Tanzanite Is a beautiful violet-blue stone which takes its name from its source; Tanzania in Africa. Due to its increasing scarcity, is rare to find it in rough or tumbled pieces of a useable size and is therefore, more often found in small jewellery settings. Tanzanite is a blue, gemstone variety of  Zoisite and is fairly soft – 6.5 to 7 on Moh’s Scale – and can be quite brittle in its rough (natural, unpolished) form.  It has a very high vibration and is a carrier of the beautiful Violet Ray or Violet Flame, governed by Ascended Master, St Germain.  Prolonged use of this stone, whether through regular meditation with a small piece or by wearing the crystal, can clear any blockages which may be present between the 5th, 6th and 7th chakras; thus creating an open channel. It is also said to aid inner vision and psychic abilities. It is best cleansed by moonlight.

Tanzine Aura  is similar in appearance to Aqua Aura (slightly paler) but resonates more with the higher vibration Violet Ray (Violet Flame) than the Blue Ray. It is Clear Quartz coated with either Indium or Indium and Gold giving it a gorgeous violet-indigo colour. High vibration crystal which can help with non-attachment and releasing Karmic debt, therefore it is excellent for ascension work. Aids intuition on a different level to Aqua Aura, providing access to the Source for inner-knowledge and enlightenment. It is called Tanzine after its similarities to Tanzanite. Other members of the coated Quartz family are: Opal (Angel) Aura, Titanium (Flame) Aura, Aqua Aura and Ruby Aura (See also Quartz properties and Coated Quartz)

Tektites  Tektites originate from meteorites, and, therefore, have extraterrestrial origins.  They are said to help us connect with other-worldly realms and if we are open to their subtle energies, they can help advance our spiritual growth.  Traditionally they were worn or carried as fertility talismans. When used in crystal healing, Tektites have been known to be able to reverse the flow of an incorrectly spinning chakra.  They are also excellent at balancing chakras generally, and can help balance Yin Yang energies in the body.

Tibetan Quartz (also known as Tibetan Blackspot – see also Quartz properties) has a beautiful spiritual energy, and they are said to carry the powerful 'OM' vibration which aligns with both the Crown and Higher Crown Chakras.  They are also said to hold the sacred energy frequencies and the wisdom of this most ancient of cultures.  They not only look, but feel ancient, and they have a beautiful calming energy about them. They usually have carbon 'blackspot' inclusions and often have small nicks out of the termination which does not affect their integrity one bit.  Such crystals are often referred to as Warrior Crystals. They are very powerful when used as part of a healing grid because of their ability to dissolve blocked energy.

Tiger(s) Eye A chatoyant version of Chalcedony, therefore also a member of the Quartz family.  (Chatoyant means when a stone exhibits a silky, somewhat lustrous look when light hits it from different angles).  This reflective quality gives it a protective quality and it also considered a stone of good fortune, especially in consideration of financial luck.  It has been used successfully to give power boosts to the Solar Plexus Chakra, consequently, is good metaphysically where a weak-will or low self-esteem are indicated; physically for gastric disorders and mentally as a courage booster.

Tiger(s) Iron is a combination of Tiger Eye with Red Jasper and Hematite and aligns/vibrates with the Sacral and Root Chakras.  It possesses the properties of all three of the above stones but is primarily used for grounding, is a protective stone and working with or wearing a piece promotes courage and physical and mental strength. Excellent to have around when recuperating.

