Category: Gems

History of the stone

Jasper is a colorful stone. This is how the name is translated from the Greek “Jaspis”. This semi-precious gem is valued all over the world for its multicoloredness. It has been known since ancient times. Primitive people used jasper as a material for jewelry – rings and amulets.

The formation of stone originates many centuries ago. In those days, there was a Warm Sea in the Urals and volcanoes were active. Volcanic ash mixed with colored silt. Iron and manganese oxides – brown, red and even black, green chloride salts, blue silicates, and all kinds of other minerals are part of jasper. Gradually, the sea dried up, the rocks hardened, became dense and compressed. So a new diverse mineral was born. In terms of texture and colors, it cannot be compared with any other stones, it is diverse and has many varieties.

Varieties of jasper

Jasper is most often distinguished by color and texture. Consider the most common and well-known types of jasper.

In addition, there are several stones in the name of which the word “jasper” is used, although in reality they have nothing to do with this mineral. Most often, the following stones are misleading people who are not very experienced in gemology:

Physical and chemical properties of stone

Jaspers are 80-95% silicon dioxide SiO₂and everything else is impurities. Mohs hardness is 7 and density is 2.65 g/cm³. The mineral does not transmit light, the fracture is splintery, there is no cleavage.

The color palette of jasper is very extensive – it is not only pure blue, all other shades are found in this popular stone to one degree or another.

Place of Birth

Jasper is commercially mined in France, India, the USA and Germany. However, the largest deposits of jasper are in Russia. One of them is the Colonel mountain deposit. Jasper has been mined there for about 250 years.

Healing and magical properties of jasper

In ancient times, jasper healed eyesight and protected houses from the evil eye. In temples, floors were made of jasper, since this stone was considered divine, exorcising demons. Sorcerers and magicians kept their belongings in caskets and boxes made from this mineral. It was also believed that in order to perform rituals at a distance, a portrait of a person must be placed in a jasper frame.

Jasper is a source of good energy. Products from this stone cannot harm its owner. All items and jewelry made of jasper act as amulets. They bring happiness and peace to the home.

With the help of red jasper, women’s diseases are treated, and wearing a stone in the abdomen helps to cure diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.

Who will benefit from the stone?

The stone is considered a talisman of scientists and tourists. In order for jasper to become a source of vitality, it should be worn in the form of oval cabochons.

What signs of the zodiac suits jasper

According to astrologers, an ornamental stone is perfect for Virgo. The stone develops intuition, protects against rash acts and maintains health. Also among the favorites of jasper are Gemini and Libra: the gem will give them good luck, help in solving complex issues.

What stones are combined with a stone

Jasper (jasper) of blue shades contributes to the gift of foresight, red – heals from bleeding and female diseases. Avicenna advised the use of jasper in diseases of the stomach. Jasper amulets were used to combat drought, as the element of Water is friendly to him.

Astrologers attribute this stone to the elements of the Earth. Accordingly, the stones of the Earth and Water are well combined with it: opal, alexandrite, topaz, emerald, agate, turquoise.

The following stones are incompatible with jasper: amber, sapphire, diamond, jade.

What metals are combined with jasper

Mars and Mercury govern jasper, and at the same time zinc, iron and nickel. Of the precious metals, silver is the best frame.

Combining jasper and gold is strongly discouraged. The magical properties of the stone will be blocked by metal, which will not have the best effect on the well-being of the owner of the jewelry.

If you dreamed of jasper

A dream with jasper is interpreted by dream books as a happy omen. It will bring success in business activities and romantic relationships. Often symbolizes the return of lost love.

Buy jasper in a dream – to a new pleasant acquaintance. Sell ​​- to unexpected changes.

If a young woman lost jasper in a dream, she needs to prepare for a quarrel with her chosen one.

History of shungite

Shungite is a rock that was once based on organic deposits that were converted into carbon during a long time spent at great depths underground. The structure of the stone is similar to graphite.

The rock was first described several centuries ago: first in 1792 by academician N. Ya. Ozeretskovskyand then in 1848 a mining engineer spoke about them N. K. Komarov. Shungite was discovered in the Zaonezhsky village of Shunga, after which it got its name. Gave the name to the mineral A. A. Inostrantsev

In 1928, a state trust was established under the name “Shungite” and until 1937 this rock was studied. Initially, it was assumed that it has similar properties to coal.

Physical and chemical properties of shungite

Shungite is a stone with a density of 1.8-2.84 g/cm³. Depending on its composition, two main varieties are distinguished.

