Products with precious and semi-precious gems are popular all over the world. In the first place are translucent and transparent stones, which add luxury and grace to jewelry. Crystals, as a rule, are chosen according to a person’s personal energy, zodiac sign, as well as healing and magical properties. To choose the right “companion”, you need to know the classification of minerals and their main properties.
Diamond
India is considered the birthplace of this stone. The stone was brought to Europe by Alexander the Great, who, having learned about the stone of incredible beauty, specially went to India to get it.
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The uniqueness of a diamond lies in its structure. Thanks to its special crystal lattice, the mineral has high hardness and thermal conductivity. Contrary to popular belief, most diamonds are not colorless. Nature generously took care of the color palette of this transparent gemstone.
The most common diamond color is yellow. It is followed by brown, pink and orange. The rarest and most expensive specimens are green, blue and red. The black diamond stands apart from everyone else. Due to the large number of inclusions, it is not always possible to achieve the frequency of its cutting.
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The favorite countries for diamond mining are Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa, Angola.
It is believed that a diamond has a great influence on its owner. It gives courage, confidence and protects from any negative influence.
Peridot jewelry
Jewelers sell all types of products with peridot. However, earrings, necklaces, pendants, and pendants are considered the best options. This is justified by the fact that such jewelry is less susceptible to serious physical impact, due to which it can crack. At the same time, there are some design rules that most craftsmen adhere to:
- Despite the fact that green peridot belongs to semi-precious materials, it is often found in expensive settings. Usually it is white or red gold and silver of the highest standard. The frame can also be gold plated.
- Earrings are most often studs. In addition, the hanging type is common.
- Due to the complexity of processing, stone is often given natural shapes. This allows you to maintain the shine and purity of the material. It is important to know that peridot is rarely refined. The cut is usually step, brilliant, tabular or fancy. Star-shaped representatives, like other stones of this type, are decorated with the most convex cabochon.
The cut has a particularly strong influence on the final shade. The mineral is usually combined with other stones (usually white). The advantage of such jewelry is that they suit any style of clothing.
Alexandrite
This imperial stone has the property of changing its color depending on the consecration, from pale green to dark burgundy. This transparent gemstone was first found in 1833 in the Ural mines. It was presented to the general public in April 1834 on the name day of the Russian sovereign Alexander II, which is why it got its name.
Alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl. Its chemical composition is quite complex. It includes iron, titanium and chromium. It is thanks to the latter that this transparent gemstone is capable of a unique color reverse.
Alexandrite is rarely colorless. It is most common in bluish-green color. There are also specimens in olive and brown shades.
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Today, the largest suppliers of alexandrite to the world market are Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania and Madagascar.
Alexandrite has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and psyche of its owner. There is an opinion that with its help you can recover from alcoholism.
Connects times
Astrologer L. Nazarova classifies obsidian as a group of connector stones. In addition to obsidian, this group includes cacholong, turquoise, adularia, hematite, and aventurine.
Connector stones facilitate the connection of times and the transition from one time of life to another. For example, youth-maturity.
Therefore, people in a “midlife crisis” simply need an obsidian talisman.
Zodiac signs
- Stone of the second decade of Sagittarius.
- For Scorpios, obsidian is the zodiac stone.
- Obsidian will become a real protector for all fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).
- Astrologers do not recommend the stone for Virgos and Cancers.
- Pisces can wear obsidian from time to time, intermittently.
Is Obsidian Right for You?
Not really
Element
Fire
Earth
Planets
Sun
Saturn
Uranus
Pluto
Energy
Yin
Aquamarine
A transparent, blue-colored gemstone that is a variety of beryl. The most valuable minerals are those that have the color of clean and transparent sea water.
The peak of aquamarine's popularity came at the beginning of the twentieth century and the Art Deco style. Its icy transparency has made aquamarine one of the favorite materials of jewelers, along with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. It looked great in the rectangular cut that was popular at that time, which only emphasized its laconic severity.
The most significant deposits of the gem are located in Brazil, Russia and Madagascar.
The stone is able to protect its owner from lies and negative influences. He knows how to support the feelings of lovers and resolve disputes.
