Crystal Encyclopedia

Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Luxullianite

The Rose and Raven Stone of Cornwall

Also known as: Luxulyanite, Luxuliane

About the stone

Luxullianite crystal
Photo: kevinzim / Kevin Walsh, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Luxullianite is a rare, tourmaline-rich granite distinguished by pink feldspar crystals and dark, radiating “suns” of tourmaline in a quartz-rich matrix; it formed when boron-rich fluids altered existing granite. Named after Luxulyan in Cornwall, England, it was described by mineralogist Félix Pisani in 1864, although local boulders were known earlier—the stone was used for the Duke of Wellington’s sarcophagus, completed in 1858. Its classic sources lie around Luxulyan and the St Austell granite, with a similar occurrence documented in eastern Dartmoor, Devon. Alternative spellings include luxulyanite and luxulianite, while the original name appeared as luxuliane. Modern crystal lore associates it with grounding and protection through its tourmaline content.

Mineral data

  • Chemical composition: Luxullianite is a rare porphyritic granite with clusters of radiating, needle-like black tourmaline crystals set in pink orthoclase and quartz, within a matrix of quartz, tourmaline, alkali feldspar, brown mica and cassiterite. It is a rock, so its composition varies.
  • Hardness: About 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
  • Color: Pink (orthoclase) with black tourmaline throughout.

Metaphysical data

Luxullianite, recognized for its pink and black patterns from Cornwall, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to protect without closing the heart and to encourage confident, grounded action.

Grounding and Protective Energy

  • Luxullianite is believed to combine the grounding properties of black tourmaline with the heart opening pink orthoclase.
  • It is said to protect against negative energy without closing one off to new experiences, a balance many find valuable.

Emotional Healing

  • The stone is thought to balance the emotions and ground one in the now, calming the push and pull of racing thoughts.
  • It is often used by those who wish to stay open-hearted while still guarding themselves from draining influences.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

  • Luxullianite is associated with the lower four chakras, where it is thought to strengthen stability, creative flow, confidence and affection.
  • Held in meditation, its pink and black are imagined as the heart's warmth held within a strong, steady frame.

Zodiac Associations

  • Luxullianite is linked to the zodiac sign of Virgo, whose care, discernment and practicality match this stone's grounded, service-minded character.
  • In numerology it vibrates to the number 7, associated with reflection, study and inner wisdom.

Spiritual Growth

  • Luxullianite is said to allow one to go out into the world with confidence, determination and motivation to pursue goals.
  • As a rare stone from Cornwall, it is often valued as a link to place, history and the enduring strength of old granite.

Physical Healing

  • Luxullianite is traditionally said to be beneficial to the heart and blood circulation, and to detox the blood, though it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Anyone with heart or circulation concerns should consult a qualified health professional, using the stone only as a comforting companion.

Care and handling

Luxullianite is a tough, granite-based rock. Clean it with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth, then dry well. It tolerates sunlight and everyday handling, but avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners and sharp blows that might chip polished edges.

Individual experiences with Luxullianite vary and are personal. Use it mindfully, and let its pink and black remind you that openness and strength can live in the same stone.