• Shiny: 60–98% consists of carbon, the remaining 2–40% is ash.
• Matte: carbon from 5% to 35%, and ash – from 65% to 95%.

In addition, the ash part contains a huge amount of impurities.

Shungite is considered a promising material for application in nanotechnology. Its properties are carefully studied in many institutes in different countries. In addition, the stone is absorbent and has catalytic properties.

Shungite deposits

Shungite is a rather rare stone. The main industrial production is carried out on the Zaonezhsky Peninsula. There are deposits along Lake Onega on its northern side. According to experts, the estimated volume of rock from all deposits is about 1 billion tons.

In addition, it was recently confirmed that a large amount of shungite was found in Kazakhstan. Scientists have confirmed the potential reserve of the stone is about 50 million tons.

The presence of shungite in the composition of the soil indicates its fertility.

Healing and magical properties of shungite

The properties of shungite are truly unique. Since ancient times, people have used stone to purify water. This eventually attracted the attention of scientists who were able to scientifically confirm its great benefits for all living things.

There is an interesting story. Boris Godunov exiled Tsarina Xenia (great-grandmother of Peter I) to a monastery. He was on the coast of Onega. There was a spring from which they drank water. It is believed that it was this water that cured the queen of infertility. Xenia gave birth to a son, the future Emperor Mikhail Romanov, and the spring was later named Tsarevnin.

There are many wonderful stories of healing. No wonder Peter I in 1713 issued a decree on the search for medicinal waters in the vicinity of the new capital. Obviously, it was about shungite waters.

Modern scientists believe that Peter I spent the last 10 years of his life thanks to shungite waters. Then the Karelian springs were discovered, and Peter laid the foundation for their wide use. Having experienced the effect of healing water, he ordered each soldier to carry a shungite stone with him and use it to purify water on long trips.

Nowadays, shungite is used in high-quality water filters, in various massagers, as protective plates in gadgets. Jewelers make jewelry from shungite. Such products have a beneficial effect on the entire body.

Who is shungite suitable for?

Shungite has no contraindications. Shungite products can also be worn by children, for example, as key rings, by women and men of all ages.

Shungite not only restores health, but also cleanses the aura, harmonizing energy.

The history of the discovery of charoite

The first charoite was discovered in 1948 in Yakutia on the watershed of the Chara and Tokko rivers by a Russian geologist W. G. Ditmar. The charoite deposit itself was discovered Yu. A. Alekseev and Yu. G. Rogov only in 1973 during the construction of the Yakut BAM.

To search for analogues of a new mineral Yu. G. Rogov was sent to France specifically to compare the lilac specimen with specimens of stones from the Louvre collection, which at that time was considered a complete collection of rocks from all over the world. It turned out that none of the geologists had ever seen a stone like charoite.

Louvre employees offered Rogov to sell it at a good price, but he, of course, refused. In 1977, the name charoite, given to him in honor of the rivers on which he was found, was officially registered.

Physical and chemical properties of charoite

Charoite stone belongs to the pyroxene group. This is a fairly soft ornamental stone. The beautiful lilac color of charoite is due to the presence of manganese impurities, in addition to which the mineral contains oxides of aluminum, sodium, strontium, iron, and rare earth metals. The color of the stone is uneven, the fibrous pattern can be formed by stripes and inclusions of various colors: white, pale lilac, lavender, brown.

There are also charoites, which, after polishing, show the effect of a “cat’s eye”, such stones are highly valued.

Charoite deposits

Only one deposit of charoite “Lilac stone” is known in the world, which is located in Russia between Yakutia and the Irkutsk region. Stone reserves are rapidly depleted, so the authorities have imposed a limit on its extraction in the amount of no more than 100 thousand tons per year. The extraction of the mineral is associated with additional difficulties, since the development is carried out in extreme cold conditions on the top of a mountain in an earthquake-prone area.

In view of these reasons, as well as the natural beauty of charoite, it is not surprising that its price is quite high. So, 1 kg of an unprocessed high-quality gem costs about $100, while in a finished product, depending on the color, a small stone can be valued at $50-80.

Healing and magical properties of charoite

Charoite became known to mankind relatively recently, but it has already been appreciated by modern esotericists and lithotherapists. Since the charoite stone is an energy absorber and accumulator, plates from it are placed on diseased and inflamed areas of the body to alleviate the effects of injuries and “pull out” the infection. Stone massage of acupuncture points relieves migraine and fever.

