What a demantoid can do to your life and what it is

Today we would like to draw the readers’ attention to a stone that has not yet broken records for cost per carat, and in our country it is little known to the general public, but which in its characteristics and beauty is not inferior to the generally accepted favorites of the precious race. Due to certain circumstances, today he is known and appreciated abroad much more than in our homeland. But this stone has a beautiful history; it is also depicted on the pages of the works of Pavel Bazhov and Alexander Kuprin.

In connection with such an undeserved lack of attention to demantoid, the idea arose to tell in an article about this variety of garnet and show what view of demantoid exists among different participants in the precious stones market: gemologists who study the physical and chemical properties of the mineral; people directly involved in its mining, cutting, trading; and jewelry designers who think through the fine details of jewelry with this stone. We present to your attention interviews with people who know everything about demantoid and in one way or another connected their lives with the play and brilliance of this stone.

Interview participants:

Dmitry Medyukha , founder of a company specializing in retail and wholesale trade of demantoid products in Russia and abroad;

Timofey Konkov , owner of the Demantoid Poldnevskoy brand. (official developer of the Poldnevskoye field);

Victor Moiseikin , designer, founder of the jewelry brand MOISEIKIN;

Yuri Shelementyev , gemologist, candidate of geological and mineral sciences, executive director of the Gemological Center of Moscow State University.

Story

The name of the stone is translated as “diamond-like” (from the German word “Diamant” - diamond and the Greek “eidos” - appearance, appearance). It was invented by a Finnish mining engineer who worked in Russia, Nils Gustav Nordenskiöld. Demantoid was previously sometimes mistakenly called chrysolite: Russian, Siberian, Ural or commercial. There are other names for this mineral:

• Marvelite;
• towsonite;
• olivine;
• Ural emerald;
• Bobrovsky garnet.

The history of the stone began in Russia. It was discovered by Vasily Kalugin in 1874 in the Middle Urals, near the Bobrovka River. Later, in the vicinity of the neighboring village of Poldnevoye, entire placers of gemstones were found. The son of the discoverer of the stone, A.V. Kalugin, who was an employee of the Mining Institute of Yekaterinburg, determined the value of this mineral. He handed the stone to the famous lapidary Kuznetsov. The master’s magnificent work showed the unusual beauty of a brightly shining green gem.

It began to be used in the manufacture of exquisite jewelry. Among the Russian nobility, a fashion for jewelry with “Ural emerald” appeared.

At first, the stone was considered chrysolite, classified as an olivine rock, but upon in-depth study it turned out that it was a subspecies of andradite of the garnet group.

The demantoid gained worldwide fame in 1889 after the Paris World Exhibition.

In 1913, a crystal of this mineral weighing 104 kg .

History of the origin of demantoid from the Urals

The Ural demantoid was discovered in 1868. Later, in 1874, scientists found the famous Sysert deposit. Until the beginning of the 20th century, this was the only place where stone was mined. Later, demantoid deposits were discovered in Kamchatka.

Green pomegranate gained fame thanks to the Kalugin dynasty. The famous family of collectors and scientists were the first to describe the properties of the mineral and estimate its value. Initially it was believed that demantoid was one of the varieties of chrysolite. However, after detailed research, scientists attributed the crystal to the garnet family.

At the end of the 19th century, the Kalugin family gave the mineral to the famous jeweler Kuznetsov. He was the first to cut demantoid. After this, the beauty of the crystal was revealed to the whole world.

The Russian nobility especially loved the green pomegranate. They called the mineral Ural emerald. Jewelry was made from it, clothes were inlaid, and interiors were decorated.

Description

Demantoid is a transparent variety of andradite from the garnet group.

The main color scheme is all shades of green. There is a green color with a yellowish tint. The color is affected by the iron contained in the mineral, as well as by admixtures of chromium and titanium (the latter gives a yellowish tint).

There are rare colors of the gem: red-violet specimens, as well as with delicate lilac or yellowish-peach shades.

Distinctive characteristics of the demantoid:

• Strong light refraction , due to which the stone shines very beautifully in artificial light. This bright shine is similar to the shine of diamonds.
• “Ponytail” is the name given to byssolite inclusions in the form of bundles of bright yellowish-green fibers. These original inclusions are often found only in Ural demantoids. Such specimens are valued higher than others.

