PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - cyclosilicates
- COMPOSITION NaMg3Al6(BO3)3Si< sub>6O18(OH)4
- COLOR Pale to dark brown, blackish, more rarely dark-yellow or blue
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Trigonal
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Massive
- HARDNESS 7
- FRACTURE Irregular to subconchoidal
- EXFOLIATION Null
- SHINEVitreous, resinous
- STRIPEBright brown
- TRANSPARENCY Transparent, translucent
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 3.03 - 3.18
- REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.61 - 1.64
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The dravite or brown tourmaline is one of the eleven existing species within the tourmalines, borosilicates of complex and variable composition whose members share a crystalline structure. Dravite is magnesium tourmaline and its color is yellowish or dark brown.
Dravite forms implanted or semi-implanted crystals, elongated, with vertical grooves and triangular section. Its crystals are usually prismatic and it is found in pegmatites, in granites, in hydrothermal veins and in pneumatolithic veins.
Deposits: Sri Lanka, Brazil, United States, Australia, Afghanistan and Italy.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The dravite is considered a stone indicated to cleanse and open the chakra of the earth and the connection with it. Cleanses and protects the aura, promotes community spirit. It strengthens empathy, pragmatism and creativity.
On a physical level, it is said to help regenerate the body, treat intestinal disorders and skin diseases. It is also beneficial for sexuality and for healing the emotional dysfunction that lies behind the loss of libido.