It is also believed that the lilac mineral helps to remove stones from the kidneys and gallbladder. Charoite has a strong calming effect on the nervous system, relaxes and relieves stress.

Psychics and soothsayers use charoite to merge into energy flows, to unite with the forces of nature. Statuettes and other decorative items made of charoite, located in places of frequent common residence of households, for example, kitchen, living room, contribute to the harmonization of relations in the family. Charoite in the bedroom will help to achieve mutual understanding of partners and establish an intimate life.

Who suits charoite

Charoite is a stone of individuals prone to deep reasoning and creative research, it sets you in a philosophical mood and contributes to the concentration of thought. A talisman in the form of a ball of charoite is good to have on the desktop for writers, scientists, and figures in various fields of art.

If we are talking about the signs of the Zodiac, then it is important to know that charoite is the stone of Venus, and is best suited to Libra, Gemini and Aquarius. On representatives of other signs, it can also have a favorable, but rather weak effect, or not manifest itself at all.

Most importantly, charoite does not carry aggressive energy and will become an excellent talisman for its owner.

History of zoisite

The first name of the mineral – saualpit – is associated with the first discovered mining site – the Sau-Alps ridge in the Carinthia region, in Austria-Hungary. The mineral was officially described at the beginning of the 19th century. Now the term “zaualpit” is practically not used.

The second name – zoisite – was formed on behalf of Baron Zygmund Zoiz, a native of Slovenia, who studied biology and mineralogy in the late 18th – early 19th centuries. Being interested in the development of science, the baron organized research expeditions, in which he personally participated.

So, during one of the trips, Zoise found transparent crystals of a green hue. Chemical analysis showed that the sample does not belong to any of the known minerals.

Physical and chemical properties of stone

Zoisite is a silicate. It contains silicon, aluminum, iron and a small amount of other metals, which are responsible for the color spectrum of the color of the mineral. So, zoisite is pink, blue, green, yellow interspersed with other shades. The color of the stone is mostly heterogeneous.

The Mohs hardness index is from 6 to 6.5 units, which makes it not easy to leave a scratch on zoisite. In addition, the mineral is resistant to acids, but under the influence of high temperatures it melts, forming a light foam.

Place of Birth

The first place of extraction of zoisite was located on the territory of the Sau-Alps, Austria-Hungary. Now the mineral is mined in Germany, Norway, in Russia – in the Urals.

Varieties of zoisite

Modern mineralogists distinguish four varieties of saualpit, depending on the color and place of extraction.

The most expensive variety of zoisite is tanzanite. This is a transparent mineral of a rich blue or brown color, which is mined mainly in Tanzania. The mining region gave the name to the stone.

Thulite is pink zoisite. The first sample of the mineral was found on the territory of the Norwegian state of Tul.

There are also compound minerals in which zoisite combines with other types of gems. Thus, the relatively common aniolite consists of greenish zoisite and pink or red ruby.

How to distinguish natural zoisite from a fake

As fakes for zoisite, painted glass or plastic is often used. The main difference between the original and the imitation is the nature of the coloring. The color of the mineral is often heterogeneous, but fakes often show gaps in poorly painted areas.

Black inclusions can be seen on the surface of zoisite. On fakes, black dots are most often scattered in an unnatural order.

Healing properties of the mineral

Zoisite has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, helping to normalize pressure and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Lithotherapists recommend that weather-dependent people wear necklaces or earrings with zoisite to reduce the impact of weather on health.

Due to its effect on blood vessels, saualpit can help get rid of headaches and relieve migraine attacks. If you regularly wear jewelry with a mineral, then sleep normalizes and the work of the nervous system stabilizes, which, in turn, will help you cope with stress and remain calm in stressful situations.

magical properties

Zoisite is a symbol of home comfort and spiritual comfort. It is a charm of newlyweds and lovers. It is believed that jewelry with saualpit will help attract love and keep it for a long time. People who experience problems with empathy are advised to meditate with gemstone products in order to sharpen their emotional perception and learn to feel others.

Zoisite can become a talisman for ambitious individuals who face difficulties and obstacles every day.

Depending on the color, the mineral is endowed with different qualities. So pink crystals affect the sensual sphere and help protect against negativity. Stones of a yellowish-green hue strengthen willpower and enhance mental abilities.