Stones with the “cat's eye” effect are very expensive. They are very popular among collectors.

Interesting facts about demantoid:

Talismans with demantoid are used to overcome laziness, irresponsibility, absent-mindedness, lies, and also to gain attractiveness from the opposite sex, a faithful partner and mutual love.

• Demantoids, as rare stones, are often confused with chrysolites, grossulars, tourmalines, and sometimes even with emeralds.
• Demantoid stones are processed in the same way as diamonds, so that the brilliant cut reveals all the beauty of the stone.

Physicochemical characteristics

In terms of its chemical composition, demantoid is a silicate that contains calcium, iron and impurities of chromium and sometimes titanium.

• The chemical formula is Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3 .
• Impurities - titanium, chromium.
• Color: green, sometimes yellow.
• Glitter - glassy, ​​diamond.
• Transparency - transparent.
• Hardness - 6,5–7.
• Density - 3.84 g / cm3 .

The green color of demantoid appears due to the admixture of chromium. Some samples are yellowish due to titanium impurities.

Demantoid grains have an oval or round shape. Their size is usually no more than 10 mm .

The stone has high hardness and density, so it lends itself well to jewelry processing.

The processed gem has clear and shining edges, like a diamond.

Light dispersion is higher than other garnets.

Cost of stone per carat and use in jewelry

Demantoid garnet is the most expensive representative of the group of minerals. Crystals larger than 2 carats are rare, and most mined specimens weigh less than one. A pure, richly colored stone weighing more than 2 carats costs at least $2,000. Smaller samples, weighing no more than 1 carat, cost hundreds of dollars.

The cost of the Ural variety is higher than its foreign counterparts due to its rich green color or numerous spectacular shades. A rounded mineral insert allows you to see a strip of light on its surface - a “cat’s eye”.

The demantoids of the Urals were used by Carl Faberge himself at the beginning of the 20th century, then the famous jewelry company Tiffany & Co, considered a trendsetter in the world of jewelry and jewelry, followed his example.

In products, green garnets are harmoniously combined with any precious metals, but a yellow gold frame is considered the best for them. Even among the elite, appearing in society with such jewelry is extraordinary, since the prices for the products are quite high:

• Gold earrings inlaid with several gems (0.15-0.50) cost about $700-1000.
• A gold ring with a 0.6 carat natural stone costs over $150.
• The cost of products with diamonds and emeralds reaches several thousand dollars.
• Crystals weighing 1-2 carats - $350-1000.

Scroll through photos of premium products with your mouse:

Photo: Zep Jerwerly, flickr.com

Photo: EVGAD Jewelery, flickr.com

Necklace, photo: opacity, foter.com

However, you can become the owner of a green Ural mineral without serious expenses:

• Faceted crystals 0.1-0.2 carats - about $30.
• Silver rings with small stones - from $50-150.
• Collectible specimen of the breed - $30-200.
• A large unprocessed crystal for a collection costs about $500.
• Small untreated cloudy stones 3-5 mm can be obtained for $2-5.

Jewelers use rare green gems to decorate rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Jewelry emphasizes a person’s status and wealth.

The importance of demantoid for jewelry is great; interest in the stone has not declined since the 19th century.

Designer rings:

Photo: aquiles cuanda, flickr.com

Photo: aquiles cuanda, flickr.com

Photo: Robert Curnow, flickr.com

Application

Jewelry making is the main area of ​​use of this stone. Substandard jewelry and interesting specimens of the rock are purchased by mineral collectors.

Jewelry made from “Ural emerald” was previously produced and used only in Russia. Then the area of ​​use of this mineral expanded. In the 20th century, Carl Faberge tried it. The demantoid ring was included in the Tiffany collection.

Such characteristics of demantoid as strong light refraction, sparkle, and bright shine place it in the category of expensive gems.

Most often, demantoid is used to make inserts into rings, brooches, and earrings. The frame is white metals: platinum, white gold, silver. This is luxury jewelry.

Specimens with the “cat’s eye” effect and with the so-called “pony tail” (inclusions of bissolite in the form of a bunch of bright fibers) are highly prized.

Demantoid sparkles like a diamond, so it is suitable for a brilliant cut or step cut.

