Heliotis: magical and healing properties of the stone, who is suitable for it, zodiac signs

Heliotis is the name of a stone also known as mother of pearl.
For a long time, people have endowed it with magical properties and actively used it in healing practices. Despite the difficulty of extracting this mineral, modern jewelry manufacturers also purchase it in large quantities. Heliotis is beautiful both in its original form (usually used to create pendants) and in combined jewelry (several types of stones in equal proportions are combined to create one piece of jewelry).

Before deciding to purchase this stone for personal use, you should study not only the history of its origin, but also the main characteristics of mother-of-pearl. In addition, given the proven compatibility between minerals and representatives of specific zodiac signs, it is also advisable to understand whether Heliotis is suitable for a particular person, including from an astrological point of view.

History and origin

Heliotis is one of the varieties of mother of pearl. At first, the shells of these mollusks served as raw materials for the manufacture of dishes, tools, jewelry, and even served as a monetary unit. Later, pearlescent powder became a dye, a medicine, and also the basis for creating cosmetics and clothing. Weapon handles were made from stone - it was believed that such an element brought good luck in battle. In case of injury, abalone powder was applied to damaged areas of the skin to avoid blood poisoning.

Shell – Heliotis (Haliotis)

A little later, iridescent mother-of-pearl served society ladies as a means for processing fans. This technique was used to protect women from all kinds of infections, since abalone has the property of purifying the air. And to prevent the appearance of dandruff or lice, hair decorations were made from stone.

Since the 13th century, a period of popularity for sea shells began throughout Europe. Haliotis, along with other mollusks, was used as a material for inlaying many products - furniture, mirrors, knife handles and weapon stocks. Chessboards and playing pieces, boxes, drawers and even buttons were trimmed with mother-of-pearl. In the 18th century, mother-of-pearl snuff boxes became fashionable. The Renaissance was marked by the presence of sea shells in painting, sculpture, and architecture.

This is interesting! The many faces of abalone once inspired the Russian artist M. A. Vrubel to paint a painting called “Pearl.” The colors seem to come to life on the paper, and before us appears a shell with unique rainbow tints, in the multi-colored curves of which sea nymphs are located. This work reflects the reunification of man with nature, where both worlds merge together in the glare of multi-colored mother-of-pearl. The picture shows an abalone whose outline follows the human ear, forcing us to hear the melody of the depths of the sea with our soul, and not with our body. The work is dated 1904.

The versatility of heliotis is also reflected in the large number of names of the stone. Multi-colored mother-of-pearl is called: “abalon”, “haliotis”, “haliotis”, “Firebird feather”, “paua shell” or simply rainbow shell. This stone is also called “sea ear”, since the abalone mollusk differs from its relatives in having a single-valve shell that follows the shape of a human ear.

The animal, whose shell serves as a source for the popular ornamental stone, lives at a depth of about 30 meters. The muscular body of the mollusk is completely covered with a hard shell, with the exception of a small hole from which a “leg” can be seen, which helps the body move. With its body, the mollusk firmly adheres to the stones, so miners have to tear it off with a knife.

View of the sink inside

The difference between natural Heliotis and fake

It is impossible to grow a shell under artificial conditions. Therefore, do not see each other if they tell you this. This shell grows deep in the ocean. The only thing you can do is imitate stone. For this, plastic and pearlescent dye are used.

It is not at all difficult to identify a fake heliotis. After all, the first thing that will catch your eye is its density. A natural shell is much denser than a fake one. You can also distinguish it by ear. To do this, simply knock the product on the wood.

If it's fake, the sound will be dull. Also, after such actions, most likely the coating will break off and the material from which the item is made will appear. Another difference is that real heliotis has an unusual design, which even the most experienced artist cannot repeat.

Scientists have proven that minerals, and especially such shells, cannot be similar to each other. Each helios is different from each other. Therefore, if you see identical sea shells, you can be sure that this is not a real talisman. It is recommended to look at photos online before purchasing. Believe me, it is impossible to create such a shell artificially.

