Tourmaline powder (also known as tourmaline micro-powder or electric stone powder) is a functional material derived from the boron-containing cyclosilicate mineral tourmaline (chemical formula: NaR₃Al₆[Si₆O₁₈][BO₃]₃(OH,F)₄). It possesses a unique set of permanent physical properties that make it valuable across multiple industries.
1. Negative Ion Emission
Tourmaline permanently releases negative air ions (anions) upon contact with water or moisture. The finer the particle size, the higher the emission — for example, 100 mesh produces approximately 200 ions, 325 mesh produces about 400 ions, and 1250 mesh produces up to 800 ions. These ions neutralize positive ions from radiation, purify air, and improve indoor air quality.
2. Far-Infrared (FIR) Radiation
When heated, tourmaline powder emits far-infrared rays (wavelength 4~14 μm), which penetrate the skin, promote blood circulation, boost metabolism, and provide deep-tissue warming effects. This property is widely used in health textiles, sauna rooms, and therapeutic products.
3. Permanent Spontaneous Polarization (Electrostatic Field)
Tourmaline crystals carry a permanent electrostatic field around their c-axis. This field adsorbs heavy metal ions (Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺), dust, and impurities — making it highly effective for water purification and wastewater treatment.
4. Piezoelectric & Pyroelectric Effect
Tourmaline generates electric charge under mechanical pressure (piezoelectric) or temperature change (pyroelectric). This enables applications in sensors, infrared detectors, and pressure gauges.
5. Electromagnetic Shielding (EMI Protection)
Tourmaline absorbs and converts harmful electromagnetic waves into harmless far-infrared radiation. It is used in anti-radiation clothing, shields, and protective devices for electronics, vehicles, and buildings.
6. Odor Adsorption & Deodorization
The permanent electric field and high surface activity of tourmaline powder effectively adsorb odors from paints, adhesives, tobacco smoke, and indoor air. It is commonly added to coatings, textiles, and air fresheners.
7. Antibacterial & Antifungal
Negative ions and the alkaline micro-environment created by tourmaline inhibit bacterial growth. This is applied in health textiles, wall coatings, and water filtration media.
8. pH Regulation & Water Activation
When in contact with water, tourmaline raises the pH toward neutral (~7), removes residual chlorine, enriches water with trace minerals (B, F, Sr, Li), and increases dissolved oxygen — ideal for drinking water purification and mineralized water products.
Health & Cosmetics: Creams, masks, soaps, shampoo — using FIR, negative ions, and trace elements (B, F, Sr) to improve skin absorption, anti-aging, and acne treatment.
Textiles: Anti-radiation shirts, blankets, insoles — using FIR, negative ions, and EMI shielding for warmth, health benefits, and electromagnetic protection.
Coatings & Building Materials: Interior wall paint, insulation boards — using deodorization, negative ions, and antibacterial properties for long-term odor removal.
Water Treatment: Ceramic balls, filter media — using heavy metal adsorption, pH neutralization, and mineralization.
Air Purification: Air fresheners, HVAC filters — using negative ion generation and particulate adsorption.
Electronics: Sensors, infrared detectors — using piezoelectric and pyroelectric effects.
Agriculture: Irrigation water treatment, soil amendment — using water activation and trace element supply.
Tourmaline powder is a multi-functional mineral material whose permanent negative ion emission, far-infrared radiation, spontaneous electrostatic field, piezoelectricity, and electromagnetic shielding capabilities make it indispensable in health, environmental, textile, cosmetic, water treatment, and electronic industries.
Chinese: 电气石粉 — English: Tourmaline powder / Tourmaline micro-powder
Chinese: 托玛琳粉 — English: Tourmaline powder (trade name: Turmalin)
Chinese: 负离子粉 — English: Negative ion powder / Anion-emitting powder
Chinese: 远红外粉 — English: Far-infrared (FIR) powder
Chinese: 碧玺 — English: Tourmaline (gemstone grade)