Verdelite is a green member of the rainbow world of tourmaline, which eighteenth-century European mineralogists classified as a distinct mineral variety. Due to its unique properties, it is in demand in jewelry, radio electronics, medicine and esoterics. The gem got its name “green tourmaline” from the Italian word verde - green and the Greek lithos - stone. Siberian tourmalines-verdelites are called sibirites.
However, back in the sixteenth century, Europeans called the amazingly shining green tourmalines brought by conquistadors from the New World “Brazilian emerald” because they were sure that they were emeralds. They attached great importance to the acquisition, sincerely believing that the precious stone brings glory to a righteous person. They were so expensive that not every monarch could afford to buy them.
A generous gift from the Ambassador of Brazil to King Charles, in recognition of his merits and assurance of friendship with Norway - a large green tourmaline, which since 1818 began to crown the crown of the Norwegian monarchs, at the same time serving as a talisman. Today, 1 carat of verdelite, depending on the quality, can cost from 40 to 100 US dollars.
History and origin
Tourmaline has a long-standing relationship with people. Residents of Byzantium learned to process it in the 8th century; Russian trade flourished in the 8th century. At the same time, the conquistadors introduced Europe to the gem.
Green tourmaline stone
The famous historical stone is the giant emerald tourmaline, presented to the King of Norway, Charles XIV Johan, by the Ambassador of Brazil. In 1818, the founder of the Bernadotte dynasty ascended the throne, and the crown was adorned with “almost an emerald.” The stone strengthened friendship between countries and protected the ruler from inappropriate actions.
The Old World called the green stones “Brazilian emeralds.”
It was only in the 18th century that the mineral was classified as a variety of tourmaline. Since that time it has been used in priestly robes.
Also known as verdelite. The stone received this name due to its color: verde - green, lithos - stone.
Green is the most common of tourmalines, with a palette ranging from light green to emerald.
The stone is formed in igneous and hydrothermal rocks. Sometimes it forms druses weighing up to hundreds of kilograms or fusions of needle-crystals in the shape of rays or fans.
Verdite deposits
According to geologists, verdite is one of the oldest stones in the world, since its first deposits were discovered about 3.5 billion years ago.
However, nowadays the reserves of verdite are not so large; the pebble can be found and mined in Africa (which is why it has another name - African green gold), Brazil and Russia.
Physicochemical characteristics
Green tourmaline is one of the boron-containing aluminosilicates with a crystalline structure.
The green color is created by impurities of chromium and iron. Vanadium allows the shade of the crystal to change with the light.
The gemstone is the rival of the emerald.
| Formula | Na(Li,Al)3Al6[(OH)4|(BO3)3Si6O18] |
| Color | green |
| Shine | Glass |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Hardness | 7—7,5 |
| Cleavage | Unclear |
| Kink | Uneven, small-shelled; fragile |
| Density | 3.02—3.26 g/cm³ |
Place of extraction
Green tourmaline is mined all over the planet.
The number one supplier is Brazil. On the continent it is also the USA (California), Colombia, Uruguay.
Ring with green tourmaline
African stone deposits - Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. The mines of Madagascar have been supplying druse larger than 30 cm for more than a century.
Asian deposits of the mineral are Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, India. Jewelry-grade crystals are mined in Vietnam: rich, transparent, large (up to 20 cm). Russian deposits are famous for good quality raw materials: the Urals, Transbaikalia, and the Kola Peninsula.
Cost and difference between fakes
Verdelite was considered not a cheap gem. Not even every monarch could afford it. And today, green tourmaline is considered an expensive stone. So 1 carat of average quality can range from 40 to 50 US dollars. The best quality verdelite stone is valued at $100.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult for an ordinary person to distinguish a natural tourmaline stone from a fake. Science has created a method for producing synthetic minerals. In this regard, many scammers have appeared trying to pass off glass or plastic as a greenish gem.
- The first thing you can do to verify authenticity is to try to scratch the stone. Natural verdelite is dense and leaving a mark will be quite problematic.
- You can try to heat the stone. Under no circumstances should it be heated with fire. Just rub it in your hand. Afterwards, you can bring small pieces of paper to the mineral and check for the appearance of electrification.
- You can take a closer look at the shade of the crystal, namely the uniform distribution of the color palette. It should be taken into account that in nature there is no verdelite with the same color intensity. A stone that has the same color over its entire area is most likely a fake.
Varieties and colors
Description of green tourmaline includes the name of the variety:
- Verdelite. Multi- or single-color dark green stone, gradation of shades goes from bottom to top. Most often with a pinkish or yellowish tint, rarely a blue-green tint is present.
Pendant with verdelite stone
- Chrome tourmaline. The mineral is emerald in color and looks red under the Chelsea filter. The color is created by the increased content of chromium. Rare, valuable material.
Chrome – tourmaline
- Deuterolite. A stone with the effect of changing color depending on the lighting. Property of Russia.
Tourmaline “Deuterolite”
- Chameleonite. Green-olive in daylight, brownish-red in artificial light.
