 2, pp..]Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 2 (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2009).
[Kunz, pp...] George Frederick Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (New York: Dover Publications, 1971).
[Megemont, pp..] Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2008).
[Melody, pp..] Melody, Love Is In The Earth (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995).
[Raphaell, pp..] Katrina Raphaell, Crystal Enlightenment (Santa Fe, NM: Aurora Press, 1985)
[Simmons, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones, Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).
Johnson, M. L., and Koivula, J. I., (editors) 1998. Another tourmaline source in Namibia. In: Colored Stones. In Gem News, Gems and Gemology, Winter, 1998, p.54.
Johnson, M. L., and Koivula, J. I., (editors) 1998. Red, pink, and bicolored Tourmaline from Nigeria. In: Colored Stones. In Gem News, Gems and Gemology, Winter, 1998, pp. 298-299.
Liddicoat, R. T., 1969. Handbook of Gem Identification. Gemological Institute of America, Los Angeles, CA, 430 p.
Schumann, W., 1977. Gemstones of the World. Sterling Publishing Co., New York, 256 p.
Shipley, R. M., 1971. Dictionary of Gems and Gemology. Gemological Institute of America, Los Angeles, CA, 230 p.
Zeitner, J. C., 1996. Gem and Lapidary Materials for Cutters, Collectors, and Jewelers. Geoscience Press, Tucson, AZ, 347 p.