Place of Birth

Haliotis is harvested in all warm oceanic and sea waters. The exception is the Arctic Ocean. The largest number of gastropods are caught in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of America and Australia. Mining is also carried out by:

• China.
• Japan.
• Philippine Islands.
• Mediterranean countries.
• Atlantic.

Also read: Rhodonite - the semiprecious wealth of the Ural Mountains
Abalones are also popular in eastern Africa, where the Indian Ocean is the birthplace of mollusks. The countries of Southeast Asia are also among the miners of mother-of-pearl. Russian waters, alas, are too cold and fresh for heat-loving marine inhabitants. However, the northern inhabitants live off the coast of Moneron Island, which is 43 kilometers from Russian Sakhalin.

Cacholong

Cacholong is an opaque milky white variety of opal. Although it is found in jewelry, in the natural stone market, unscrupulous sellers sell howlite and bleached magnesite under this name. Natural cacholong has some uneven transparency, especially along the thin edge of the stone. But in howlite and magnesite we will see brownish or gray veins, while in natural cacholong these are dendritic inclusions.

On the left is natural cacholong, on the right is howlite

Physical properties

The shell of haliotis is formed by elements such as lime carbonate, protein, and calcium carbonate. The length of the shell varies from 7 to 40 centimeters. The hardness of the abalone shell is the highest among its fellows. During its life cycle, abalone produces about 130 pearls.

The hardness of sea mother of pearl is high: 5 – 6 points on the Mohs scale (other pearls have no more than 4). Pearls with a unique pattern grow in the shell, sometimes very large. Record weight – 469 carats.

Heliotis and the signs of the Zodiac

Haliotis stone is suitable for absolutely all signs of the zodiac system. But he will become the best and strongest assistant for Pisces, as well as Aquarius. The meaning of heliotis is extremely positive. For an Aquarius who is unsure of his abilities, mother-of-pearl will help him gain confidence and provide him with career growth and success in business. He will provide Pisces with the necessary energy, help them develop intuitive abilities, teach them not to be led by fleeting desires, to think through every step and not to commit rash acts that they will later regret.

Color spectrum

The uniqueness of haliotis is that out of thousands of specimens, no two identical shells can be found. The color palette of abalone, combined with unusual patterns, resembles a kaleidoscope, where purple, blue, black, orange-red, emerald and crimson colors are intertwined. The play of shades is explained by the structure of the shell - there are no coloring pigments in the composition, but there are tiny plates that refract light. Between these plates there are air gaps.

Mother-of-pearl, formed by other mollusks, is usually not full of bright colors. His palette consists of cool shades of blue and pink. Haliotis differs from pure mother-of-pearl not only in its range of colors. The shells of these mollusks are strong, but flexible. Due to the fragility of the connection of molecules, haliotis absorbs shock in the event of mechanical impact.

The magic of the Firebird's feather

Magic properties

It is not for nothing that heliotis was called the feather of the Firebird. A stone with unsurpassed beauty has been called magical since ancient times.

Aballon's magical abilities known to people:

• Attracting good luck;
• Protecting home residents from negativity;
• Pushing away pessimistic, bad thoughts;
• Travel protection;
• Maintaining harmony and a pleasant climate in the home;
• Favorable effect on people's mental abilities;
• Protection of marriage from breakup and betrayal.

Heliotis in astrology

Paua shell suits all zodiac signs except Leo. It is closest to Pisces and Aquarius. The stone will protect Pisces from negative thoughts and rash actions and increase their energy. And with its help, Aquarians will climb the career ladder and feel more self-confidence.

Pendants, amulets and other products with chaliotis are needed to ensure that peace and love reign at home. According to astrologers, they are given to creative individuals. They are given to newlyweds as a wish for a happy and long family life.