Chameleonite
- Watermelon. An instance with a combination of red and green: a green outer layer plus a scarlet “core”.
Watermelon tourmaline
- Paraiba. Available in colors from emerald to deep blue. Bright expensive variety. Named after the place of production - a state in Brazil.
Paraiba Tourmaline
- . A stone with a light stripe in the middle.
Tourmaline “Cat's Eye”
The most famous and common green variety in nature is verdelite.
This is how any green tourmaline stone is called in everyday life.
Peculiarities
Like other tourmalines, verdelite has a complex formula. The mineral contains chromium and iron, which give the crystal a green tint . At the same time, the color palette is quite rich. Gems can be light green, brown, bluish, rich green and even black.
Both transparent and translucent specimens are found in nature.
Verdelite has dichroism , due to which the mineral becomes dull under artificial light. Therefore, the full variety of tints, patterns and inclusions can only be seen in sunlight. columnar or short-prismatic in shape . In addition, the crystal has a high hardness index. Thanks to this density, verdelite can easily scratch the surface of glass.
Most minerals are born in acidic rocks of volcanic origin. Verdelite is found in granitic magmas. Now the crystal is mined in Colombia , Pakistan, Asia and Vietnam . Specimens are often found in the Urals and Madagascar .
Medicinal properties
It is not magic that creates healing qualities, but the physical properties of tourmaline. They have been studied and used by official medicine.
Overall Impact
It has been scientifically proven that only green tourmaline has a constant electric field.
The crystal emits infrared rays that balance biocurrents. This is its main meaning for a person.
The healing properties of the green mineral:
- it is a gem of youth: it preserves mental clarity, sharp vision and slows down aging;
- helps with the functioning of the liver, cardiovascular and reproductive systems;
- cleanses blood vessels from cholesterol deposits;
- beneficial for blood and circulation;
- useful for people suffering from sclerosis, atherosclerosis or epilepsy; hyperactive or short-tempered.
Green tourmaline crystals seem to envelop a person in an energetic cocoon, nourishing them with energy, gently improving their health.
Earrings with green tourmaline
Regeneration accelerates, rapid recovery occurs after serious illnesses or psycho-emotional exhaustion.
Beads, bracelets or silver jewelry in contact with the skin are best.
The therapeutic effect does not depend on the size of the crystal.
Contraindications
Factors excluding the use of the mineral:
- high body temperature;
- bleeding;
- hemorrhagic stroke;
- thyroid diseases;
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
The injured soft tissues are affected by the stone only after 24 hours.
Caution is required if you have allergies or wear a pacemaker.
Verdelite: cosmetic properties of the stone.
- Since ancient times, verdelite has been credited with rejuvenating properties, which is why older women previously wore beads made from this stone. This is logical, since verdelite stimulates regeneration processes in the body.
- True, lithotherapists now recognize that wearing verdelite too often can, on the contrary, lead to faster aging of the body, since it helps to accelerate all processes in the body. For the same reason, it is recommended not to wear verdelite during illness, putting it off until recovery.
- To rejuvenate facial skin, use verdelite balls or rollers to massage problem areas.
Magic properties
The magical properties of green stone are due to its color and the capabilities of the tourmaline family.
Overall Impact
The influence of the mineral is manifested as follows:
- a feeling of satisfaction and security is created, depression disappears, nervous tension decreases;
- the owner looks at familiar situations in a new way, which helps to break the deadlock;
- The stone protects from envy, the evil eye or one’s own bad thoughts.
The best talisman jewelry is a necklace or earrings for women, a ring or ring for men, in gold or silver.
Who is it suitable for?
Green tourmaline has a special meaning for several groups of people:
- representatives of “green” professions: biologists, flower growers, landscapers, veterinarians, ecologists;
- ambitious, determined people aimed at some business;
- creative individuals.
The magical properties of tourmaline make humans part of nature. He will intuitively understand the language of animals and plants, the “mood” of the earth.
Silver ring with green tourmaline
Hindus often used the stone as an amulet: it makes men stronger and prevents impotence. It will help a woman to streamline her love sphere or balance her sexuality.
Contraindication
As a magic stone, verdelite senses the owner’s biofield, therefore it is dangerous for those who intentionally or unwittingly destroy nature.
Lumberjacks, hunters, fishermen or avid mushroom pickers are better off using a different gem.
Talismans and amulets
Zoisite ball
Zoisite is a magical stone; its opaque varieties are often used to make paraphernalia for psychics, esotericists and other mystics.
It is believed that tanzanite helps to establish a connection with the world of spirits, therefore it is actively used by spiritualists when conducting spiritualistic sessions. And aniolite, at a minimum, enhances intuition, and at best, awakens extrasensory abilities.
For ordinary people who do not have magical abilities, the stone will also be useful as a talisman:
- A figurine of a person, kept in the house, will protect him from harm, and will also strengthen the family, help to find mutual understanding between its members, and maintain feelings and fidelity to the married couple.
There is a belief among magicians that tanzanite as a talisman helps its owner contact his guardian angel.
