ORE FEATURES

A Monthly publication of Ozark Rock Exchange

VOL #8: Issue #12, September 5, 2007

  Main: >> Start Page >> ORE Features Archives >> Tourmaline
 
 

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  ORE'S Featured Gemstone: Tourmaline (part 2)

Tourmaline is unique in how its crystals grow and its ability to take on a range of minerals and colors during this growth cycle. The crystal plays a sort of "ring around the metal" as it grows. As the crystals grows in a ring it forms connection sites (aka T-sites) with the Aluminum, Boron and Silica molecules within it. Each time the cycle meets one of these connections, it creates an opportunity for a new metal, and therefore a new color to be introduced to the Tourmaline Rainbow.

This unusual growth pattern is what provides for one of the most desired and unique crystals given to us by Mother, the Watermelon Tourmaline. We'll begin our exploration of the colorful Tourmaline family with this sibling.

WATERMELON TOURMALINE
This is one of the most unique crystals that Mother gives us. Other crystals may grow in zones of colors, part gold, part purple etc. But there is no other crystals that wraps one color around another in the way that the Watermelon Tourmaline does.

This unique color pattern is due to the unusual way in which Tourmaline crystals grow. The circular growth pattern that allows for the introduction of new minerals makes it possible for this crystal to form with a green shell and a pink middle. Just like a slice of Watermelon.

The central reds in this Tourmaline come from Chromium, Manganese and/or Magnesia. The green colors are the result of Vanadium or oxidized Iron inclusions. Traces of Lithium are found in both colors. Some gem cutters will actually cut away the green layers to get the the more valued (because of its similarity to the color of Rubies) reddish center. The finest Watermelon Tourmalines are found in the US in Maine, California and in Brazil in the Minas Gerais region.

Watermelon Tourmaline is a powerful heart healer with its combined color combination of Greens and pinkish reds. It also helps to promote balance in a hectic lifestyle, reminding you to stop and smell the roses. This Tourmaline will open and balance the Base through Throat Chakra. It will assist you in letting issues out, instead of holding harmful emotions inside. Helping you be happier, more balanced.

BLACK TOURMALINE (Schorl)
Schorl or Black Tourmaline is the most common of the Tourmaline crystals, but it is also the most powerful and easiest to use of all the siblings. The crystal's dark colors come from a combination of oxidized Iron and Manganese. It is found all over the planet, which makes it an inexpensive, accessible tool to anyone.

Thin slices of Schorl are sometimes translucent and will exhibit dichroic (change of color when held in different lights) colors of green, brown and blue.

All Tourmalines have the ability to negate harmful energies. The black crystal is the strongest and most effective at this property. It also provides you with a powerful immunity from the negative emotions and comments of others. If your work environment includes a couple of grumpy humans with never a nice thing to say, you might want to keep a piece of Black Tourmaline nearby. Black crystals are frequently beneficial at relieving pain and drawing out emotional illness.

BROWN TOURMALINE (Dravite)
What a dull name for a Tourmaline that has such an exotic allure to it. Contrary to the implication of its name, Brown Tourmaline is actually fairly translucent and resembles Smoky Topaz when faceted.

The brown tones in this gemstone comes from Magnesium inclusions within the crystal. Colors can range from a rich brown, to deep dark greens, to a reddish brown. Ceylon has the best colors in the brown zone and produces the most cut gems from this crystal. Brown gems found in New York in the US rarely are clear enough for faceting, but quite effective for creative work.

Dravite is a perfect Tourmaline to use in rituals for honoring or healing our Mother Earth. Use the crystal to help shield Her from our abuses. Or in a ceremony/ritual to open the ears and minds of other humans to Her needs. The gem also makes a powerful Chakra tool, helping to cleanse and balance your first three Chakra. It is a wonderful ally in your struggle to overcome PMS issues each month.

GREEN TOURMALINE (Elbaite)
Green Tourmaline is the second most common crystal in this family, after its sibling Schorl (Black Tourmaline). As mentioned above under Watermelon Tourmaline, the colors in this crystal come from Vanadium, oxidized Iron and possibly trace amounts of Lithium.

You can find these green gems almost anywhere Tourmaline is mined. It is named for the Elba island in Italy, one of the first locations it was mined from. Sometimes sold under the trade name Brazilian Emerald, the finest specimens for cutting come from that country. The mines in Maine and Massachusetts (US) also provide gem quality Tourmalines in green. Though the US specimens tend to have a little more of a yellow tint to them. Colors resembling Emeralds are the most sought after, since the crystal provides a brilliant and inexpensive alternative to that gem.

