What kind of stone is ulexite: properties and meaning, the mystery of the television mineral

Story

Ulexite is one of the youngest stones in terms of mineralogy: the first specimens were found in northern Chile in the first half of the 19th century.

At first, the mineral was known as boronatrocalcite, that is, the ore of boron. Later renamed in honor of Georg Ludwig Ulex. This German chemist was the first to thoroughly analyze the composition and properties of the mineral.

In literature and at the everyday level, ulexite also appears as:

• franklandite – impure ulexite;
• tincalcite is a type of mineral;
• stiberite – variety;
• cat's eye - iridescent specimens with a stripe in the middle;
• TV stone.

The name “TV stone” is due to the unique property of the mineral. If you put a crystal on an image, it will pass the design through the thickness, reflecting it on the opposite side. Like on a TV screen.

The crystal must be transparent or translucent, polished across the grain.

Colors and varieties

Ulexite stone

There are very few color varieties of ulexite found in nature. The main ones are white and gray or light mineral with a greenish tint. Scientists have also found rare varieties of bright blue (sapphire) and red (ruby) colors, as well as some other colors, but all in single copies.

The most famous type of ulexite is the “cat’s eye”, that is, a specimen that has a moving vertical stripe (optical effect).

Artificial ulexite can be of any color.

physical characteristics

The natural mineral ulexite is an aqueous lime salt of boric acid.

The unique “trick” of the mineral is its light-guide qualities. Each needle crystal is an optical fiber created by nature. Thanks to this, he is valued in the high-tech industry.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Many astrologers believe that natural ulexite is suitable for all zodiac signs, since it can tune in to the wavelength of any owner. The especially positive influence of this stone is manifested in relation to active people: politicians, social activists, volunteers, managers, actors.

It is believed that according to the horoscope, a natural mineral is ideal for Aquarius and Sagittarius , but even with them it will establish contact only after some time.

If you want to make this stone your amulet or talisman, remember that it can enhance the main traits of your character. You should not wear ulexite when you are nervous, indignant, angry, or experiencing other negative emotions, as they will be stored in the “memory” of the stone.

Place of Birth

Despite its sedimentary origin, there are few deposits of the mineral. To form a mineral deposit, dryness plus the presence of salt are required.

These are regions with an arid climate, salt lakes, salt marshes:

• America – Peru, Argentina, Chile; southwest and western USA;
• Africa - Atlantic coast;
• Asia - China (Tibet), Kazakhstan (caspian region).

Industrial ulexite is mined in South America.

Russia joined the list of miners later than others, but destroyed the standard.

The microclimate of the Kungur cave (Perm region) does not fit into the canon: temperature maximum +5°C, relative humidity 100%. This is a national nature reserve, an object of pilgrimage for tourists.

Artificial ulexite

The rarity and fragility of the natural mineral necessitated the creation of an artificial analogue. It was received at the end of the 20th century.

The technology is not particularly complicated, but the result is magnificent:

1. Disadvantages such as fragility, density, and narrow color range have been eliminated.
2. Physical properties and aesthetic conditions can be set in advance.
3. The output is multi-colored crystals that are less vulnerable to external influences.

It is easy to care for artificial stones; no sanding is required.

Areas of use

The properties of ulexite were appreciated by industrialists and jewelers. Everyone takes raw materials of suitable quality.

Industry

Manufacturing, including high technology, is the main area of ​​application of ulexite raw materials:

• elements of endoscopes are made from it;
• the mineral is of particular importance for fiber optic cable manufacturers (Internet, TV, more serious areas);
• Boron ore is a valuable component in the chemical industry.

Without ulexite it is difficult to imagine the functioning of the World Wide Web and other means of communication, including space ones.

Jewelry

The best part (very small in volume) and artificial material goes to jewelers.

Artificial stone is durable, so the range of jewelry is complete:

• These are inserts of rings, earrings, brooches, beads, bracelets, pendants in silver or simpler metal.
• Almost always the mineral is combined with cubic zirconia and zirconium. Color diversity is created by agates, tiger's eye, and jasper.
• On individual orders, gold jewelry is made from ulexite and precious stones - tourmalines, chrysoprase, opals. For this segment, specimens with the “cat’s eye” effect are reserved. Earrings with this type of ulexite are especially impressive.

Ulexite jewelry
Artificially created stones are more elegant than natural ones, but not flashy.

Collecting

The limited range of colors and deposits of natural ulexite, plus an affordable price, allows you to quickly assemble a complete home collection of the mineral.

Price

Ulexite is ground and tumbled samples are sold. They do not have any cutting, the surface is lightly processed to highlight the color, shine and the presence of a light strip - the “cat” pupil.

The cost varies depending on the purity of the specimen and its size.

A pebble measuring 1.0×1.5×4.0 cm will cost approximately 450-500 rubles.

If you want to order jewelry made of natural stone, it is more prudent to frame it. Based on the color range of the mineral - white, gray, greenish-beige shades - jewelers frame it in white metals: silver, less often white gold.

The final cost of a set of 925 sterling silver with ulexite inserts (earrings, ring, pendant) starts from 4,000 rubles.

