In this post, we’re diving into 8 easy and fun ways on how to cleanse black tourmaline, re-charge, and activate it.
Think of this as your Crystal Care 101 blog post. A simple guide to keeping your black tourmaline energetically clear, so it’s ready to support your energy work.
And if you’re curious to explore more about this rich, earthy mineral, check out our indepth post. Black Tourmaline Crystal: Meaning, Benefits & Uses.
Why Cleanse Black Tourmaline For Energy Work?
Black tourmaline is a black boron silicate mineral commonly used in crystal healing and other metaphysical practices.
It’s often selected for its grounding properties and associations with stability and protection.
In energy work, black tourmaline is believed to absorb and neutralize unwanted energy.
This is why regular cleansing of black tourmaline is considered important by many who work with it. Maintaining its energetic clarity.
Some use it with the intention of reducing feelings of stress.
Others for maintaining emotional balance, particularly during meditation and chakra work.
Here’s a second example of why cleansing black tourmaline or any other crystal is important before using it for your energy work:
Cleansing a crystal allows it to remove any energies still attached to it, placed upon it unintentionally by a previous owner (the seller.)
Imagine you’ve just bought a beautiful piece of black tourmaline.
Before it reached you, it may have passed through several hands.
Different store shelves. Various packaging centers, maybe even another person’s personal collection.
Each of those interactions could have left behind different sets of energies. Intentions, and emotional imprints.
Just like you’d wash new bed linen before using it, from the starch and chemicals used. Cleansing your stone helps clear away any residual energy.
This way you begin working with fresh vibrations! And new intentions. Your intentions!
Black Tourmaline Energy Clearing
- Black tourmaline is often placed near other stones in crystal collections. Since it’s known for it’s almost magnetic, vacuum effect for negative energy clearing.
- This is why it’s also used for cleansing all the other stones and crystals in your collection.
- It has strong associations with it’s protective and grounding qualities.
- Frequently placed near electronic devices due to a belief that it may help shield against electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Although there’s no scientific evidence to support this.
- Practitioners usually place black tourmaline in living spaces for energy clearing and grounding.
It’s no wonder it’s commonly placed at the center of a crystal grid or healing stones collection.
You might even consider your crystal collection incomplete without it.
8 Different Ways on How To Cleanse Black Tourmaline
Every new crystal you add to your collection needs to be cleansed first. Including your black tourmaline crystal.
Here we’ll list 8 easy and even fun ways to cleanse black tourmaline. These practices are commonly used in metaphysical sessions.
You choose the method that feels intuitively meaningful for you. This way you’re fully “in the zone” with your cleansing intentions.
We’ll also include some safety tips when cleansing black tourmaline. So your stone stays in good shape for the long run.
Cleansing black tourmaline (with helpful care tips)
1. How to cleanse black tourmaline with water
Technically, black tourmaline is not considered porous in the same way as stones like selenite.
It’s on the hardness Mohs scale of 7 to 7.5 and is relatively durable. So let’s get a little deeper and see which ways to cleanse it using water.
Black tourmaline’s structure can have some natural striations, cracks, or inclusions.
Especially in the raw forms and unpolished pieces. These may trap moisture or become vulnerable over time if repeatedly exposed to water.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Use cool or lukewarm water — Avoid hot water. This could stress or crack the stone over time.
Tap water is okay — For short rinses. Clean tap water is commonly used. Just be mindful of any harsh chemicals in your local water supply.
Filtered water is gentler — If you want to avoid chlorine or additives in our water supplies. Filtered water is a good alternative for a more mineral-safe cleanse.
Avoid prolonged soaking — Especially for your raw or unpolished black tourmaline piece. It may be porous and structurally fragile.
Ocean water is not a recommended option — The salt content and natural abrasives can damage the surface and even create micro-fractures over time.
Do not use salt water — Salt can be harsh and may even degrade or dull the stone over time.
Pat dry immediately — After rinsing, gently dry the stone with a soft cloth to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Best for polished stones only — Polished or tumbled black tourmaline stones are more water-resistant than the raw pieces. But it’s still best to avoid soaking or leaving it in water for long periods.
2. Ancient Smudging and Incense Cleansing
Use natural incense or herbs — For smudging choose options like sage, palo santo, cedar. Of if you like to use incense get some fragrances like frankincense or myrrh. These have been used for traditional energy-clearing practices.
