**Colorful Tourmaline – A Complete Guide to the Benefits and Gemstone Properties of the "King of Crystals"**
You have probably heard of Colorful Tourmaline, known as the "King of Crystals." About twenty years ago, there was a tourmaline craze – everyone wanted to own a piece of tourmaline jewellery, and some even amassed large collections of rare pieces, much like the recent Super Seven trend. Today, those tourmalines from back then have appreciated tenfold in value. Recently, with the rise of "Candy Tourmaline," the tourmaline fever seems to be making a comeback. What exactly makes tourmaline so beloved? You might find the answer after reading this article.
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**Legends and History**
As early as several thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians used tourmaline to treat various ailments, including nerve pain, vascular and lymphatic disorders, and emotional illnesses. They believed that the captivating colours of tourmaline came from the rainbow itself.
In China, it is widely known that tourmaline was the absolute favourite gemstone of Empress Dowager Cixi – she was so obsessed with it that she used tonnes of raw tourmaline each year just to create her own jewellery and ornaments.
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**Composition & Structure**
Tourmaline is a boron‑containing cyclosilicate mineral that also contains aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium elements.
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**Electrical Properties of Tourmaline**
Tourmaline, also known as "electric stone," is the only naturally occurring mineral that carries a permanent electric charge. Since the 19th century, it has been used as a material in laboratory experiments.
In addition, tourmaline releases negative ions, which help balance the pH level of the blood. The far‑infrared rays it produces can promote metabolism, blood circulation, and cell regeneration, while also boosting the body's natural immunity – making the wearer healthier overall.
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**How to Tell Real from Fake**
Because tourmaline is highly valuable, counterfeit stones have flooded the market for years. Common faking methods include colour‑dyeing or using other similarly coloured crystals as substitutes. However, laboratory testing can be expensive, so it is advisable to purchase from reputable shops for better assurance.
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**Different Varieties of Colorful Tourmaline**
In addition to the classic types, a newer variety called "Candy Tourmaline" (also known as Afghan Tourmaline) has emerged. Unlike traditional tourmalines, which have deeper, more intense colours, Candy Tourmaline features brighter, lighter shades that resemble sweets – hence the name. Its pastel colour palette aligns perfectly with recent fashion trends, which is no wonder it has sparked another wave of tourmaline popularity.
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**The All‑Round "King of Crystals"**
Tourmaline covers almost every aspect of life with powerful energy and a long history, which is why it is called the "King of Crystals." However, accessing the full spectrum of tourmaline's energy is not straightforward, because different colours have different specific benefits.
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**Tourmaline Colours and Their Benefits**
Different colours of tourmaline emit different energy frequencies, so each has its own unique effects:
- **Red Tourmaline** – The red frequency attracts interpersonal connections. Its main benefits include enhancing love, romance, and attracting helpful mentors.
- **Yellow Tourmaline** – The yellow frequency corresponds to the Solar Plexus Chakra, which governs digestive health, mental vitality, self‑confidence, and financial luck.
- **Green Tourmaline** – Green resonates with career energy and also corresponds to the Heart Chakra, supporting heart health.
- **Blue Tourmaline** – This is the rarest tourmaline colour, easily hundreds of times rarer than other colours. It corresponds to the Throat Chakra and emotional balance, helping with self‑expression, communication skills, persuasion, and emotional stability.
- **Black Tourmaline** – Black energy is mainly for protection – warding off evil spirits, blocking negative forces, and removing harmful energy. It creates a protective shield against negativity. Its appearance is more ordinary, with a shiny solid black colour, and it is produced in larger quantities than other colours, making it the most affordable among tourmalines.
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**The Bicolour Nature of Tourmaline**
One special characteristic of tourmaline is that different colours can coexist within a single crystal. The most famous example is **Watermelon Tourmaline**, which has a red centre and a green outer layer. This type is more expensive than single‑coloured tourmalines. **Blue‑green tourmaline (Paraíba)** is even more precious. There are also yellow‑green bicolour varieties and others. High‑quality bicolour tourmalines can display a colour transition resembling a spectrum, gradually shifting from deep to light tones.
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**How Should Tourmaline Be Worn?**
- For **Colorful Tourmaline**, wearing it on the **left hand** generally gives better results. When you need to actively project its energy, you can switch it to the **right hand**.
- **Black Tourmaline** should be worn consistently on the **right hand**.
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**Care Instructions**
Like most crystals, tourmaline should be taken off when bathing, mainly to avoid contact with hot water.
If you wear it during the day, remove it at night to let it rest – and vice versa if you wear it at night.
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**Cleansing Methods**
Like other crystals, it can be cleansed using a white quartz cluster or a Herkimer diamond.