How to care for zoisite jewelry

Zoisite has a high hardness index. In addition, the mineral is resistant to acids. Therefore, mildly abrasive products can be used to clean zoisite jewelry. The mineral is not recommended to be subjected to heat treatment, as its structure is destroyed under the influence of high temperatures.

Who will benefit from the stone?

Zoisite will help representatives of creative professions to enhance the emotional artistic manifestation, and lawyers and psychologists – to sharpen the perception of the surrounding situation and with great success to resist stressful situations.

Zoisite will give a lover happiness and many years, full of mutual understanding with his chosen one.

What zodiac signs are suitable for zoisite

Zoisite goes well with representatives of Aquarius, Taurus, Libra and Gemini.

It is not recommended to wear jewelry with zoisite to Lions, Aries and Sagittarius.

How much does zoisite cost

The price of zoisite varies depending on the color and quality of the mineral. The cost for 1 carat gem can be up to 300 US dollars.

History of fluorite

Fluorite has been known since ancient Rome. Then “Murinovye” vases were made from it. And it was such a vessel that initiated the release of hydrogen fluoride from this mineral.

The name fluorite comes from the Latin “fluor” – “to flow”. The gem is extraordinarily beautiful and is found in the most beautiful and vibrant shades – from emerald green to deep purple.

Varieties of fluorite stone

Depending on the chemical composition and color of the stone, there are several main varieties of it:

• Anthozonite – has a bright, rich and deep purple color.
• Chlorophane – Emerald fluorite.
• Ratovkit – pale purple, closer to lilac or even pink.
• Yttrofluorite – from yellow to yellow-brown.

Physico-chemical properties of fluorite

The color palette of fluorite is extremely diverse with a characteristic zonal coloration. It is often polychrome (multi-color) – this is due to structural defects. The luster of the stone is glassy.

The chemical formula of fluorite is CaF_2. The stone is quite fragile and its hardness on the Mohs scale is only 4, which can make it difficult to process.

One of the properties that made fluorite famous is luminescence. It was thanks to this stone that this phenomenon was revealed and studied.

Deposits of fluorite stone

Fluorite deposits are located in Turkey, Germany, Italy, Norway and Greenland, Great Britain, Canada, and the United States of America.

The stone is also mined in Russia. The largest deposits are located in Transbaikalia, Primorsky Krai and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. In addition, the mineral can be found in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

The healing and magical properties of fluorite

Magicians and psychics very often use fluorite in their practice. It is considered a very strong stone. Mediums, for example, use the stone to evoke the spirit of the deceased. It is believed that a séance without fluorite is not authentic. Any predictions made with this mineral will be more accurate.

As for the healing properties of fluorite, lithotherapists recommend massage with balls of this stone to those who are prone to sudden changes in pressure. Rolling the ball over the body restores the energy balance and stimulates the proper functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Jewelry with fluorite can, in combination with sports, quickly get rid of neuroses and hysterical states. It is useful to have a ball of fluorite in your bedroom. It normalizes sleep, cleanses the aura of its owner and creates an influx of beneficial energy.

Who is Fluorite for?

Unlike the vast majority of precious and semi-precious stones, fluorite has no “contraindications” for any sign of the Zodiac. And yet this stone has its favorites. Astrologers believe that fluorite is most suitable for Virgo and Sagittarius.

A stone can also be a good helper for travelers and people involved in science.

History of uvarovite

The mineral uvarovite, a variety of bright green garnet, was discovered at the beginning of the 19th century on the territory of the Ural Saranovsky deposit. In 1832, it was classified and described by the chemist and mineralogist Hermann Hess, who named it after Count Sergei Uvarov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Uvarovite has several names: imperial stone, Ural emerald, chromium garnet, trautvinite (mostly this name is found in foreign literature), hanleite (uvarovite mined in India on the territory of the Hanli deposit).

Physiochemical properties

The “birth” of uvarovite occurs in rocks rich in manganese and iron. Large crystals of the mineral are very rare, mainly mined in the form of small stones up to 3 mm in diameter, often soldered into aggregates.

Chemical formula of uvarovite Ca₃Cr₂(SiO_four)₃. The crystals of the stone are transparent and have a beautiful glassy luster.

Uvarovite shows an average hardness – from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Density – up to 3.8 g / cm³. The color of uvarovite is bright green, emerald, sometimes with a slight yellowness. The main feature is that the stone practically does not occur in a polished or faceted form and, due to the small size of the crystals, is used as is – in small druses and brushes.

