Abstract To improve the compatibility and dispersed stability between tourmaline and a polymer resin matrix, the surface organic modification of tourmaline powder with span-60 was studied, and factors that influence the modification effects were investigated using the activation index and contact angle. The results showed that the activation index of modified tourmaline powder approached 100% after tourmaline powder was reacted with 3% (of tourmaline mass) span-60 at 60 °C in toluene for 1 h. Structural analysis revealed that hydrophobic alkyl groups attached to the surface of tourmaline due to the reaction of span-60 with hydroxyl groups attached to the surface of tourmaline due to the reaction of span-60 with hydroxyl groups. The attachment of the alkyl groups improved the hydrophobic surface properties of tourmaline without altering its crystal configuration. The amount of negative ions released from modified tourmaline was greater than that released from unmodified tourmaline. The dispersancy of modified tourmaline in polypropylene was clearly better than that of unmodified tourmaline, and the amount of negative ions released from the modified tourmaline/PP composite was greater than that released from the unmodified tourmaline/PP composite.