Properties and uses of green pomegranate

Previously, people attributed many healing and magical properties to the mineral. Today, the use of stone is widespread in the jewelry industry. The peculiarities of the physical and chemical structure make the crystal suitable for cutting and making jewelry.

Physical and chemical properties

Green garnet consists of compounds of calcium, iron, silicon oxide. These elements determine the hardness of the crystal. On the Mohs scale it ranges from 6.7 to 7 (a diamond has a hardness of 10). The density of the stone is 3.89 and the dispersion is 0.57. Demantoid is considered the most fragile garnet.

Crystals lend themselves well to cutting. The shading of the edges is pronounced. In any light, green garnet has an indescribable glow. This is especially pronounced if bissolite impurities are present. In this case, the so-called “horse tail” is visible inside the mineral.

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Medicinal properties

Lithotherapists claim that demantoid has a large number of healing qualities. It has a beneficial effect:

• to reproductive;
• nervous;
• cardiovascular;
• respiratory;
• endocrine system.

It is believed that couples who have problems conceiving should wear jewelry made from this stone. For men, the mineral helps fight erectile dysfunction. Women are recommended to wear Ural emerald both as a preventive measure for genital diseases and during treatment.

People suffering from heart disease or chronic respiratory tract infections are advised to wear demantoid around their neck. The same technique is used for thyroid dysfunction. The gem has a beneficial effect on all metabolic processes, normalizes the level of thyroid and other hormones.

In addition, green pomegranate has a positive effect on the human neuropsychic system. It helps remove excessive anxiety, restlessness, normalizes sleep, and improves memory.

For chronic headaches, lithotherapists recommend using the gem as soon as the next attack begins.

Magic properties

Magicians and esotericists claim that demantoid brings success and vitality to the owner. The crystal helps to fight temptations that appear on the way to the goal. It also protects against rash actions and failures.

Green pomegranate also affects other areas of life:

• promotes quick, correct decision making;
• helps the owner in love affairs;
• normalizes the financial side of life;
• makes the owner calm and reasonable.

The properties of a stone are influenced by its color. If you need to enhance qualities such as patience or hard work, you should choose a dark green crystal. If you need motivation in any task, a large amount of energy, then acquire a yellow or pistachio mineral.

Who is the stone suitable for according to their zodiac sign and name?

The magical power of a green pomegranate is influenced by the name of the owner, as well as his zodiac sign. With proper compatibility of vibrations, the qualities inherent in the owner of the stone are enhanced significantly.

Green pomegranate will be useful:

• Women named Svetlana. Demantoid will enhance the attractiveness of the hostess and help improve her personal life.
• Olgam mineral promises a dizzying career and success in all endeavors.
• Julia should purchase an amulet to protect the family hearth.
• It will become easier for Angelica to reveal her inner potential and increase her self-esteem.
• For Sergei, demantoid will help normalize relationships within the family and get rid of jealousy.

Among the zodiac signs, the green garnet is more suitable for representatives of the air element (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra). It helps development both professionally and spiritually. For Leos and Sagittarius, the gem will bring good luck in business and increase efficiency.

The mineral will not bring tangible benefits to representatives of other signs. It is better for them to choose an amulet that matches their horoscope.

Medicinal properties

Demantoid as a healing agent has only an auxiliary effect in drug treatment. Medicines and medical procedures prescribed by the doctor should not be neglected.

The healing properties of demantoid help improve the emotional, mental and physical state of a person:

• The green color of the stone calms the nerves, helps cope with depression, insomnia, and fatigue.
• Contemplating the mineral for a few minutes a day is useful for myopia and farsightedness.
• A pebble in contact with the skin makes it healthier.

The amazing properties of demantoid have a tonic effect on the body, but the opposite effect is also possible - peace comes. Therefore, when choosing jewelry, you need to listen to your feelings.

Different types of jewelry can selectively affect the systems and organs of the body:

• A brooch, pendant, or beads help normalize blood pressure and heart function.
• The pendant will also help resist respiratory diseases.

Not only jewelry with demantoid, but also raw crystals are suitable for medicinal purposes.

Jewelry with mineral

The variety of shades of the mineral opens up opportunities for craftsmen to produce the most sophisticated products. Demantoid looks great in earrings, brooches, pendants, and rings. Russian tsars and nobility wore stone jewelry.