Unlike other garnet stones, uvarovite does not melt or react with acids.

Place of Birth

The first deposit of uvarovite in the Urals has not yet dried up. Gem-quality stones with a bright green emerald color are mined here. Sometimes there are even large specimens suitable for cutting. Ural uvarovites are highly valued all over the world.

In the Scottish deposit of Glen Skiag, uvarovite is mined with a dark green, almost gray color of high quality. According to the place of extraction, such samples were called skiagites. Brown-green gems are found in India (Khanle deposit). There are also small deposits in other countries: the USA, Finland, Italy, South Africa.

Healing and magical properties

Traditional medicine recommends using uvarovite for headaches, to improve hearing and vision acuity, as a “cleansing” stone from toxins and toxins. Lithotherapists attribute to the stone the ability to treat a whole range of diseases of the nervous system, including normalizing sleep, relieving stress and fatigue. There are also restrictions on wearing jewelry with uvarovite: with daily use, the stone can provoke gallbladder diseases.

The magical properties of Ural uvarovite were used by our ancestors: wives sewed a piece of stone to pillows to return their husband’s love, girls gave boys jewelry with a mineral as a love spell. Today, the mineral is recommended to be used as a family talisman, a hearth from evil looks and other people’s thoughts. Uvarovite brings prosperity, peace, love to the house.

However, in order to use the power of the stone, it is necessary to have only pure thoughts, otherwise all evil wishes and curses will return to the owner.

Who suits uvarovit

In astrology, the mineral is considered the patron saint of Lviv. For this sign of the Zodiac, jewelry with uvarovite will help in the implementation of life plans, achieve success in endeavors, and pacify pride and pride a little. Sagittarius and Aries are also advised to occasionally wear products with uvarovite to sharpen the sense of intuition.

The stone will not help Scorpions and Cancers – its power does not extend to these signs. It is categorically not advised to wear uvarovite to Pisces: the already overly impressionable and depressive representatives of this zodiac sign will become even more irritable and whiny.

Inserted into a silver frame, uvarovite acquires the qualities of a talisman against the evil eye and damage. It must be worn under clothing, and it is highly desirable that it touches the skin directly.

History of jade

This mineral has been known for a very long time. Bronze Age craftsmen made weapons and amulets from jade. Also, scientists have discovered objects from this mineral that date back to the Neolithic era. And in ancient China, women’s jewelry was actively created from jade.

jade properties

Jade belongs to the silicate group of minerals and is an interlacing of amphiboles fibers. A distinctive feature of this stone is its increased viscosity. It is quite difficult to break off a piece from a mineral. Jade weapons are almost as durable as steel weapons.

Due to its strength, jade belongs to the first class jewelry and ornamental stones. Depending on the texture, jade is divided into 3 groups: homogeneous, spotty, spotty-disseminated. The presence of stains depends on impurities of iron, manganese or chlorine. The color range of this mineral ranges from milky white to black. The most common shades of green with pink or yellow patches.

jade deposits

The development of this mineral is carried out around the globe. There are more than 5 deposits in Russia. The richest of them are the East Sayan group, as well as the Vitim and Dzhida groups. Another deposit is located in the Polar Urals.

In addition to Russia, jade deposits are located in Myanmar (Burma), the USA, China, New Zealand, Mexico, and Poland.

Types of jade

Jade is considered a sacred stone in China, and there are several distinct varieties of stone quarried in that country.

Hotan

Milky white jade with a “greasy sheen”. In ancient times, only the Emperor could afford to use things made from this type of jade.

xuyan

Such jade, as a rule, has a greenish color and is translucent.

lantian

This type of jade is characterized by a yellowish color. Sometimes it contains “cloudy” blotches.

Nanyang

The most common type of jade. It has a heterogeneous structure and is used to make statues. The color “floats” from greenish to yellowish. May have pink streaks.

How to distinguish natural jade from imitation?

It is not difficult to distinguish a natural stone from a fake if you use the following simple tricks:

If you lightly hit jade on a coin or other jade product, then the sound will be clear, sonorous. If it is fake, then the sound will be dull, deaf.

You can try to leave a scratch on the stone. In the case of real jade, this is almost impossible, and its imitation is easily subjected to various physical influences.

You should also pay attention to the brilliance of the stone: jade, after good polishing, has a “greasy” sheen, and an unpolished stone shows a matte velvety surface.