Also, the stone is perfect for those born under the sign of Taurus, Cancer or Virgo.

Stone color palette

All heliotis stones are exceptional, completely different from each other. Even among thousands of these shells it is impossible to find at least two identical ones.

Mother of pearl, which forms on the inside of the stone, does not come in many varieties of colors. It consists of cool iridescent pink and blue colors. The shells of mother-of-pearl heliotis, although hard, are very flexible.

The color scheme of the aballon resembles a kaleidoscope, where red, orange, black, blue, violet, emerald and crimson colors create a unique pattern. All this happens because of the plates inside the shell: they refract the rays of the sun and turn into a variety of shades.

Medicinal properties

Haliotis has absorbed all the healing capabilities of mother-of-pearl. And Western and Eastern cultures assign their own unique properties to abalone shells. It is believed that the gem copes with chronic diseases. To treat diseases, abalone powder is used, as well as all kinds of products made from these shells.

Spider with stone

The use of haliotis is versatile:

• People suffering from hearing loss are recommended to wear earrings with abalone.
• For respiratory diseases, wearing a necklace or beads helps.
• An abalone comb can combat lice and dandruff and strengthen hair.
• Clam shell powder is used to rejuvenate the skin, eliminate age spots or freckles.

In ancient times, ground mother of pearl was used as an antiseptic for wounds. Also, abalone was considered the main ingredient in elixirs of longevity. Even modern residents of the countries where these mollusks live add paua shell powder to their food and drinks. It is believed that in this way the body is cleansed, the immune system is strengthened, and the body retains youth and beauty longer. There is also an opinion that utensils made from abalone improve the quality of products.

Also read: Fluorite - a stone that glows in the dark and under ultraviolet light

Areas of application

Heliotis is most often used in jewelry production. It is either combined with other stones and metals, such as silver and gold, or hung on a regular thread as a pendant. In addition to jewelry and jewelry, mother-of-pearl is also inserted into watch dials to give them a status look.

The mineral in question is also often used to create:

• talismans and amulets;
• cosmetics and care products;
• astrological amulets;
• dishes.

Many small accessories made from mother-of-pearl heliotis are also produced for the consumer market. Among them are buttons, pocket mirrors, figurines and so on.

Magic properties

The magical kaleidoscope of shades of abalone could not help but attract the magicians of antiquity. And for more than two thousand years in a row, paua shells have been considered a magical item.

It is known that abalone:

• attracts good luck;
• helps to attract attention to the owner of the gem, as well as to form mutual trust between people;
• repels pessimism and unclean thoughts;
• serves as a family talisman, protecting marriage from split or adultery;
• develops intuition and mental abilities of a person;
• protects you on a long journey.

Haliotis has a beneficial effect on the “weather in the house.” Since ancient times, any item with these shells has been considered the best, kindest gift. Such a talisman extinguishes manifestations of negativity, maintaining harmonious relationships between all family members.

Onyx

Onyx is another popular stone in terms of the number of fakes. Dyed chalcedony is sold under the guise of black onyx (black onyx does not exist), and calcite is hidden under colored mint and apple green with stripes. The structure of natural onyx is layered, consisting of multi-tonal gray, caramel milky shades, and it is quite heavy in weight. If you see clear, even stripes or completely faded and blurry stripes, feel light weight and a warm surface, it’s a fake.

On the left is natural onyx, on the right is natural calcite sold under its guise.

Natural onyx beads in ball and free form

Also, many people mistakenly sell dyed chalcedony as black agate, although neither black nor white agate exists. So under white agate they sell, at best, marble, bleached compacts, chalcedony, but more often glass.

fakes - “Black and white agates”

Jewelry with mineral

The assortment of jewelry made from variegated mother-of-pearl shells is very large - pendants, rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches. Abalones are set in silver, very rarely in gold. Jewelry made of cupronickel or tin is also popular. Prices for products are affordable, especially for jewelry:

• Brooches from 300 rubles.
• Earrings from 500 rubles.
• Beads, necklace – 1000-1500 rubles.