Titanium Aura (also known as Flame Aura) is Clear Quartz coated with Titanium and Niobium and has a vibrant, deep metallic, rainbow colour, like looking at oil on water. It stimulates clairvoyant abilities; a seer’s stone. It can assist with kundalini rising, and is excellent for all creative endeavours and resonates with the Third Eye or Brow Chakra. A wonderful crystal when looking for inspiration; whether artistically, in business or to find a creative solution to a persistent problem. Other members of the coated Quartz family are: Opal (Angel) Aura, Titanium (Flame) Aura, Tanzine Aura, Aqua Aura and Ruby Aura.  (See also Quartz properties and Coated Quartz)

Topaz is typically found as a beautiful, golden brown to yellow stone, with the latter often being mistaken for Citrine, and vice versa. Blue Topaz is found in nature, but is far rarer. Most of the Blue Topaz available commercially is usually heat treated clear Topaz. Nonetheless, it is still real Topaz and has the same metaphysical properties of the naturally occurring type.  It is one of the hardest crystals on the planet, which is one of the reasons why it has been used extensively in jewellery making for thousands of years.  It carries a joyful energy and is considered a very lucky stone, attracting good fortune to the wearer.  The blue in particular is a stone of spiritual love and peace.  It is also a manifestation stone, helping to realize dreams in the physical realm.

Topaz, Mystic  Mystic Topaz was first introduced at the Hong Kong Jewellery Trade Fair in 1998. It is genuine, natural Topaz that has been enhanced by bonding or coating the gemstone surface with Titanium.  The coating is only one micron thick but its effects are permanent, and the effect is quite magical, producing a stone with an iridescent, mystical appearance.  It has the added benefit of enhancing the already beautiful metaphysical properties of Topaz with the energies of Titanium.  This combination greatly amplifies the Third Eye or Brow Chakra – it utilizes the spiritual vibration of Topaz and creates a beautiful seer’s stone.

Tourmaline  All Tourmalines are powerful crystals with dynamic energy or vibrations.  They come in a myriad of colours, with prices varying almost as much as the choice of colour.  Most are readily available in either shops or on the internet; with Black (Schrol) Tourmaline being the cheapest and Paraiba Tourmaline being extremely expensive.  Blue (Indicolite) Tourmaline specimens can also be pricey for good quality specimens.  By far the most popular are black, pink, blue and green Tourmaline. In mineralogical terms, Tourmaline is best described as a group of related but very complex aluminum borosilicate minerals. There are eleven distinct mineral species of Tourmaline, based on chemical composition: Buergerite, Chromdravite, Dravite, Elbaite, Feruvite, Foitite, Liddicoatite, Olenite, Povondraite, Schorl and Uvite.  They get their vast array of colours from various metal ions like Iron, Manganese, Titanium and Copper.  

Some Tourmalines have been give common names like Rubilite for pink to red, Schrol for black, Indicolite for blue and Watermelon for those with a pink or red centre surrounded by green Tourmaline.  Others are named after the person who first recorded them (‘Buergerite’ after Professor Buerger), whilst others still, are named after their prime source, as with ‘Paraiba’ Tourmaline, from Paraiba State in Brazil.  Many are so similar to the naked eye, though, that the only way to accurately define which of the eleven groups they fit in to would be via lab analysis.  Elbaite, for example, comes in a wide range of colours in itself, from green, blue, pink, yellow and so on.  Those, therefore, without a common name or certification are usually referred to by their colour, such as Green Tourmaline.  The name ‘Tourmaline’ comes from the Sinhalese (language spoken by the natives of Sri Lanka) word turmali, which was originally used to refer to an assortment of coloured stones.

Metaphysically, Tourmaline crystals have been valued throughout the ages for their stunning beauty as much as for their healing qualities. When faceted the pink/red, blue and green varieties have often been mistaken for Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds.  In healing terms, Tourmaline crystals act fast in resolving problems; cutting straight to the heart of the issue with their clarity, energy and glorious colour.  They can disperse negative energy, enhance psychic ability and increase self-confidence. Below is a brief description of the most popular Tourmalines used for healing purposes, plus they are the most readily available.  We have also included a special entry for Paraiba, which in our opinion (and in fact that of many Tourmaline collectors worldwide), is the Holy Grail and most magical of all Tourmaline crystals!