The magical and healing properties of jade

According to Chinese beliefs, this stone is the personification of the five qualities of a person: honesty, justice, mercy, courage and wisdom. If a person with evil thoughts takes it, then the stone will darken. Jewelry with this mineral can protect a person from the negative effects of otherworldly forces. So, for example, red jade will protect the owner from all the troubles associated with fire: fires, burns etc. Also, the constant wearing of a jade pendant will prevent you from bringing the evil eye or damage to the owner.

The hotan jade ring helps in achieving goals and preserves family happiness. If you have a jade figurine in your house, then everything planned will be carried out faster and easier, but only as long as the goals are noble.

The healing properties of jade are also extensive. Massage with jade plates can relieve pain and heal sprains, bruises and dislocations. This stone also helps in getting rid of various infectious and gastrointestinal diseases. It has a beneficial effect on human sleep, relieving nightmares and insomnia.

What signs of the zodiac suits jade

Astrologers recommend wearing jade jewelry to people born under the sign of Virgo and Taurus. They will always be lucky in any endeavors. So, if Taurus is wearing a jade bracelet on their right hand, then they are guaranteed longevity, and Dev in this case will have great family happiness.

In addition, it is permissible to wear jade to Aquarius and Gemini.

But for the signs of the Zodiac of the water element, it is categorically not recommended to wear jewelry with jade: Cancers, Scorpios and Pisces can become discouraged from the excessive overwhelming and stabilizing effect of the stone.

History of the serpentine

The modern name for the stone is serpentinite, although it is still known to most people as serpentine. “Serpent” in Latin means “snake”: the color of the stone resembles snake skin, hence the name “serpentine”. And its history is shrouded in legends.

According to one of them, it is believed that the serpentine is the petrified skin of a fiery serpent – the Great Snake, which guarded the entrance to the cave with gold. Anyone who finds a serpentine in the mountains will certainly find a treasure.

Another legend says that Adam, tempted by the persuasion of the Serpent-tempter and having tasted an apple from the Tree of Knowledge, choked and spat out a piece on the ground. He turned to stone, which turned out to be serpentine. It is because of this that someone considers the serpentine a stone of knowledge, while others speak of it as a dangerous mineral that can bring trouble.

The stone has one incredible property: with special processing, it splits into elastic fibers, like threads. It is known that fire-retardant fabric was woven from such threads back in the time of Peter I. Nikita Demidov (1656−1725), a famous gunsmith, demonstrated fire-resistant stone fiber in action, throwing it into the fireplace and taking it out unharmed, which greatly surprised the Russian Tsar .

Physico-chemical properties of the coil

Serpentine is a fairly dense rock with the finest fibrous structure. The color varies from yellowish green to almost black. The spots on the stone can be large or small, banded or round, depending on the composition.

Usually serpentines are opaque, but there is a variety called “noble serpentine” and radically different in appearance from the main mass of stones. The latter have a beautiful yellowish-green color, perfectly polished and translucent along the edges. “Noble serpentine” is very reminiscent of jadeite.

The hardness on the Mohs scale is in the range from 2 to 4, and the density does not exceed 2.6 g/cm³.

Serpentine deposits

The serpentine belongs to ornamental stones and is not uncommon. On an industrial scale, it is mined in India, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Great Britain and Italy.

In Russia, serpentine is mined in the Urals, Altai, Orenburg and Yakutsk regions.

Healing and magical properties of the serpentine

The serpentine has long been endowed with special properties. No wonder only shamans and sorcerers used to wear it. It is believed that with the help of serpentine, it was possible to cause damage or the evil eye, bewitch a lover, and even take her husband away from the family.

Recently, esotericists have begun to talk more and more about the protective properties of the stone. The serpentine should definitely be worn by those who have serious enemies. In addition, the mineral is an absorber of negative energy.

Lithotherapists advise storing healing solutions in serpentine vials, they argue that the stone has universal antiseptic properties. Serpentine bracelets help normalize blood pressure. Jewelry can relieve severe headaches.

It is noticed that the owners of the serpentine recover faster after surgery and injuries.

Who is the serpentine serpentine suitable for?

If we talk about astrology, then the serpentine is very suitable for Virgo and Capricorn. It promotes the development of intuition and memory.

Serpentine amulets help women become more sensual and seductive. However, it is recommended to wear a stone no more than 1 time in 4 days. After removing it, it is necessary to rinse it in running water to remove the negative charge of energy accumulated during the day.

The serpentine is not suitable for Pisces and Cancer at all because of the different energy.

