Iceland spar. Properties, extraction and use of Iceland spar

Iceland spar is a type of calcite that is characterized by birefringence.
Used as a raw material by the optical industry. Iceland spar is credited with a variety of magical and healing properties. However, its crystals are not used in jewelry due to their fragility.

Peculiarities

Iceland spar is endowed with two properties that distinguish it from the general background of minerals:

1. Geometry of crystals. Creates a “matryoshka effect”: when you split a crystal, you get the same one, but smaller. So down to the tiniest bits.
2. Luminescence. Appears in colored stones. The crystal lattice of white (that is, pure) aggregates is perfect; they do not luminesce in UV rays.
3. Birefringence (polarization). The flat image under the crystal splits into two. The mechanism is as follows: when a beam of light crosses a prism, one wave travels normally, the other is deflected, projecting a “phantom” along with the original. The larger the crystal, the further apart the images will be. The refractive index changes if the crystal is cut diagonally and then the halves are glued together. When the stone is rotated 90°, the effect disappears.

Cordierite and tourmalines also create a similar polarization effect.

Iceland spar

There is no need to confuse Icelandic and feldspar. These are representatives of different classes. According to the international classification, Iceland spar stone belongs to carbonates, feldspar – to silicates. Other characteristics (density, strength, appearance) are also different.

Chemical composition and physical properties

So, Iceland spar is a type of calcite, the chemical formula of which is (CaCO3). The crystals of this mineral have a unique property called birefringence (polarization). As a result, if calcite is placed on a flat image, it will split into two. It is curious that when the stone is rotated 90 degrees, the effect is lost. A double image appears due to the polarization of light passing through a prism; as a result, one wave goes straight, as usual, while the other is deflected, projecting a false image along with the real one.

Video on the topic: Birefringence of Iceland spar

The human eye, due to the optical properties of Iceland spar, sees these waves simultaneously, hence the image produced by the prism appears double. Minerals such as tourmaline and cordierite also have the same property.

Spar is transparent, according to the characteristics of the Mohs scale, its strength is not high - only 3 units. Quartzite crystals are fragile, have a glassy or pearlescent luster, and are shaped like a classic prism. When heated above 470 degrees, the crystals disintegrate into ordinary lime and carbon dioxide. Calcite has not found application in jewelry due to its low aesthetic value.

Chemical and physical characteristics

Iceland spar is a transparent, coarse-crystalline variety of calcite.

Main characteristics:

• chemical formula – CaCO3;
• transparency – high;
• hardness on the Mohs scale – 3;
• luster – glass or pearlescent;
• shape – crystal prism from 0.5 to 100+ cm;
• when heated above 470 °C, it decomposes into carbon dioxide and lime;
• color – colorless, sometimes with blue, pink, green, yellow tints.

Colors are created by impurities. For pink it is manganese, blue shades are formed by boron or chromium, the sources of yellowishness are iron or sulfur. The shades are not flashy, but fawn, restrained. White crystals contain no impurities.

History of the stone

The mineral was discovered by mankind back in the days of the Vikings. Mentions of the mineral are found in the Scandinavian sagas: it was used to determine the position of the sun in the sky. Therefore, spar also received the name “sun stone”. In the fifteenth century, the gem was used in monasteries - religious paraphernalia was made from it.

The first colorless calcite was found not in Iceland, but on the island of Alderney (the northern border of the Channel Islands). A valuable specimen was found among the wreckage of an old Scandinavian boat that had been preserved for several centuries.

Be sure to see: Types and properties of calcite

The properties of stone were studied in detail during the Renaissance. Scientists tried to find out the practical value of calcite in terms of its use in navigation. However, spar, as it turned out, does not have unique optical properties that make it possible to determine the position of the sun in the sky.

Where is the stone mined?

The origin of this type of calcite is hydrothermal. Iceland spar deposits are concentrated in limestones, basalts, and other rocks rich in calcium.

South Africa and the Russian Federation have large deposits.

In Russia, spar is mined in the North Caucasus and in the Asian part of the country: the Urals, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Yakutia, Tuva, and the Far East.

Collectible-quality specimens come from Mexico and the USA. Their extraction is carried out manually, without the use of heavy equipment or blasting.

How is Iceland spar used?

