THE properties of Tourmaline.
The Tourmaline is of comparatively modern origin in Europe as far as its use as a precious stone is concerned.
Tourmaline is very remarkable because of its electrical qualities, for when heated one end will become positive and attract straws or ashes, whilst the other end will be negative and non-attractive.
It is transparent in one direction, but if looked at from another it may be found quite opaque.
It is found in India, Siberia, Brazil, and America, and of all colours and shadings of red, pink, yellow, green, and white, two colours may also exist on the same crystal, which may be green at one end and red at the other.
This is probably the stone Pliny describes as the Lychnis, which, being very susceptible to solar influences, attracted small particles of chaff when heated by the sun, and had the power of « dispersing fears and melancholic passions. »
It was also worn to procure inspiration, to attract favours, and to secure friends.