History of dioptase

The name of the mineral has Greek roots and is formed from two words: dia – through, oplikos – visual, which together acquires the meaning “I see through”. The motivation for the name is connected with the physical characteristic of the stone – its transparency.

The history of dioptase is closely connected with the history of emerald. Due to the external similarity, the mineral was confused with a precious gem for many centuries. So dioptase until the end of the XVIII century was known as “copper emerald” or “pseudo-emerald”.

There is an older name that is no longer in use. The mineral was named after the Bukhara merchant “ashirite”. In the 90s of the XVIII century, the merchant Ashir Zaripov sold several minerals under the guise of precious stones. When the samples were studied in St. Petersburg, they found out that the sold minerals were not emeralds. The Russian chemist Tovy Lovitz worked on the study of dioptase. He found that the sample was copper silicate and had a lower Mohs hardness than emerald. But the French mineralogist Rene Gayuy finally put an end to the issue, highlighting dioptase as an independent mineral.

Physiochemical properties

Dioptase is a copper silicate with a copper oxide content of 51%. In addition, iron impurities in the amount of up to 1% are sometimes observed in the composition of the mineral.

The color of dioptase varies within the green and blue spectrum. The emerald shade is the most common, and the blue-green color is the least common. Dioptase has a glassy luster, and sometimes mother-of-pearl.

The main difference between dioptase and emerald is hardness. Dioptase has a Mohs hardness index of 5 units, and emerald – up to 8 units. With little effort, scratches can be left on the surface of the dioptase.

Place of Birth

The largest deposits of copper emerald are formed during the weathering of the rock in a dry and hot climate in areas with a high percentage of copper sulfide oxidized areas. Therefore, dioptase belongs to rare minerals and is mined only in Kazakhstan, Italy, Russia, Zaire, Congo, Namibia, Chile, Peru and the USA.

How to distinguish natural dioptase from a fake

Although dioptase is a rare and expensive mineral, it is almost never counterfeited on the modern market. Until recently, dioptase itself was used to create fake emeralds, but now they are easily distinguished from each other, based on the fragility index.

Healing properties

In lithotherapy, procedures with dioptase products are recommended for diseases of the throat or bronchi. It is believed that dioptase has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, helping with problems with low or high blood pressure.

They also note another therapeutic aspect of the effect of dioptase, not on the physical, but on the psycho-emotional sphere. With prolonged contact with the mineral, a person begins to feel more calm and balanced. The feeling of anxiety and fear of problems disappears.

The magical properties of the stone

Dioptase is endowed with the ability to enhance the mental capabilities and intuition of a person, which helps to quickly make the right choice in a difficult situation. This is the amulet of students and psychologists. In ancient times, it was believed that a copper emerald allows you to read the thoughts and intentions of people, which made it a favorite amulet of merchants and scammers.

How to care for dioptase jewelry

Dioptase has a high brittleness factor and a relatively low density. When caring for jewelry and dioptase products, it is important to be careful and avoid too much mechanical stress. On the surface of dioptase, scratches easily remain, and from a slight blow, it can break into pieces.

Do not use strong abrasives to clean dioptase products, as the stone is easily soluble in acids. The best way to clean the surface of the mineral is running water and a soft cloth.

Who will benefit from dioptase

Dioptase will be useful for older people. It will help maintain stable blood pressure and relieve bouts of anxiety or fear.

The mineral will become a reliable talisman for a student or a person of science who is faced daily with a large amount of information and the need to quickly solve important and complex problems.

Which zodiac signs are suitable

The easiest way to find mutual understanding with the mineral is representatives of Cancers, Virgos and Lviv. It is believed that open-minded, but at the same time ambitious people will be able to get the most out of working with dioptase. But for those who are prone to adventures and fraud of any kind, you should think twice before buying Dioptase. It is not recommended to be worn by representatives of Capricorn, Aries and Scorpio.

What stones are combined with

This rich green mineral is easily mistaken for an emerald, but the difference between them is fundamental. In 1799, the Russian chemist Johann Lovitz discovered that dioptase is a hydrous copper silicate (hence its second name “copper emerald”), and the French researcher Hayuy gave it a name that, in Greek, means “seeing through”. The stone has another name – ashirite, formed on behalf of the Central Asian merchant Ashir Zaripov, who first found the gem in Kazakhstan at the end of the 18th century.