Black Tourmaline (common name: Schrol)  The black variety is said to provide protection from negativity in all forms; from people, spirit entities, electromagnetic smog and geopathic (environmental) stress. It absorbs and deflects this energy, so regular cleansing is essential.  It is not advised that this be done via water or salt, but sitting a piece in a bowl or organic, brown rice for 24 hours (or until you feel it has been fully cleansed) should suffice.  Always safely discard of the rice afterwards, NEVER cook and eat it or feed to your pets!  Black Tourmaline is also said to sharpen ones mind; to speed up our reactions and mental processing.  It resonates with the Base (or Root) chakra and is an excellent grounding crystal and can enhance vitality and promote emotional balance.  It is readily available at a modest price.

Green Tourmaline  Green Tourmaline is an excellent healing crystal, and if worn for prolonged periods, is considered one of the best all-round, general healing ‘tonic’ crystals. Its lovely deep colour resonates directly with the Heart Chakra, helping restore a sense of hope and joie de vivre where despondency, grief or depression has been present. Wearing or using a piece lets us see that we have options in life and can help us see which is the best route for our spiritual progress. It is said to be able to rekindle creativity where it has been blocked (as with writer's block) and is, therefore excellent for creative and artistic types.

Pink Tourmaline Pink Tourmaline (common name: Rubillite) has a deep, comforting, peaceful energy. It can help to transform negative behavioural patterns into positive ones, especially those brought about by lack of love and nurturing as a child. It is an excellent choice, therefore, for any inner-child work also. 

Watermelon tourmaline This is a combination Tourmaline crystal, having a pink or red centre surrounded by a ring of green tourmaline. In the colour spectrum, red and green are opposites; therefore, this lovely combination can teach us that differing aspects of our nature (or those of others) can exist in harmony. Its energy can help us to balance these aspects; centring vibrations to create a harmonious whole.  On the other hand, pink (or red) and green are the harmonious duality’s of the Heart chakra.  So here we have the combination of Pink and Green Tourmaline, which makes for a beautiful, supportive, loving, healing, peaceful and spiritual blend; benefiting from the qualities and energies of both Pink and Green Tourmaline in one stone. Good specimens, whether in jewellery or rough, are more expensive than the black.

Blue Tourmaline (common name: Indicolite)  This colour Tourmaline is a very spiritual stone, increasing ones awareness of and receptiveness to the higher, subtle vibrations.  For this reason it is an obvious choice for psychic attunement or development.  It works well with both the Third Eye (or Brow) chakra and the Throat chakra; facilitating communication in the latter; helping one to express oneself more precisely and positively.  It is also one of the more expensive stones in this family.  Genuine specimens are getting rather pricey.

Paraiba Tourmaline  This is an exciting new find among Tourmalines, and indeed in the world of crystals and gemstones in general. They were first discovered in 1989 by a man called Heitor Dimas Barbosa.  He was digging in a Brazilian state called Pariba, where he was convinced he would find some new and different crystal, and he wasn’t wrong!  Five years after he first started mining, the first Paraiba Tourmaline crystals were found.  After identifying the particular geological conditions which yielded this exquisite and glowing stone (namely copper rich seams), similar discoveries were made in parts of Africa, in Mozambique and Nigeria.  These finds first came on to the open market in 2003 and 2005 respectively.

Turquoise  This most beautiful of crystals has been prized across the globe for thousands of years.  It is considered one of the Master Healing Stones and legend has it that it will change colour to warn the wearer of impending danger!  It purifies, strengthens and enhances all four energy bodies and when coupled with Pearl it can be a great emotional balancer whilst also helping create focus to aid personal goals.  The various varieties of Turquoise around the world each differ slightly in colour and some have slightly differing metaphysical properties. These include: Tibetan Turquoise (contains the OM vibration, pale greenish/blue in colour. Often Chinese Turquoise is passed off as Tibetan, so always try to buy from a trusted source), African Turquoise (quite green), Chinese Turquoise (also quite green/blue), American Turquoise (turquoise) Sleeping Beauty Turquoise (one of the best – pure deep turquoise in colour).