Stones by zodiac sign
In order to fully experience the positive effects of natural minerals, it is necessary to choose precious and semi-precious stones in accordance with your personal horoscope.
Each crystal patronizes certain signs of the zodiac circle, and these “favorites” will fully feel the beneficial effects of the stones. Suitable copies:
- for the element of Fire - transparent diamonds and sapphires, as well as amber, garnet, amethyst and chalcedony;
- for Water signs - emerald, pearls, aquamarine, garnet and sapphires;
- for the earthly element - chalcedony and transparent topazes, beryls and rubies;
- for “air” representatives - aquamarine, citrine and beryl.
Hyacinth
This stone of wisdom and good luck is shrouded in mystery and magic. The mineral is a transparent jewelry variety of zirconium with a diamond luster. It contains manganese, which is why it has a red-brown color palette.
Hyacinth is a rare and prized stone by jewelers. Due to its high hardness, it can be processed with step or brilliant cuts. The density and refractive index of this mineral depends on the deposit.
It is mined in Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Russia.
According to ancient symbolism, hyacinth is a stone of success and constancy. It can improve vision, preserve youth and protect against nightmares. He gives prosperity, helps to get rich and recognize lies.
Varieties
Obsidian is:
- snowy - black with white snowflake spots;
- iridescent - a rare and beautiful iridescent variety;
- golden (golden);
- resin (pechstein);
- peanut;
- mahogany (according to the color of the wood of the tree of the same name).
Rhinestone
This mysterious white and transparent gem has been surrounded by an aura of mysteries and legends since ancient times. Ancient philosophers believed that rock crystal was water frozen and turned into ice by the power of magic.
If we turn to science, this mineral is a type of quartz. Pure crystals without any defects are rare and highly valued. Specimens of 3 cm and more are of practical importance.
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In ancient times, various vessels and decorations were carved from it. And now, when you go to a jewelry store, you can see earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets with rock crystal on the counter.
Many people associate products made from this stone with witchcraft. Suffice it to recall the indispensable attribute of all fortune tellers - the crystal magic ball. The main property of the mineral is the ability to grant a person clairvoyance.
But the disinfectant properties of rock crystal have been scientifically confirmed. It is applied to wounds and bruises for quick healing. The mineral, placed under the pillow, can relieve insomnia.
Talismans and amulets
Pendant
Rock crystal is a magically charged stone, talismans from which will be useful to many people.
Products made from it are constant companions of various magicians and sorcerers: balls help psychics see past and future events, as well as establish a telepathic connection between members of the same magical community, amulets of power recharge magicians and sorcerers when they are exhausted, amulets protect spiritualists from attacks of evil spirits during time of sessions to address the dead.
Even an ordinary person can use a crystal ball:
- to clear consciousness and enhance intuition;
- to find an answer or make a decision;
- to predict future events or search for the truth about the past.
This requires minimal magical abilities. Most people have them in a hidden form.
The ball is first placed in a dark place for several hours, and then charged in the sun for the same amount of time. Sessions must be carried out in a dark room with a targeted light source aimed at the crystal. To achieve what you want, you need to relax internally and focus on looking at the ghostly silhouettes inside the ball.
Ring
Crystal clear gems clear the mind and sharpen the mind. Amulets made from them will be useful to everyone whose line of work requires increased mental and intellectual abilities, for example, scientists, teachers, researchers, analysts, as well as schoolchildren and students.
Rock crystal amulets:
- They will protect the house from evil people who will feel uncomfortable in it, and soon they will completely stop wanting to come. For these purposes, it is worth placing any crystal decorative element or souvenir in the house. Such products will also protect your home from natural disasters and accidents.
- It will prevent others from manipulating its owner (more relevant for women), and will help expose lies and hypocrisy. To do this, you need to wear a crystal bracelet on your right hand, and if you change it to your left hand, it will turn into a love amulet.
- Neutralizes human envy and hatred, which rings and brooches do well with.
Emerald
Natural emerald is a transparent green gemstone and belongs to the beryl group. According to the classification, emerald, together with diamond, alexandrite, sapphire and ruby, belongs to the first-order semiprecious minerals.
