Tourmaline is one of the world’s most fascinating and versatile gemstones. Known for its stunning colour range, natural energy properties, and durability, tourmaline is used in everything from fine jewellery to holistic healing practices. But beyond its beauty, this gemstone holds deep meaning and modern practicality. In this guide, we’ll explore what tourmaline is used for, how it’s integrated into everyday life, and whether it’s a stone worth adding to your collection or lifestyle.
This blog is designed with you in mind—whether you’re a jewellery lover, collector, or someone exploring gemstones for their natural benefits. By the end, you’ll know exactly what makes tourmaline stones so unique and why millions around the world rely on it daily.
What Is Tourmaline Used For?
Tourmaline has a diverse range of uses—scientific, decorative, and spiritual. Its most common uses include:
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Jewellery: From necklaces and rings to earrings and bracelets, tourmaline is a favourite choice for jewellers due to its hardness (7–7.5 on the Mohs scale) and range of colours.
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Healing and Energy Work: Many people believe that tourmaline helps balance energy, promote protection, and ground emotions.
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Industrial Applications: Because tourmaline produces an electrical charge when heated or pressured, it’s used in modern electronics and even hair styling tools.
A 2023 global gemstone report estimated that tourmaline jewellery sales grew by 18% in five years, largely due to its growing reputation as both a luxury and wellness stone.
What Type of Tourmaline Is Used in Day-to-Day Life?
Not all tourmalines are created equal. Each variety serves a different purpose in daily use depending on its composition and colour.
Black Tourmaline
Black tourmaline, or schorl, is one of the most common types. It’s believed to protect against negative energy and electromagnetic radiation from phones and computers. Many people keep it near their workspace for mental clarity and grounding.
Green Tourmaline
Also known as verdelite, this type is linked to vitality and creativity. It’s often used in jewellery for a vibrant, earthy look and is said to attract success and prosperity.
Pink Tourmaline
Pink tourmaline symbolises love and compassion. It’s widely used in women’s jewellery, engagement rings, and emotional healing practices.
Paraíba Tourmaline
This rare neon-blue variety, found mainly in Brazil, Mozambique, and Nigeria, is highly prized in high-end jewellery collections. It’s one of the most expensive coloured gemstones in the world, with prices reaching over £10,000 per carat.
How Is Tourmaline Used?
Tourmaline’s uses are not limited to adornment—it also plays a role in science, technology, and wellness.
In Jewellery
Because of its colour diversity, tourmaline can imitate almost any gemstone, making it popular for those seeking affordable luxury. It’s used in everything from minimalist silver rings to bold, multi-stone necklaces.
In Technology
Tourmaline’s pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties—its ability to generate electricity when heated or stressed—make it useful in electronic devices. You’ll find traces of tourmaline in pressure gauges, hair straighteners, and infrared therapy devices.
In Healing Practices
For centuries, tourmaline has been used as a healing crystal. Practitioners claim it helps with stress relief, detoxification, and emotional balance. Although scientific evidence is limited, its popularity in wellness circles continues to rise.
Should You Trust Tourmaline For Healing?
I mean, you can if you want, but I don't trust healing with crystals of any kind. I'm more of a medicine kind of guy, and also, healing for tourmaline is used more spiritually, so if you're not a spiritual person, maybe it's not your cup of tea.
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Black Tourmaline is often used to absorb negative energy and promote emotional stability.
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Pink Tourmaline is said to open the heart chakra and encourage love.
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Green Tourmaline is thought to improve focus and creativity.
While these claims are not scientifically proven, a study from the Journal of Complementary Therapies (2021) found that 42% of crystal users reported “noticeable improvements” in emotional well-being after consistent use—showing how symbolic power can influence mindset and health perception.
Why Is Tourmaline Used?
Tourmaline’s popularity comes from its combination of aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.
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Versatility: With over 30 colour variations, tourmaline complements every metal and design style in jewellery.
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Durability: Its hardness ensures it can be worn daily without scratching easily.
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Symbolism: Throughout history, tourmaline has represented strength, grounding, and spiritual protection.
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Scientific Benefits: Its electrical properties make it valuable in modern industry.
In fact, data from the International Gem Society shows that tourmaline is now among the top 10 most sold coloured gemstones worldwide.
Should We Switch to a Different Stone to Use?
Whether you should choose tourmaline over another gemstone depends on your purpose.
If you want beauty and durability, tourmaline is ideal. For those seeking rare investment stones, emerald or sapphire might hold higher resale value. But for everyday wear and emotional benefits, few gemstones offer the same balance as tourmaline.
Its affordability compared to luxury stones also makes it a smart choice for those seeking both beauty and practicality. On average, high-quality tourmaline costs 70% less than emeralds of similar clarity, making it more accessible for collectors and jewellery lovers alike.
Should You Start Using Tourmaline?
If you’re looking for a gemstone that combines elegance, versatility, and a touch of meaning, yes, tourmaline is worth using. Whether worn as jewellery, kept at home, or used in energy work, it offers both aesthetic and emotional value.
When buying, choose pieces with certification to ensure authenticity. If you’re seeking healing or mindfulness benefits, consider wearing black or pink tourmaline close to your skin for maximum energy absorption.
Conclusion
Tourmaline is much more than a colourful gemstone—it’s a symbol of balance, strength, and adaptability. From elegant jewellery to wellness tools and even modern electronics, its uses are as diverse as its colours.
Whether you’re drawn to it for fashion, functionality, or emotional comfort, tourmaline stands as one of the most versatile stones you can own. With proper care, it can last a lifetime and continue to inspire through its natural beauty and subtle power.
FAQ’S
What is tourmaline mainly used for?
Tourmaline is mainly used in jewellery, energy healing, and technology due to its aesthetic beauty and natural electrical properties.
Can tourmaline really protect against negative energy?
Many believe black tourmaline helps absorb negative energy and electromagnetic radiation, though this is not scientifically proven.
Is tourmaline a good stone for jewellery?
Yes, its hardness and range of colours make it ideal for daily wear in rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Can tourmaline be worn every day?
Absolutely. Tourmaline’s durability makes it suitable for everyday use, though softer types should be handled with care.
Where can I buy authentic tourmaline stones?
Trusted jewellers and certified gemstone dealers such as GemSelect, The Natural Gem, or GIA-approved retailers are best for verified stones.