A set of “necklace + earrings” is valued at up to 2000 rubles. All kinds of decorative items, dishes, and accessories are also inlaid with paua shells. In jewelry, bright mother of pearl is combined with minerals such as malachite, turquoise, jet, pearls or coral.

Uses of heliotis stone

Jewelers use heliotis along with other gems because of its affordable cost. Costume jewelry is distinguished by its beauty and grace. An essential criterion when purchasing jewelry made from this stone is the affordable price, which makes it possible to regularly replenish the collection.

Heliotis becomes a successful addition to rings and earrings. The mineral looks very attractive in a silver frame. It is rarely combined with gold. Its undeniable advantage is the uniqueness of the pattern. Abalone pearls have an extraordinary pattern.

Switzerland is rightfully considered the birthplace of expensive and luxury watches. They are practical, reliable and accurate. Usually these are gold items. When designing the dial, heliotis is used, which gives the watch elegance and sophistication.

To create Swiss watches, exclusively natural mother of pearl is used. True, determining whether a mineral is real is not so simple.

How to spot a fake

Despite the low cost of natural abalone, fakes still exist. Sometimes it is plastic coated with artificial mother-of-pearl or the same plastic, but painted with dyes during the cooking stage. Several signs will help you recognize a real abalone shell:

• Uniqueness of the drawing. When purchasing jewelry with multiple inserts or beads, pay attention to the pattern. Natural shells are different, each of which is different from the other. Counterfeits often give themselves away by having identical designs on all inserts.
• Sound. A natural shell sounds loud when tapped on a wooden surface, while plastic sounds dull. In addition, the pearlescent coating of the plastic is erased.
• View from the “wrong side”. The plastic imitation is equally good on all sides, while the natural mollusk shell on the reverse side is dull and matte.

In addition, only real haliotis will pass the test for mechanical stress - the shell will withstand impact or testing with a sharp object. The plastic or glass will break or crack, and the coating will be erased.

Main conclusions

1. Heliotis is a mother-of-pearl layer of a mollusk shell, which has been used by people for domestic purposes for several decades.
2. Having a high strength and density, the mineral in question is used for the manufacture of jewelry, dishes, cosmetics, talismans, amulets and costume jewelry.
3. Heliotis has magical and healing properties, including strengthening the immune system, getting rid of chronic diseases, increasing stamina and protecting against the evil eye and damage.
4. Mother of pearl will help in business and protect from the negative influence of Pisces, Aquarius, Cancer and Leo.

Heliotis, despite the fact that it is not considered a precious stone, is very popular among lovers of costume jewelry and unique amulets. Its ability to refract daylight in a variety of ways makes it versatile for home or office decoration.

When purchasing a product made from this mineral, provided that the original was used in production and not a replica, a person can be confident in the durability of his purchase and its ability to serve its owner for a long time.

Share your experience of wearing heliotis and leave feedback in the comments.

Use and care

When buying jewelry made from abalone, you should listen to your inner voice - an invisible contact should be established with this miracle of nature. Pay attention to the frame - the naturally bright haliotis does not suit vintage or excessive pretentiousness. The same rule applies to wardrobe items. Plain clothes in calm colors go best with haliotis.

Stone bracelet

Despite its high strength, relative to other types of mother-of-pearl, abalone requires simple but careful care:

• Avoid contact of mother-of-pearl with cosmetics, otherwise the shell will lose its natural charm.
• Protect products from mechanical damage.
• Provide individual storage of jewelry, preferably in a fabric wrapper.
• For cleaning, use only warm water and a soft cloth, no chemicals.

Also read: Petersite - a powerful mysterious stone

The most important rule for preserving the abalone is regular wearing. This gem is a gift from the ocean depths, and therefore needs moisture. The more often abalone comes into contact with the human body, the more moisture it draws from this contact. If decorative items are made from variegated shells, then these items must be regularly sprayed with water.