Fragility plus low Mohs hardness exclude the use of the mineral as jewelry. Few stone carvers undertake to make a figurine or other thing out of it. But it is a popular material for wall or other mosaics.

The main area of ​​use of the mineral is the optical industry . The high coefficient of double refraction of light, optical homogeneity, and sufficient transparency for ultraviolet and visible rays to the human eye have made crystals (for example, a prism for polarizing light) indispensable components of optical and optoelectronic systems. We are talking about polarizing microscopes, interferometers, photometers, and other devices for which radiation resistance is important.

Remarkable examples are sought after by collectors.

Iceland spar crystal

Areas of application

In addition to decorative use, Icelandic spars occupy a niche for industrial stone. In addition to gemstones, minerals are used :

1. As an optical system for polarization.
2. For the manufacture of prisms, microscopes and other transparent parts for polarimeters.
3. Replenishment of your personal collection.
4. Production of paint and varnish products.

In chemical language, Icelandic spars look like CaCO3. This is what explains the physical properties of the Icelandic spar.

• Hardness 3 points;
• density 2.7 g/cm3;
• transparent;
• reacts with acid with hissing and foaming;
• minor scratches and cracks;
• mechanical damage reduces shine;
• the shine of glass or the shine of pearls.

INTERESTING: Photo of iolite stone.

Interesting facts about mineral physics:

1. Birefringence. Since the light in the crystal is refracted in a special way, the inscription written on one side appears on the other, but in a branched form.
2. When a polarized crystal is cut in half and bonded further, the incident beam is not split.
3. For colorless fluorescent stone, the quartz lattice is built completely and does not emit any ultraviolet light. There are features that differ in the brightness and color of the painted sample.

Price

The mineral is not classified as precious, but is often sold by carat. The cost is determined by the dimensions, integrity, and degree of purity of the crystal.

A transparent Icelandic 15-carat stone costs 38–42 thousand rubles. A similar one, but cracked or chipped, can be purchased 15–20 times cheaper. Fragments of a spar block will cost up to 100 rubles.

Even a microcrack invisible to the eye that touches the optical axis of a crystal nullifies its properties, reducing its value and price.

Aggregates without impurities and luminescence are more expensive than colored ones with this effect.

Magic properties

The number one magical property of Iceland spar is to make a person a psychic or clairvoyant:

• If there is no risk of cancer, carry an Iceland spar crystal with you.
• A safe but labor-intensive way is meditation on a stone. It requires willpower and time: daily sessions take at least five hours.
• Yogis use Icelandic stone to open the upper chakra.
• Like a talisman, it is capricious: if a person loses it or indifferently gives it away, the magical properties of the crystal and the achievements of the owner will be nullified. The gift will be useless for the new owner.

Icelandic spar talisman crystals can be inherited by blood relatives or another person as a sincere gift. Then the light nature of the mineral will continue to work.

Main conclusions

1. Iceland spar is a transparent, colorless calcite. A brittle mineral with the property of birefringence. When heated to 470 degrees, it breaks down into lime and carbon dioxide.
2. Mined in Russia, USA, Mexico. In nature, it occurs together with limestone and basalt rocks.
3. The energy of the stone is used in the treatment of toothache and vision diseases. Also helps develop intuition.
4. Zodiacally suitable for everyone except Scorpios.
5. Spar is used in the optical industry. Not used in jewelry.

Share your emotions about the properties of Iceland spar and leave feedback in the comments.

Therapeutic effect

The crushed mineral is a component of traditional Chinese medicine. The healing capabilities of Iceland spar are multifaceted: universal and specialized in color.

Lithotherapists recommend crystals of any color to solve the following problems:

• lethargy, fatigue, decreased physical condition of the body, weakened immunity;
• heat, fever, high temperature;
• eye diseases (especially cataracts; pebbles are placed on the eyes for healing).

Product with a crystal
In some cases, the color of the mineral is decisive:

• blue crystals are suitable for treating the nasopharynx, throat, and respiratory system as a whole;
• reddish-pink help overcome gastrointestinal ailments;
• yellow or golden eliminate kidney disease;
• white, transparent ones neutralize pain, especially joint pain, headaches and dental pain.