Helpful information

At the beginning of the last century, Carl Faberge chose Ural stone for his products. When the famous jeweler Tiffany noticed him, he included rings with the mineral in the collections of his jewelry house.

Rings made of gold and demantoid look chic and rich. They can be worn with a dark dress. A silver frame with the same stone looks more airy. It is better to wear it with light clothes. Gold earrings with a mineral embedded in the center will challenge your surroundings. The person will always be the center of attention. A necklace with demantoid decoration will amaze the public.

Magic properties

Demantoid, according to esotericists, is capable of exerting a magical effect on its owner:

• The main mission of this gem is to bring happiness in love and help create a strong family.
• A demantoid amulet protects the family hearth from internal troubles and external negativity.
• The mineral brings peace of mind and tranquility to the owner.
• Helps him find a purpose in life, reveals his abilities and talents.
• Will contribute to the development of intelligence and spiritual growth. Helps you apply your knowledge.
• This is an ally for solving problems that are vital for its owner. But you need to try to be more organized, mentally clearly formulate the essence of the problem and ask the stone for help.
• Attracts success in financial matters. Demantoid is of particular importance for a person who is used to making impulsive purchases and for a businessman who is about to make deals.
• It will help in career growth, as the owner of the talisman will become hardworking, punctual, and responsible.

Light stones will help those who want to move forward, while dark stones will help people who value stability.

Demantoid in astrology

This mineral is selective and is not suitable for every zodiac sign. It especially favors Aquarius and Gemini, but is contraindicated for Pisces, since it brings numerous misfortunes. Others can wear the gem without fear, but its effectiveness will depend on the character, goals and personal qualities of the person.

1. Aries. This sign has strong intuition and is able to choose a talisman without advice. To do this, you just need to touch the stone. As for the demantoid, it gives Aries flexibility and diplomacy.
2. Calf. Green pomegranate improves the health of this zodiac sign and brings success in business. Taurus becomes more eloquent and confident.
3. Twins. For him, the demantoid will become a strong talisman against any evil: the evil eye, witchcraft, envious people.
4. Cancer. The gem will bring success and good luck. You just have to tell him about your plans and hopes and everything will come true: there will be money, love, joy. Also, the green color of the stone will help to even out the emotional background.
5. A lion. Green garnet adds strength to the Leo to carry out everyday activities, and also makes him balanced and wise.
6. Virgo. Demantoid will be needed when a Virgo needs to create an ideal relationship. The mineral makes a girl confident and charming.
7. Scales. The energy of the talisman and Libra are similar, so jewelry is ideal for Libra. They are suitable for solving complex problems. A person’s thoughts will become clear, decisions will be consistent, and an understanding of the surrounding situation will come.
8. Scorpios. The demantoid draws out excess negativity, aggression, and nervousness from Scorpios, which is very useful for an unbalanced sign.
9. Sagittarius. The talisman makes Sagittarius reasonable and balanced, which helps direct energy in the right direction.
10. Capricorns. This sign loves when he has everything: material goods, family, comfort, love. All their activities are aimed at providing themselves with this. The task of the mascot is to support.
11. Fish. It is better for this sign to be careful and not wear a stone. It will only bring grief and misfortune.
12. Aquarius. Demantoid brings the soul of Aquarius into harmony, relieves tension and depression.

In the history of minerals there are many stones whose popularity quickly arose and just as quickly disappeared. Demantoid is one of them. It was one of the most coveted stones; the most fashionable jewelry houses created collections with it. For example, it is found in the works of Carl Faberge. But after the First World War, he disappeared, as if the mistress of the copper mountain hid her wealth, afraid of human enmity and hatred of each other. Now there are only a few deposits on the entire planet that yield very little stone and there is a possibility that it will soon disappear completely.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Demantoid is an ideal talisman for the zodiac signs of the Air element - Gemini, Libra, Volodya . He has ideal compatibility with people born under these constellations and can help:

• find love;
• become lucky;
• gain success in business life, career, project implementation.

The demantoid talisman will also be very useful for two “fiery” signs of the zodiac - Sagittarius and Leo . It will have a positive impact on career growth and will bring not only success into their lives, but also a joyful attitude.