How to choose and care

When purchasing a heliotis product for magical or medicinal purposes, listen to your inner voice: it must accept the stone. The frame of the decoration is preferable to a simple one; pretentiousness is contraindicated for the abalone, since brightness and creativity are present in it from the very beginning.

Bracelet

It is better to wear the product with clothes in calm tones.

The material is durable, but not indefinitely. During processing, some of the protective properties are lost, so jewelry needs careful care .

• It must be protected from contact with other stones. Store separately, wrapped in soft cloth.
• Avoid contact with cosmetics, otherwise the product will lose its natural shine and beauty.
• Protect from falls and impacts.
• If dirty, clean with clean warm water only with a cloth without cleaning agents.
• Do not let jewelry sit stale; they require regular “communication” with the human body, from where they draw the necessary moisture. Household items made from heliotis need spraying.

Astrological compatibility

Astrologers are unanimous in their opinion that chaliotis is a universal patron. Each of the zodiac signs will feel the energy of the deep sea. However, for some constellations this mother of pearl will become native.

(“+++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):

• Fish. For representatives of this star family, abalone is a source of energy and optimism. The talisman will not allow Pisces to commit rash acts.
• Aquarius. A multi-colored amulet will give this sign self-confidence, thanks to which Aquarians will fly up the career ladder.

Heliotis pendant
Astrologers recommend amulets made from paua shells to creative individuals, as well as people involved in charity work. Regardless of astrological affiliation, abalone products will bring peace and happiness to every home. And any item with abalone will be an excellent gift for young spouses, as a guarantee of a long and happy family life.

Is this stone right for you?

Treatment

The mineral contains all the healing qualities of mother-of-pearl. The gem is able to cope with chronic illnesses. For therapy, powder and various gem products (earrings, watches, etc.) are used.

Regarding the properties of chaliotis and who the stone is suitable for, it is worth noting that the mineral is used in different ways:

• For ear problems, earrings are used.
• Beads or necklaces are suitable for people with respiratory system ailments.
• If a person is worried about dandruff or lice, you can use a comb.
• The properties of the powder will rejuvenate the skin, as well as get rid of freckles and age spots.

Interesting Facts

Archaeologists have found ancient traces of the use of abalone. American Indian necklaces were decorated with pendants made from these shells. These finds date back to the era before the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. In addition, the Indians used abalone shells as a container for making herbal mixtures.

Most species of abalone mollusks are listed in the Red Book, as they are on the verge of extinction. These gastropods produce amazing pearls, one of which has become a legend with its own name - “The Big Pink Pearl”. This creation of nature weighs 469 carats. The curiosity was found in the shell of an inhabitant of the Salt Point Nature Reserve in California in 1990.

Haliotis is popular among masters of different directions. There are several handmade watches from Angular Momentum in the world. This accessory is notable for its steel case, inside of which there is a dial made from a haliotis shell. The role of indices on the dial is played by diamonds. The products were produced in Bern under the name "Abalone".

3.7 / 5 ( 3 voices)

Chrysoprase

Instead of the much more expensive chrysoprase, dyed chalcedony is often sold. Signs by which a fake can be distinguished are color and uniformity of coloring. Dyed chalcedony is evenly colored over its entire plane and all beads have the same color, color saturation and practically no inclusions, also translucent chalcedony beads have a noticeable cellular growth front (a “honeycomb” structure, which is visible if you look at the stone in the light) . Also, such dyed chalcedony is often much darker than natural chrysoprase. The color of natural chrysoprase is very special: the range of shades is very diverse - from mint transparent with milky areas to rich turquoise green. Chrysoprase is very characterized by picturesque inclusions of the rock in copper-brown, gray-beige tones.

On the left is chrysoprase, on the right is fake