Tourmaline is used as a gemstone, occuring in all colors. Dravite merely means brown. Tourmaline also has many scientific and technological uses due to the fact that an electrical charge can be induced in some tourmaline crystals simply by applying pressure to the crystal in the direction of the vertical crystal axis. This effect is known as piezoelectricity, and has many uses in pressure measuring equipment and other scientific applications. Some tourmalines also show pyroelectricity, which occurs when the crystal is heated yielding a positive charge at one end of the crystal and a negative charge at the other.
Tourmaline is the birthstone for the month of October.
The astrological sign of tourmaline is Libra.
Tourmalines are said to enhance one's understanding, increase self-confidence and amplify one's psychic energies. They also are said to neutralize negative energies, dispell fear and grief, and to aid in concentration and communication.
Tourmalines are also said to be usefull in relaxing the body and the mind, and to help in the treatment of infectious diseases, anxiety, blood poisoning, arthritis and heart disease.
Metaphysical properties for the specific colors of tourmaline are given below:
Black and Brown Tourmaline: said to absorb and give protection against negativity from both people and electrical & magnetic fields. It is also said to sharpen one's wits, to enhance vitality and to give emotional stability.
Blue Tourmaline: said to enhance one's communication skills, intuition and spiritual perspective.
Green Tourmaline said to give success, prosperity and peacefull sleep.
Pink-Red-Purple Tourmaline: Said to inspire love, spirituality and creativity, and to give wisdom and enhance one's willpower.
Watermelon Tourmaline: said to be very effective in helping one to recover from emotional problems. Also all the properties of pink & green tourmalines.