- People of creative professions should acquire zoisite amulets. They will receive from the stone self-confidence, inexhaustible inspiration, and the ability to clearly express their thoughts both in the form of text, images or melody.
- People in public professions (teachers, actors, journalists, politicians) should also have a zoisite pebble with them. They will receive from the gem magnetic charm, the power of persuasion, the ability to gain attention and eloquence.
- Buddhists use zoisite to cleanse karma and restore the energy state of the human body, but they believe that for these purposes the stone must be combined with aquamarine.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
According to the horoscope, Verdelite is compatible with almost the entire zodiac circle.
Particularly suitable for zodiac signs of the water and air elements.
Ring with citrine and tourmaline
The gem is not recommended for fire signs, but if you want, you should wear it together with citrines or diamonds.
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | — |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | — |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | +++ |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | — |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | + |
(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)
Famous tourmalines
The Diamond Fund of Russia houses a rubellite presented to Catherine the Great by the Swedish king Gustav III. The stone is cut in the shape of a bunch of grapes and topped with gold leaves, tendrils and stems.
According to legend, the stone was planted by a demon to the rulers of Ancient Egypt. Soon the Egyptian kingdom collapsed, and the luxurious rubellite came into the possession of the Roman ruler, who was Gaius Julius Caesar.
The barbarian invasion moved the ancient tourmaline to the treasury of Charlemagne, from where the stone eventually found its way to the Bohemian king Rudolf II.
Polychrome tourmaline
An adherent of alchemy and occult sciences, Rudolph managed to cleanse the gem from the taint of a demonic spell, but lost the war with Sweden and gave the talisman of royal power to the winner. From that moment on, “Caesar’s Ruby” ceased to bring misfortune...
An uncut 100-gram red tourmaline adorns the crown of Anna Ioannovna, made in 1730. It is assumed that the stone was purchased in China and presented to the Russian Tsar by the boyar Spafari.
Where is it used?
Green tourmaline crystals are classified as precious, ornamental or industrial and are used accordingly.
Jewelry
Transparent varieties are prized by jewelers. The stone resembles emerald, but is cheaper and easier to process. It is used to create works of jewelry and an affordable range of products.
Ring with tourmaline
A carat of verdelite is valued taking into account the weight and type of stone: a 2-5 carat crystal with chrome is $165-380, a regular 5-10 carat crystal is $45-65 per carat. The cost of paraiba is up to 5.5–6 thousand dollars per carat.
The greenish natural color is enhanced by heating. The mineral becomes emerald, sometimes with a polychrome effect. The cracks are filled with tinted resin.
Products with natural green stones are rare. More often it is glass ceramic, that is, a synthetic mineral. It is durable and suitable for rings and bracelets.
Other areas
Opaque, colorless or pale green tourmaline is used in optics, radio engineering, and medicine (tourmaline underwear, belts, and other accessories).
Piezoelectric stone ionizes air, which is why it is used in hospital wards.
Buy or order green tourmaline in Moscow
In our catalog you will always find excellent examples of green verdelite tourmalines, you will be able to compare prices and understand the approximate budget for a future purchase.
To see this jewelry stone and products with it in person, we invite you to visit our boutique in the center of Moscow.
In addition to the stones in stock, our team is happy to offer a custom order service. Based on your requirements and budget, we will select the best sample for you, be it chrome tourmaline or lagoon.
You can also order the manufacture of jewelry with this stone. Today we have one of the best full-cycle jewelry workshops in Moscow.
How to spot a fake
Instead of a green gem of natural origin, glass or plastic is often offered.
Green tourmaline sizing
It is possible to identify a fake at home, knowing the properties of natural stone:
- It is difficult to scratch verdelite;
- if you rub it with your hands, you will feel a slight tingling sensation;
- after heating the stone in your hands, small paper, dust, hair, threads will be attracted to it;
- when the lighting changes, the shade of the gem changes, that is, the effect of pleochroism appears;
- The difference between a fake is the evenly distributed color.
Refined green tourmalines are often passed off as emeralds.
How to wear and care
The physical properties of the stone determined the rules for its use and storage.
How to wear
Jewelry with tourmalines is appropriate for any occasion, wardrobe and age. The younger the owner, the lighter the stone. Dark minerals of deep rich tones are intended for men.
Beads with green tourmaline
You can wear jewelry all the time, but short breaks won’t hurt: the energetically strong mineral affects the human biofield.
The stone is strongest on Mondays and Saturdays.
How to care
Care is standard for precious gems:
- Before housework, decorations are removed.
- High temperatures, acids, abrasives, and aggressive cleaning agents are destructive.
- The gem is washed with a soap solution at room temperature, a soft brush or cloth. The procedure is not delayed, it is carried out every two to three months.
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaning is prohibited.
- To make the stone shine, rub it with a piece of soft cloth.
- Jewelry is stored in a durable box separately from others so that its metal frame does not damage the inserts.
Pebbles are removed from negative energy on the waxing Moon (preferably at the beginning of the lunar month) by washing with cold running water.
To recharge, place it in the sun or under the waning moon.
The closer the end of the lunar month, the stronger the stone.
Ring with green tourmaline