Use your green Tourmaline for a healthier heart. Protect yourself from the outside stresses that often result in physical problems (especially for your heart). It may also prove helpful in money workings, providing for abundance while protecting you from the harmful aspects wealth often brings. Should assist with clearing your body of environmental toxins.

BLUE TOURMALINE (Indicolite)
One of the rarest siblings in this colorful family, blue being the most difficult to create naturally. Like its green sibling, the colors come from inclusions of oxidized Iron with smaller traces of Vanadium. Some extremely rare crystals have been found with green rings and blue centers (like a blue Watermelon) in India.

Besides the unique crystals found in India, gem quality crystals have also been found in Russia's Ural Mountains, the US, Afghanistan and Brazil. Dealers from South America often refer to their specimens as Brazilian Sapphires. There seems to be a great fondness for naming Tourmalines after more popular gems. Perhaps this is because the crystal has been rather invisible to the jewelry buyer. They know about sapphires and rubies, but may have never heard of Tourmaline.

Blue Tourmaline crystals are excellent for improving your vocal skills. Whether it is trying to voice your concerns or attempting to articulate a profound point, this gem will help you find the right words. It will improve communication efforts with guides, angels and teachers. Use the crystal to help you see beyond today's forest to the far horizon. Healers may find Blue Tourmaline helpful for improving breathing issues, clearing kidneys or easing headaches.

RED (and pink) TOURMALINE (Rubelite)
Like its sibling the Green Tourmaline, Rubelite is frequently desired for the color resemblance to the more expensive Ruby. Manganese and Iron are the minerals responsible for the colors in the red gemstones. Colors will vary from a rich ruby red to a pale pink.

Russia's Ural Mountains produce some of the world's finest Red Tourmaline crystals. The term Siberian Ruby is the result of the rich colors found in these mountain gems. Ceylon and the US produce strong quantities of the Rubelite Tourmaline as well, many rivaling the Russian gems.

Rubelites can provide you with empowering motivational energies keeping you moving forward on projects and goals. It offers a Fire energy that you can tap when feeling depressed or unable to get past a particular problem. Promotes wise choices in business and life. Use the red gem to clear your Third Chakra, promote healthy blood circulation and improve the absorption of nutrients. Pinker gemstones will promote heart health and encourage unconditional self-love.

CLEAR TOURMALINE (Achroite)
As with every mineral crystal family, the clear sibling is the one with the least number of inclusions. In the case of Clear Tourmaline, it is simply Boron, Aluminum and Silica (Quartz). The fancy words complex Aluminous Borosilicate, is the favorite geological definition.

Another rare member of the Tourmaline family, clear crystals are found in limited locations. Italy's Elba Island offers fine specimens as do New York in the US and Switzerland.

Clear Tourmaline crystals are superb meditation tools. They quickly open the Crown Chakra, while keeping you safe from harmful influences during your beta state. Use a clear gem to enhance your psychic skills or as a tool to clear all of your Chakra. You can add one to your other colored Tourmalines to "super-charge" their healing energies. It may also improve immunity and awaken the body's ability to self heal.

PARAIBA TOURMALINE
Something quite magical happened millions of years ago. In a time and place when Brazil and Nigeria were a part of the same land mass. Tourmaline crystals were merrily playing their ring around the t-sites growing game. When out of nowhere Copper decided to jump in and play.

The resulting crystal is a magnificent neon blue to aquamarine green. The rarest of all Tourmalines, the gem was first discovered in Paraiba Brazil. It was introduced at the infamous Tucson Gem Show in 1990, the specimens selling for $1000 a carat. Even the rare Blue Tourmaline sells for only a few hundred per carat.

A few years later, in Oyo Nigeria similar Blue Tourmaline crystals were found. After close scrutiny it was determined that these were the same at the crystals found in Brazil. Geologists nodded their heads knowingly pointing out the two countries primal history. Today the wholesalers are getting $10,000 a carat for gem quality PARAIBA Tourmalines.

Many of the energies found in the blue siblings will be available in a Paraiba Tourmaline. Copper will enhance protective energies, especially for travel issues. Arthritis patients may feel some relief from wearing rings or bracelets of this valuable gemstone.

RAINBOW TOURMALINE
Simply stated, this is a Tourmaline crystal that will incorporate any of the above colors in the same crystal. As noted in the formation of this unique crystal, all sorts of possibilities can occur and do. The results are a rainbow for our eyes and senses.

Use the powerful serendipity of this crystals natural patterns to invite a rainbow of options and opportunities into your own life. You can also utilize any of the energies mentioned above for the colors in your Rainbow. Or, listen to the crystal to hear the special lessons it has just for you.