Dioptase helps in business matters, brings good luck to its owner and increases motivation. The ability of the stone to enhance the wearer’s mind and its reputation as an indispensable assistant in making the right decisions will bring many benefits to businessmen, students and lawyers. Copper emerald can be worn solo or in an ensemble with other minerals. The magical properties of the crystal are enhanced by its “twin” emerald. Turquoise, jasper, chalcedony and amber also resonate with it. The combination with amethyst and stones of the element of Fire is unfavorable.

What metals are combined with

It is believed that a pendant, brooch or necklace with dioptase is best worn at chest level, where it will fully reveal its healing potential, namely, help with diseases of the cardiovascular system and respiratory tract. The best frame for such jewelry will be copper and its alloys, since this metal belongs to Venus, who favors all green minerals. Zinc and tin also conduct well the energy of ashirite. From precious metals it is better to choose gold.

If you dreamed of dioptase

Dioptase is a rather mercantile stone. Attracting profit and career take-off, he completely ignores the owner’s personal life and his emotional affection. This fact is also reflected in the interpretation of dreams with ashirite – the most popular promises to receive a large inheritance associated with exactly the same big troubles.

How much does dioptase cost

Dioptase is…

History of turquoise

Turquoise is a popular ornamental stone with a blue or greenish color. It was delivered to Europe from Iran along the Silk Road, which ran through Turkey, which is probably why Europeans often called the mineral turquoise, which means “Turkish stone” in French. In Persia, where turquoise was mined, it was called “firuze” – a happy stone. Turquoise was known in ancient Egypt already in the II millennium BC, and the Indians of North America took it for the highest value.

Physico-chemical properties of turquoise

Turquoise has a complex chemical formula, it is a hydrated aluminum phosphate, CuAl₆(OH)₂4H₂Oh

The mineral is opaque, with a slight waxy sheen. The color is uneven, with streaks and inclusions, the color of turquoise is directly dependent on its age. Light, almost white color means that the stone is very young, sky-blue color is the most valuable type of “ripened” turquoise, greenish color is typical for a stone in “advanced” age. The thing is that copper is responsible for the blue color, which over time in the mineral is replaced by iron oxide, giving it a greenish tint.

Turquoise deposits

The formation of turquoise is associated with hydrothermal processes in the earth’s crust. The most ancient deposits are located on the Sinai Peninsula, in Egypt, Iran, and on the territory of Central Asia. Some of them are already depleted, while others are still active. At present, the bulk of natural turquoise is mined as a by-product at copper mines in the USA, Chile, Mexico, and Australia. But until now, the highest quality and valuable minerals are supplied to the market from Iran, where turquoise is mined by hand.

artificial turquoise

Since natural resources are rapidly depleted, today about 80% of the jewelry market is represented by synthetic turquoise. There are many counterfeiting methods, from pressing powders of other minerals, followed by dyeing, to imitations made of plastic and bone. It is unlikely that the seller will allow a complete examination of the stone using chemicals, so in order to distinguish real turquoise from a fake, you must first of all pay attention to the too large size of the stones, its very saturated and perfectly uniform color.

The magical and healing properties of turquoise

Turquoise is considered a happy and kind stone. It carries a strong protective power, mothers often made turquoise charms for their children to ward off evil spirits, sickness and bad dreams.

The stone carries female energy, brings warmth and comfort to the house, endows with worldly wisdom and intuition, helps to preserve and increase the family budget. To attract money, turquoise was certainly sent to gold. If a person is looking for love, he should wear turquoise in silver.

In addition to the magical properties of turquoise, especially blue, it can become a talented healer. It has a beneficial effect on the psychological and nervous health of a person. Turquoise relieves insomnia, promotes relaxation, relieves headaches. Wearing turquoise jewelry around the neck helps in the treatment of thyroid diseases.

Traditional healers advise prolonged examination of this mineral to relax the optic nerves and improve vision.

Who will benefit from the stone?

Turquoise activates female sexuality, it will help single women to attract admirers and find love. She endows men with charisma, and is suitable for those who are seriously pursuing a career or fighting for power.

However, whatever your goals, it is worth considering that turquoise helps only highly moral and ethical individuals, it does not tolerate deceit and meanness. In the worst case, the stone can even turn against the owner if his thoughts are unclean.

What signs of the zodiac suits turquoise

Astrologers attribute turquoise to the elements of Water and Earth, therefore, first of all, turquoise is suitable for the sign of the Zodiac Sagittarius, Scorpio and Taurus.