However, there is a serious “but”. The mineral provokes accelerated “reproduction” of cells and proliferation of body tissues. Therefore, Iceland spar and other calcites are contraindicated, even dangerous, for people with tumors of any nature (evil or benign).

For the same reason, sprains cannot be treated with the mineral.

Horoscope

Astrologically, none of the varieties of calcite (including Iceland spar) correlates with planets and zodiac signs. However, spar itself is a rather “friendly” mineral, which is easy for a representative of any sign to work with, regardless of the patron planet, etc.

Some minerals of certain colors gravitate towards specific signs. Thus, bluish crystals are best suited for those born under the zodiac sign Cancer, while Capricorns can wear stones with a greenish tint.

The only sign that Iceland spar is not suitable for is Scorpio . The fact is that Scorpios often gravitate towards black magical practices and working with dark energies, while the calcite crystal is very light, sunny, filled with high vibrations. The energy of Iceland spar and Scorpios is completely opposite, so it is better for such people to refrain from purchasing crystals of this kind.

Iceland spar and horoscope

Astrologers have not been able to identify connections between the calcite family (including Iceland spar) and the planets or zodiac signs. However, the bright, positive energy of these minerals has been revealed.

Therefore, astrologers advise choosing Iceland spar according to the color related to the element of the sign:

• representatives of Water signs will suit bluish or greenish specimens;
• Fire people need yellow-gold or reddish crystals;
• Earthly - yellowish;
• For airy ones, you should choose white, grayish, bluish.

The only inhabitant of the Zodiac circle for whom Iceland spar is useless is Scorpio. People of this sign are often committed to black magic, which contradicts the light energy of the mineral.

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

Meaning of Zodiac Signs

The power of healing spar will suit all zodiac signs except Scorpio. The mineral has positive energy that helps maintain good health and get rid of unnecessary thoughts. Also promotes the development of intuition.

It is not advisable for Scorpios to wear a talisman in the form of Icelandic spar, since the energy of the mineral aggravates the manifestation of negative character traits. Also, many Scorpios are close to the occult. Calcite symbolizes simplicity and honesty, which is contrary to mysticism.

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How to identify a fake

Glass or plastic is often offered under the guise of Iceland spar. The origin of a sample can be determined by the following characteristics:

• Birefringence. The sample is placed on a page or other flat fragment with a pattern. Under a natural stone, the image will split in two, and if the stone is turned at a right angle, the effect disappears.
• Visual inspection. Natural stones of the available range are rarely without inclusions, microcracks or chips. Samples of similar purity are priced accordingly.
• Echo. When you tap a crystal on glass or metal, you will hear a sound - the same as from any natural stone. The glass pieces will ring, the plastic fakes will remain silent, or the echo will be dull.
• Weight. Natural stone is more massive than glass or plastic fakes of similar dimensions.
• Thermal conductivity. Natural crystals are cooler than glass, especially plastic. Counterfeits in your hands (or pressed to your face) will heat up quickly, while a natural mineral will heat up slowly and with difficulty.

Iceland spar is a transparent, coarse-crystalline variety of calcite.
The price can be a marker of origin: for natural crystals it is never too low.

Notes[ | ]

1. ↑ 1234
   Iceland spar // Mining Encyclopedia / Ch. editor E. A. Kozlovsky. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1986. - T. 2. - P. 460.
2. ↑ 1 2 3 4 5 6 Arsyukhin, Evgeniy
   How Viking magic turned out to be physics.
   It was believed that the “sun stone” from the Scandinavian sagas was simply a mythical object. But it exists - and it works (Russian). TASS
   (August 27, 2018). Date accessed: September 21, 2021.
3. ↑ 1 2
   A Viking “sun stone” was found on an ancient ship (Russian).
   BBC
   (7 March 2013). Date accessed: September 21, 2021.
4. ↑ 1 2 Efimova, Evgenia
   The secret of “sun stones”.
   how the Vikings got from Norway to Greenland almost blindly (Russian). News
   (April 4, 2018). Date accessed: September 21, 2021.
5. Száz & Horváth, 2021.
6. Through the magic crystal. The mythical Viking compass turned out to be a reality (Russian). Lenta.Ru
   (March 11, 2013). Date accessed: September 21, 2021.