Tourmaline
Nature's Source Of Far Infrared (FIR) and Negative Ions

Tourmaline is prized as a beautiful, semi-precious gem.

Now, as a mineral, it has become a focus of research at universities and research centers worldwide. The reason - infrared Tourmaline is the only one mineral to show permanent electricity on the earth and is also a natural (non-manufactured) source of negative ions and far infrared (FIR) rays. It is also known to be helpful for improving circulation, relieving stress, increasing mental alertness and strengthening the immune system function (Niwa Institute for Immunology, Japan. Int J. Biometeorol 1993 Sep; 37(3) 133-8).

Around 1986, it was found in a research station in Japan that, even though tourmaline was broken down in smaller pieces, a positive and a negative electrode existed on both end of the crystal, and the electrodes never disappeared unless tourmaline was boiled near 1000°C. In addition, when the positive and the negative electrodes of a tourmaline crystal were connected to each other, it was proven to show low electricity of 0.06mA.

Tourmaline has been researched and found to activate animal & plant metabolism.

FIR has three properties: radiation, deep penetration, and resonance absorption. Let's look at the relationship between these three properties and living things. First, radiation: it means it can directly reach human bodies just like light does. For example, sunlight, which is also radiation, reaches earth through the vastness of space. Second, deep penetration: FIR can reach well into subcutaneous layers of the body (or water) with its deep penetration ability, generating internal warmth suitable for molecule activation in living tissue. The third feature is resonance absorption: Once illuminated, there is intrinsic vibration of body components - water, protein, fat, enzymes. And, the interior of molecules - atoms and atomic structures - experience the resonance absorption of FIR of their same frequency. This elevation of molecular energy is known as "resonance and absorption."
 

source: ion life (http://www.ionizers.org/tourmaline.html)