Hold your tourmaline in the smoke — Gently wave your tourmaline through the rising smoke. Or you can let the smoke drift over it while it rests on a heat-safe surface.
Smudge in a well-ventilated area — Always use proper ventilation to avoid inhaling too much smoke. Keeping your ritual safe and comfortable.
Time it intuitively — There’s no strict time requirement when it comes to this method. Many people cleanse for 30 seconds to a few minutes. This all depends on what feels right for you when you’re in the zone!
Safe for raw and polished stones — The smoke and smudging doesn’t involve water or friction. So it’s a great methods for all forms of black tourmaline.
Pair cleansing with intention — Now this is optional. Some like to set an intention or repeat a mantra while cleansing to help stay focused in the ritual.
3. Moonlight Cleansing Ritual
Use the full moon — The full moon is commonly associated with energy renewal in many metaphysical practices. It’s believed to be the most effective time for cleansing and recharging crystals.
Place it somewhere safe — Set your black tourmaline on a windowsill, balcony, or any place where it can safely receive direct and even indirect moonlight is OK.
No need for outdoor exposure — Moonlight through a window is still considered effective in these practices. And it’s safer for the tourmaline, than leaving it outside overnight.
Avoid morning sunlight — If left out too long, especially in direct sun, black tourmaline can fade or become brittle over time.
Duration is flexible — Some choose to leave their stone overnight, while others place it in moonlight for just a few hours. Whatever feels intuitively right.
Safe for all forms — This method is gentle and safe for both raw and polished black tourmaline pieces.
Optional: pair with intention — Some people love the idea of setting a personal intention. Even by meditating briefly while placing the stone in the moonlight.
4. Sound Cleansing Attunement
Use sound tools with vibration — Instruments like singing bowls, tuning forks, chimes, or even a gentle bell can be used. These create sound waves believed to shift or clear energy.
No contact needed — Simply play the sound near your black tourmaline. There’s no need to touch or move the stone. Just allow the vibrations to surround it.
Focus on consistency, not volume — It’s not about how loud the sound is. A steady tone is key.
Duration is up to you — Many people use sound for 30 seconds to a few minutes and some even longer. This really depends on your intent focus and enjoying the experience.
Safe for all stones — Sound is a non-invasive method and can be completely safe for raw or polished black tourmaline pieces.
5. How to cleanse black tourmaline with earth
In metaphysical practices, burying a crystal in the soil is seen as a way to return it to its natural element. It symbolizes reset and charge.
Allowing the stone to release any energetic buildup, reconnecting with the grounding frequency of Mother Earth.
This method is often used when a stone feels energetically “heavy” or after intense energy work.
Bury the stone in natural soil — either in a garden, a backyard. Even in a clean potted plant indoors.
Leave it buried for several hours or overnight — giving the stone time to energetically “recharge” through the earth.
Wrap the stone in a natural cloth (like cotton or muslin) protecting it from dirt. While still allowing energetic exchange.
Dust off gently after removing it. Water isn’t necessary unless needed.
This method is usually safe for both raw and polished black tourmaline. With the right precautions that is.
Avoid wet or damp soil — moisture can enter the natural cracks, causing long-term damage. Especially to the raw pieces.
Skip chemically treated soil — pesticides or fertilizers can leave a residue and even harm the stone’s surface.
- Check the stone’s condition afterward — raw stones may be more fragile if exposed to moisture or pressure underground.
6. How to cleanse black tourmaline with selenite
In crystal healing practices, selenite is considered a self-cleansing stone. Meaning it can also energetically clear and recharge other crystals, including black tourmaline.
This is especially useful to know because black tourmaline is often placed near other stones in crystal collections.
It’s known for its almost magnetic, vacuum-like effect when it comes to absorbing and clearing negative energy for the other stones.
Regularly cleansing black tourmaline using selenite helps boost it and keeps it from becoming energetically overloaded. Here’s how you can use the selenite.
Place your black tourmaline on or next to your piece of selenite. You can use a selenite charging plate, bowl, wand, or slab. .
Let them sit together for several hours or overnight — There’s no strict timing. Practitioners usually leave the stones together for a full cycle (like overnight or during their meditation).