An important criterion is its transparency and color. A perfect emerald is a crystal clear and transparent stone with an even color distribution. Specimens over 5 carats are valued higher than diamonds.
Emeralds from Colombia are considered especially expensive. They have a lush grassy green hue. But Zambian emeralds are distinguished by their special transparency and purity of shine. They are much darker than Colombian and can even have blue tones. High-quality emeralds are also mined in Brazil, Russia, Afghanistan and Egypt.
If we talk about the magical properties of this transparent gem, then its task is to rid its owner of bad habits - infidelity, deceit, fraud. If its owner does not have bad inclinations, then the emerald will grant him health and good luck.
How to distinguish from a fake
The availability of rock crystal does not protect collectors of natural gems from purchasing fakes.
Transparent samples of crystal can be ennobled to give them color and increase their value, which is not considered cheating, since the gems retain all their properties. In order for the stone to turn black and turn into morion, it is irradiated, and to give it an amber color, it is calcined.
Scientists have also learned to grow rock crystal in laboratory conditions. Synthetic analogues do not have healing or magical properties, but it is impossible to determine the artificial origin of the stone by eye. Only a specialist can handle this.
Attention!
Information about the origin of rock crystal, the availability and methods of its processing are indicated in the certificate for the stone, the absence of which from the seller or unwillingness to present to the buyer should be a reason for refusing to purchase.
Counterfeits made of glass or plastic, of which there are a great many on mass sale, are easily identified right on the spot. A number of checks need to be carried out:
- Weigh the stone in your hands. It shouldn't be too light.
- Hold it in your palms and try to warm it with your warmth. Natural crystal has low thermal conductivity and will remain cool, while imitations will heat up very quickly.
- Run a needle over the gem. There is no danger to real rock crystal; there will be a scratch on glass or plastic.
- Evaluate transparency. Crystal from the depths of the earth is absolutely transparent, fakes will be cloudier.
- Look at the stone through a magnifying glass. The ideality of structure or color should arouse suspicion.
There is another type of artificial crystal - this is glass, into which lead and barium oxides are added in minute doses. Lead crystal is used primarily for making tableware and decorative elements.
Ruby
Ruby is a variety of corundum and belongs to the oxide class of minerals. A transparent gemstone second only to diamond in hardness. It is found on all continents of the earth except Antarctica. The most significant ruby exporting countries are Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Ruby has a special fiery red color that other transparent gems do not have (photo). This occurs due to the presence of chromium impurities in the mineral.
This stone was mined in Burma during the Bronze Age. Rubies were also highly valued in Ancient India. There they were used to make talismans.
This stone is considered a symbol of passion, energy and power. It gives a person strength and protects against black magic. There is also an opinion that by changing its color, a ruby warns its owner from danger.
Origin
Vulcans are the parents of Satan's Claw. The rock is born during volcanic eruptions. Moreover, the very rapid rise of lava to the surface of the earth prevents the formation of crystals. The resulting rock is amorphous.
Obsidian scree at Obsidian Dome, California
Obsidian yields in Armenia
It contains feldspar, quartz and some other substances.
Sapphire
A blue, transparent gemstone from the corundum variety. Its shades can vary from pinkish to black, but mineralogists consider dark blue sapphires to be true. Its characteristic is a high degree of hardness and a strong glass luster.
The most valuable sapphire deposits are located in Asia, India and the USA. The most famous sapphires are Kashmir sapphires. They got their name from the place of their production - Kashmir (a region in the north of Hindustan).
Sapphire is considered a heavenly stone and has cosmic energy. It is often used during meditation. It pacifies passions, strengthens the spirit, and brings loyalty and love to the family.
Areas of application
Not just decorations or small glyptics.
Surgical blades are made from obsidian. Their thickness is much smaller than conventional steel ones. Cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, eye microsurgery - everywhere it is preferable to use obsidian. Its edge can be brought to a thickness of several molecules, which is impossible to do with a steel blade. Nanotechnology nervously smokes on the sidelines