Pictures of Tourmaline

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SUBSCRIBER'S SPECIAL: FREE small Tourmaline

Receive a FREE small Black Tourmaline (polished or a crystal) with any purchase from Ozark Rock Exchange. You can shop on line at https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart You can also place your order by email at stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com or send your telephone number for a phone appointment. Discount will be taken at the time of purchase. You must be an ORE FEATURES subscriber as of September 5, 2007 to be eligible for the Subscriber's Special; the Subscriber Special is not valid with other offers (unless otherwise stated). Only one special per subscriber, please. This Subscriber Special expires October 3, 2007

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SKY NOTES

New Moon, Tuesday September 11 8:44 am (ET)
Solar Eclipse, Tuesday September 11 8:07 am (ET)
Rosh Hashanah, Thursday September 13
Ramadan begins, Thursday September 13
Second Quarter Moon, Wednesday September 19 12:48 pm (ET)
Yom Kippur, Saturday September 22
Autumn Equinox/Mabon, Sunday September 23
Full Moon, Wednesday September 26 3:45 pm (ET)
Sukkot begins, Thursday September 27

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Dancing
New poems By Stephanie Pflumm

LIFE DANCE

Joy
Anger
Pleasure
Sorrow
Disappointment
Pain.
Triumph.
Dancing
the Life Dance.
It's a difficult
step
to
execute
with
grace.
Except
to not hear the
music,
to not feel the
rhythm
would be
more
sadness
than my feet
could
bear.

MOTHER IS CALLING

Your Mother is calling you.
Do you hear Her sigh
in the soft wind
dancing with the leaves?

Do you feel Her tears
in the rains falling?
Do you see Her anger
when the lightening flashes
and the thunder roars?

Do you wish Her love
when you nourish your body
with Her constant bounty,
when you refresh your spirit
in the comfort of Her beauty.

Your Mother is calling you.
How do you answer?

MEMPHIS SATURDAY NIGHT

Anything goes.
Everything rolls,
on a Memphis Saturday night.

The people work strong
in banks, stores and
giant warehouses
all week long.

Doing it right.
Keeping it tight.
Waiting until
anything goes,
and everything rolls
on a Memphis Saturday night.

RAIN DANCE

Strong Trees grow weak
in the ferocious Summer heat.
Looking to their Father Sky
watching the horizon
for the first sigh of relief.

Finally thunder rolls
and Father exposes
his infinite reservoir.

As this love rains upon the Earth
focus your eyes through the drops
and watch the dance of gratitude
performed with perfected grace
by leaf, flower and faery prince.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: YOU'RE THE OWNER CONTEST Winner!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: If I Were The Owner Contest WINNER!

Congratulations to Dino of Little Rock Arkansas! He is the winner of the If I Were The Owner contest! Thank you Dino and everyone else for some wonderful ideas. Dino will be receiving an Amethyst Cluster!

Watch for the ORE FEATURES birthday contest coming in October!!
http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/highlights/events/index.shtml

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What's Happening At Ozark Rock Exchange?

NEW ARRIVALS: I have sorted out some of the nicest points from the recent shipments of Citrine, Amethyst and double terminated Quartz crystals. You can check out these premium crystal picks here:
https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart/index.php?cPath=23

NASHVILLE PAGAN PRIDE: Next weekend I'll be at the Nashville Pagan Pride Day, I am so excited. The event is Saturday at the First Unity Univesralist Church, 1808 Woodmont Boulevard. I'll be giving a workshop on Choosing, Cleansing and Charging gemstones at 1:30. There are other great workshops as well. The event is 11am to 6pm. If you are able to stop by, be sure and mention that you are a subscriber. I'll have a small gift for you.

I'll also be at Memphis Pagan Pride day on Saturday September 29!! Will send additional information with the Poets Page update mid-month.

CELTIC WHISPERS EZINE: This brand new ezine published by Kathleen Miller will be featuring my gemstone articles. Learn more about all the other exciting features in this new publication at
www.freewebs.com/celticwhispers1/index.htm

SERVER UPGRADES: The past few days (9/3-5) the company that hosts Ozark Rock Exchange has been making improvements to security and upgrading servers. This has meant that on occassion the catalog at ORE has not worked. Please allow me to apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. It should be working fine now, thank you so much for your patience during this transition. https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart

PHP SCRIPT HELP WANTED: I need to hire a PHP script expert for a couple of hours. Please email me ASAP if this is your area of expertise. THANKS!! stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com

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©Copyright 2008, Stephanie Pflumm, All Rights Reserved Worldwide. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor/founder, Stephanie Pflumm. Please feel free to share with a friend.

 
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