There’s something deliciously old‑fashioned about the idea of “guarding the threshold.”
It conjures images of an Edgar Allen Poe story – a raging storm crashes at the creaking oak doors, rain lashing against the wood, iron hinges rattling ominously, and a suspiciously well‑fed black cat glares at any strangers that may try to seek refuge on such a filthy night.
In the old days, the threshold wasn’t just a divider between rooms – it was a magical boundary. Inside was yours. Outside was theirs. And in between? That was the danger zone.
Black tourmaline has long been considered the guardian of that gateway.
For the sceptical amongst you, black tourmaline being used for protection isn’t a hippy New Age construct. In parts of Africa, it was ground into powder and sprinled around homes to create a protective barrier.
In India and Sri Lanka it was worn as an amulet to ward off the evil eye – preventing others ‘hexing’ you with a withering glare.
In Britain, a perforated axe‑head made from tourmaline‑bearing granite was discovered in an early Bronze Age Beaker burial near Durrington, Wiltshire. While it isn’t a black tourmaline gemstone, it’s a stunning piece, and yes, I do suddenly fancy some cheese.
Tourmaline was used by the Romans to ward off evil and ill will, but examples are very rare because it was often misidentified. Until the 16th and 17th centuries, red tourmaline was thought to be ruby! German mining records from the 15th and 16th century list Black Tourmaline as Schorl.
No matter whether you’re a believer or dyed in the wool sceptic, I think we can all agree it’s a beautiful stone. It seems to be the perfect marriage of myth and material. It’s ancient enough to carry the weight of tradition, tough enough to survive daily life, and stylish enough to wear.
With it’s vertical striations and beautiful matte black colour, it’s an eyecatching stone that isn’t too well-known outside of certain circles. You’re certainly not likely to find it in mass produced high-street tat.
So whether you believe in its protective powers or just like the way it looks, placing it at your threshold is a nod to centuries of human habit: the instinct to guard what’s ours, keep the bad out, and make the entrance look fabulous while we’re at it.
Thanks for reading my little blog post. If you’d like to find out more about me, my work, and the stories behind each piece, you’re always welcome to explore the rest of Stuff By Rox. You’ll find jewellery, gems, and a few unexpected treasures along the way. And if you’d like to say hello in person, keep an eye on my events page – I’d love for you to pop by, say hello, and see the sparkle up close.