Therapeutic effect

Lithotherapists have identified the healing properties of ulexite:

1. Comprehensive mental health . The stone improves mood and self-confidence. Restores the body after nervous shocks, relieves depression.
2. Improved vision . To do this, they carefully contemplate the raw stone every day. The fine-fibrous structure of the mineral helps the eye “catch on.”

The mission of specimens with the “cat’s eye” effect is to stabilize vision.

1. Treatment of obesity caused by overeating . The stone stimulates metabolism, suppresses appetite, dulling the feeling of hunger. Weight loss is helped by the ability of ulexite to calm the psyche (item 1): many people “eat up” stress with sweets and other high-calorie delicacies.

The strongest is considered to be the unprocessed natural mineral.

Where else is it used?

The jewelry industry is a small percentage of the total use of natural ulexite.
The mineral is quite widely used in the fiber optic industry. Due to the presence of light-guide properties, products made from ulexite are used in medicine - elements for modern endoscopes.

Also, stone is widely used in the production of fiber optic cables, which are used for wiring Internet and TV lines.

There are few natural deposits of boronatrocalcite. Industrial mining of the mineral is carried out specifically for the needs of high-tech industries. Also, ulexite is mined and used as boron ore for the chemical industry.

Synthetically grown stone has been used in jewelry since the end of the 20th century. Its manufacturing technology is simple, the growth and physical properties of the samples can be controlled.

The external attractiveness of artificial samples is higher due to the possibility of coloring them in any shade.

The degree of transparency and the presence of the “cat’s eye” effect are also adjustable; the hardness indicators of synthetics are much higher than those of natural samples. This is why jewelers prefer to work with artificial stones.

The products are more durable, easy to maintain and more attractive from a design point of view. However, it is not easy for a non-professional to detect a fake - except for bright colors, nothing betrays the artificial nature of the gem.

Borosilicate glass is used to make synthetic stones. The composition and manufacturing method must be indicated on the jewelry label.

Artificial stones are mainly inserted into frames made of metal alloys, less often and mostly to order - using precious metals.

Accordingly, the pricing policy for souvenirs and jewelry products is very competitive; customers like the variety of colors and the low price of “cat’s” eyes.

In addition, artificial stone does not lose its attractiveness after a long time and does not require preventive polishing or special storage conditions.

Magic properties

Ulexite is not particularly involved in magical rituals; its study continues.

Ring with ulexite

But the main magical properties have been revealed:

• Charms create a barrier to external negativity (evil eye, envy, hatred).
• The stone makes the owner an intuitive, clairvoyant, able to see the development and result of significant events.
• Helps coordinate actions in extreme or dangerous situations.
• Ulexite is more suitable for public figures than others. The talisman imparts eloquence, charisma, and helps to express thoughts clearly and accessible.
• This is the keeper of family ties and home. Particularly useful if feelings begin to cool down.

However, the uniqueness of the stone lies elsewhere.

Ulexite “remembers” and enhances the personal qualities of the owner. And any, positive and problematic.

Therefore, there is no need to wear jewelry or a stone all the time. Especially if there is a showdown or another situation that involves negativity.

For the same reason, it is not recommended to make ulexite a family treasure: it is unknown how the new owner will perceive the emotions of the previous owners “written” on the stone.

The magic of silk shimmers

The recent discovery of ulexite suggests that the full range of properties, both medicinal and magical, is under study. The few properties that are already known amaze with their strength and unusualness:

• Strengthening and multiplying. It is believed that the stone is endowed with the ability to recognize and enhance a person’s character traits, making it visible to others. Kindness, greed or arrogance, it doesn’t matter - the nugget will show these traits many times, revealing the true face of the owner. Therefore, from an esoteric point of view, ulexite is considered a dangerous mineral that is not recommended to be worn too often.
• Protection from negative influences. The mineral is a strong magical amulet that can repel evil forces, ward off damage, the evil eye, and protect against slander or slander. Well protects children who are more susceptible to envious glances.
• Develops intuition. An amulet with ulexite can reveal the gift of clairvoyance in a person, helping the owner to concentrate when a dangerous situation arises, correctly directing actions.
• Family amulet. Ulexite is endowed with the gift of preserving love and mutual understanding in family relationships and maintaining the fire of the home. In addition, the stone is distinguished by its peacemaking abilities in general, helping to smooth out conflict situations between people.
• Adaptation in society. Amulets made from ulexite give a person the ability to attract the attention of others, since the mineral helps to increase the owner’s self-esteem and gives confidence in their abilities. Such a talisman helps to show charisma, hidden abilities, and sociability when communicating with people.

Ulexite will become an indispensable talisman for teenagers, helping to cope with youthful maximalism and make it easier to survive the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

This is interesting: Thanks to its magical abilities, ulexite will serve as a talisman for people of creative professions: painters, writers, designers, musicians, actors. The stone is also suitable for those associated with the information sphere - journalists, advertising agents, television workers.