Keep the setup in a quiet, undisturbed space — A shelf, altar, or nightstand works well.
Optional: Take a moment of mindfulness as you place the stone for added focus.
Keep selenite dry too — Selenite is a soft mineral that can be damaged by water, so avoid placing it in humid areas.
Use genuine selenite or quartz — If you’re into working with energy and meditation, be sure your selenite is authentic. Avoid relying on artificial materials that don’t carry the same energetic properties.
7. Using brown rice to cleanse black tourmaline
In metaphysical practices, brown rice is believed to act like an energetic sponge. It gently draws out and neutralizes unwanted or stagnant energy from crystals.
This method is simple, accessible, and doesn’t involve water or smoke.
Fill a clean bowl with dry brown rice — Make sure the rice is uncooked and stored in a dry space.
Completely bury the stone in the rice — Leave it fully covered to allow for full energetic absorption.
Leave it for several hours or overnight — Timing is flexible; 4–12 hours seems to be a common practice.
8. Visualization or Breathwork to cleanse tourmaline
This method involves using your own energy and intention to clear your black tourmaline.
In metaphysical traditions, focused thought, breath, or guided imagery is believed to help reset a crystal’s energetic state. It’s quiet, personal, and requires no tools.
Hold the stone in your hands — Sit comfortably and take a few slow, grounding breaths onto the tourmaline.
Visualize cleansing energy — Imagine a bright white or golden light surrounding the stone. Gently dissolving any heavy or stagnant energy.
Use breath to guide the process —While holding the stone, take slow, intentional breaths. As you inhale, imagine drawing in clean, clearing energy. As you exhale, visualize that energy flowing through your hands into the stone. Removing and releasing anything unwanted or stagnant.
Set a clear intention — Silently (or aloud) affirm what you’re doing, such as: “I release all stagnant energy from this stone.”
Are Charging and Activating Crystals the Same Thing?
Not exactly.
While they’re related, charging and activating a crystal are considered two different steps.
🔋 Charging Example
What it means: Restoring or replenishing the crystal’s energy after it’s been used or cleansed.
When it’s done: Normally after the cleansing process.
Purpose: To “refill” the stone energetic vibrations so it’s ready to be used again.
⚡ Activating Example
What it means: Setting a specific intention or programming the crystal for a particular purpose. Example-protection, grounding, clarity.
When it’s done: After charging, when you’re ready to work with the stone.
Purpose: To align the crystal’s energy with your personal goal or focus.
How to charge black tourmaline
Charging: After you’ve gone through the cleansing process.
Next is all about charging it. This means boosting its nice clean energy now.
If you prefer not to use natural elements like sunlight or moonlight that’s similar to the cleansing process, there’s a great alternative.
A selenite plate, selenite bowl or just a piece of selenite is fine. Selenite naturally amplifies energy, making it perfect for recharging your crystal’s protective and grounding power. So it’s a great black tourmaline charger.
Simply place your black tourmaline on the selenite for several hours or overnight.
How to activate black tourmaline
Activating: The next day , hold your black tourmaline in your hands. Or you can place it on your third eye chakra, (located between your eyebrows). Consciously focusing on your intention for the crystal.
For example, protection or grounding. As you do this, you’re energetically aligning the crystal with your specific purpose.
Helping it to “tune in” with your energy and goals.
Placing black tourmaline on your third eye can actually be a very powerful practice. The third eye is linked to inner wisdom, heightened intuition, and spiritual awareness.
By using the crystal in this area, you’re aligning its protective and grounding energies with your higher consciousness. This can help with focus, mental clarity, and emotional balance during activation.
Here are some hand-picked products I’ve mentioned throughout this post. Have a look and see what feels right for you when doing your energy work.
A few of these are my personal favorites that I use over and over in my energy work.
Final thoughts on how to cleanse black tourmaline
So now you know 8 easy and fun ways on how to cleanse black tourmaline. Including the difference between charging and activating your crystal.
Whether you’re using this stone for protection, grounding, or energy clearing, keeping it energetically fresh is important for energy work. It helps your black tourmaline stay fully in tune with your intentions.
Want to explore more? Check out this post on Black Tourmaline Crystal: Meaning, Benefits & Uses.
And if you’re growing your collection, here’s more posts on must-have crystals you can explore.