Pisces , as it can bring adversity and unnecessary problems. It is better for representatives of this zodiac sign to choose a talisman from other stones. The energy of Pisces goes well with the energy of the following gems:

• amethyst;
• opal;
• Moonstone;
• jasper;
• alexandrite;
• belomorite;
• Labrador;
• rose quartz;
• spinel;
• malachite;
• euclase;
• blue agate;
• orthoclase;
• aragonite;
• ammolite;
• anhydrite (angelite).

In relation to other zodiac signs, the demantoid behaves neutrally; for them it is simply a prestigious decoration.

Demantoid and Zodiac

Astrologers have found that the demantoid is the ideal talisman for Aquarius and Gemini. He showers them with gifts: attracts luck, helps them make a career, find love.

Suitable for other zodiac signs:

• This is the best option for ambitious Leo or Sagittarius: they will fly up the career ladder and reach business Olympus.
• Libra will learn to bring things to the end, any project will be successful. Families will begin to enjoy quiet domestic happiness without betrayal or scandals; those who are single will find their soul mate.

Demantoid is not suitable for Pisces : life will turn into a series of unpredictable events, problems, troubles.

For other zodiac signs, this is simply a prestigious decoration.

How to wear

Jewelry with demantoid is suitable for people of any age, including children.

It is believed that a personal stone cannot be given to other people, even loved ones: it can lose its magical properties and even lose its shine.

Products made from demantoid go well with green and white outfits.

They also look interesting with brown and yellow clothes.

It is better to wear jewelry only to important events where the magic of the stone will be needed. If you wear them daily, it may become damaged, as this gem is fragile.

Place of Birth

Today, stone deposits amount to only a few. Industrial-scale mining is carried out only in Russia, in the Middle Urals. Local material is of the highest quality in the world. The deposits of Kamchatka are being studied for development.

The world's main suppliers of jewelry grade raw materials are Iran and Madagascar.

The gem is also found in Africa - Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia.

How to care

Demantoid is an expensive, beautiful stone, you need to take care of it carefully:

• Store in a separate durable box or upholstered box.
• Clean with warm soapy water. After rinsing, wipe with a soft cloth.
• Jewelry should not be worn when going to the sauna, swimming pool, or beach.
• They should not come into contact with cosmetics, perfumes, or household chemicals.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight leads to fading of the mineral.

How to distinguish from a fake

Demantoid is a rare and expensive stone, so it is counterfeited. The imitation is glass or quartz.

To find out whether a mineral is genuine, its properties will help:

• Demantoid has a high refractive index, so the processed crystals sparkle like diamonds.

It is better to check the shine during the day, but in artificial light: the edges will cast wonderful reflections.

• In many specimens from the Urals, under a magnifying glass you can see a “pony tail” - bunches of yellowish-green fibers.
• If there is a “cat’s eye” effect, this is a sign of natural stone. Such specimens are very rare and valuable.
• A mineral larger than 1 cm is most likely a fake.
• In your hands, the demantoid will not heat up immediately, unlike glass.
• Natural gems are supplied with a certificate of conformity or other document that confirms their quality and natural origin.

Price

Demantoid stone is considered precious.

You can buy it at this price:

• demantoid, crystals on rock (6 x 3.7 x 3.2 cm) - RUB 16,500. ;
• brooch (gold 585) — RUB 17,952. ;
• pendant (gold 585) — RUB 42,315. ;
• earrings (gold 585) — RUB 49,820. ;
• ring (gold 585) — RUB 92,255. ;
• bracelet (gold 585) — RUB 103,443. ;
• necklace (gold 585) — RUB 265,375.

Price

According to the jewelry classification, demantoid is considered a semi-precious stone, so the price of jewelry is relatively affordable (RUB):

• earrings (925° silver, 2 stones – 0.56 carats) – 3,600;
• cut, round (4.5x4.5 mm; 0.35 carats) – 2,160;
• untreated agglomerate (14x12x10 mm) – 500;
• demantoid on quartz (90x72x37 mm) – 9,600.

Demantoid 0.81 carats
A set of three faceted round stones with a total weight of 8 carats with dimensions 8x5x5 mm is offered to buy on the Internet for almost 250,000 rubles.