Although the magic of the stone has not been fully studied, the already discovered properties are surprising in their versatility. It is worth noting that this stone will not serve envious, hypocritical, evil people with unclean intentions. Only a worthy person will feel the magical gift of ulexite.

Ulexite and Zodiac

Astrologers say: the stone is suitable for everyone, since it is able to tune in to the wave of any person. Especially favors active people: social activists, politicians, volunteers.

According to the horoscope, it is ideal for Gemini, Aquarius, Virgo, Sagittarius.

Table of compatibility of ulexite with zodiac signs (“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated).

But even representatives of these zodiac signs will need time to establish contact with the mineral.

Healing power

Lithotherapists and traditional healers attribute a number of medicinal properties to ulexite. The mineral has a particular effect on diseases associated with the respiratory system - pharyngitis, asthma, bronchitis, and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Also, the healing power of the stone has a beneficial effect on other important systems of the human body:

• Psychological, emotional state. It is believed that the stone helps fight depression, stress, nervous exhaustion, improves mood, balance of the soul, and increases vitality. When wearing the stone, insomnia and panic attacks disappear.
• Vision. With the help of daily sessions of examining the stone, visual acuity is restored, healers say. Only a natural, unprocessed piece of rock is suitable for this method. Healers believe that the mineral is capable of curing vision pathologies by penetrating its essence inside the human eye.
• Metabolism. Ulexite is recommended to speed up the body's metabolic processes. It helps control appetite, which is useful for people prone to obesity and trying to lose excess weight.

Also read: Carborundum - silicon carbide

In addition to these amazing healing powers, there are others that have a mystical nature.

How to care

In terms of fragility and softness, ulexite is comparable to graphite in a pencil - it breaks and crumbles just as easily. It can be easily scratched even with a fingernail.

Therefore, care means a lot for the preservation of the mineral:

• Jewelry or stones should not be washed with hot water as they will fade or dissolve.
• Jewelry should be worn with care. Especially a ring, bracelet or ring made of ulexite.
• For storage, each piece of jewelry should be allocated a personal bag made of soft fabric or a section in the box. Otherwise, the fragile inserts will be scratched.
• The box or box must be durable, tightly closed, and impenetrable to sunlight. Otherwise the stone will fade.
• Even with careful care and careful wearing, gems fade and a whitish coating forms. It is removed by sanding. It is better to entrust the procedure to a master jeweler.

These rules apply to natural gems. For artificial specimens, special precautions are not necessary. Although it is not worth checking the strength of the product.

Care

Caring for ulexite requires special attention. The fact is that over time, cut gems fade, lose their iridescence and become covered with a white coating.

Polishing, which can be done in any jewelry workshop, will help give your jewelry its original appearance.

It is recommended to store jewelry with ulexite separately, or place each piece in a fabric bag, or secure it in a box on special holders.

This is done to prevent soft, fragile stones from being scratched by metal or other stone. It is also advisable to purchase an opaque box so that the jewelry is not exposed to direct sunlight. This will also prolong the brightness and freshness of their appearance.

Price

Jewelry and collection material are sold in Russia at affordable prices (RUB):

• earrings – 2,800 – 3,500;
• brooch – 1 350 – 2 450;
• ring – 2 100 – 3 400;
• bracelet – 2 800 – 3 200;
• pendant (925° silver) – 3,900.

The cost is affected by the number and dimensions of the inserts, the massiveness and material of the frame (silver 875°, 925°, gold 375°, jewelry alloy with rhodium plated surface).

Agglomerates (USA, California, 10–12 g) can be purchased for 350–420 rubles.

How to spot a fake

Instead of ulexite, synthetic gems or plastic are often offered. But the origin of the stone is not always indicated.

It’s easy to spot a fake:

• Natural ulexite is only white, grayish or gray-greenish.

All colored jewelry inserts (blue, purple, yellow, red or any other color stone) are artificial.

• Artificial stones are commonly sold.
• Natural stone, unlike plastic, heats up gradually in your hands.

Virgin or tumbled stones are offered by mineral stores.

Talismans and amulets

Only natural ulexite plays the role of a talisman. It is not easy to find a product with a gem mined from nature on sale, since inserts from it are impractical. If the buyer managed to find jewelry with a genuine stone, then it will be small.

Ulexite is a talisman for children and adults. This mineral is especially valuable for artists, musicians, singers, teachers and politicians. A piece of jewelry worn around the neck (pendant, pendant) is the best talisman and amulet for representatives of these professions. It helps to reveal the tone of the voice, develop eloquence, which makes it possible to gain authority among the public.

It is recommended to keep a ball or small figurine made of a semi-precious mineral at home. It will protect your home from ill-wishers and help create a favorable atmosphere in the house.

From an astrological point of view, ulexite is one of the few stones that are suitable for representatives of all zodiac signs. The mineral has changeable energy, depending on what kind of person it interacts with. Ulexite quickly “gets attached” to its owner and brings all the good things into his life.

This mineral combines energetically with silver, so it is recommended to buy silver jewelry with this stone as talismans.

As for synthetic minerals, they cannot serve as talismans due to the lack of energy and magical properties.