Tourmaline Meaning & Properties
A stone that occurs in more colours than almost any other, each carrying its own shade of meaning.
Tourmaline is one of the most colour-varied stones in the world, occurring naturally in pink, green, blue, black and combinations of several colours in a single crystal. This guide is part of our complete guide to crystal meanings and properties, and covers what tourmaline means across its many colours, the energy it's traditionally associated with, and where to find it in our collection.
What Does Tourmaline Mean?
The tourmaline meaning centres on balance, protection and emotional healing, though the specific emphasis shifts with colour. Its name comes from the Sinhalese "tura mali," meaning mixed gems, a nod to the huge range of colours it's found in, sometimes even within a single crystal.
In more recent tradition, tourmaline is understood as a stone of emotional balance, worn to support healing and steady the heart, whatever colour it happens to take. It's this adaptability, more than any single fixed meaning, that makes tourmaline one of the most versatile stones in this guide.
Tourmaline Properties & Energy
Tourmaline's energy is traditionally described as balancing and healing, said to support emotional steadiness and protect against negativity. It's associated with the heart chakra, tied to balance rather than a single fixed intention.
Many people are drawn to tourmaline specifically for its colour, choosing the shade that matches what they're looking for, whether that's pink for love, green for growth, or a multi-coloured piece for a broader sense of balance. Its meaning stays personal throughout; the colour you're drawn to often says as much as any fixed tradition.
Tourmaline by Colour
Tourmaline's meaning shifts noticeably with its colour, more so than most stones in this guide.
Pink Tourmaline
Associated with love, compassion and emotional healing, closely tied to the heart.
Green Tourmaline
Traditionally linked to growth, vitality and a renewed connection to nature.
Watermelon Tourmaline
Pink and green together, read as a symbol of balance between heart and growth.
Black Tourmaline
Leans toward protection and grounding rather than emotional healing. Read our dedicated black tourmaline guide →
Shop Tourmaline
Our Iris Tourmaline Pendant Necklace brings together pink and green tourmaline in a single piece, a fitting way to wear the stone's balance of love and growth.
Shop the Iris Tourmaline Pendant Necklace →
Explore the full tourmaline collection for what's currently available, including black tourmaline pieces.
Not Sure Tourmaline Is Your Stone?
Tourmaline suits a balancing, healing energy, but it isn't the right fit for everyone. If you're not sure where to start, we can help you find the stone that's meant for you.
Tell us how you're feeling, or look to your birth chart, to find your stone.
Find Your Stone → Your Birth Chart →Tourmaline, Answered
What does tourmaline symbolise?
Tourmaline symbolises balance, protection and emotional healing, with its meaning shifting depending on colour. Pink leans toward love, green toward growth, and black toward grounding protection.
Is black tourmaline different from other tourmaline colours?
Yes, meaningfully so. While coloured tourmaline is generally associated with emotional healing and balance, black tourmaline is understood quite differently, as a grounding, protective stone. Read our dedicated black tourmaline guide for the full meaning.
Can tourmaline be worn every day?
Yes. With a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline is durable enough for daily wear, though it's best kept away from harsh chemicals and sudden knocks.
How do I cleanse a tourmaline crystal?
Tourmaline can be cleansed by resting it under moonlight overnight or passing it through incense smoke. It can also be rinsed briefly under running water, though prolonged soaking isn't recommended.