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.
Differences from fake
Often they try to pass off cubic zirconias or zircons as diamonds. You can distinguish a cut diamond from a fake in the following ways:
- If you rub sandpaper over the surface of a diamond, scratches will remain on the imitation. The real stone will not be damaged.
- The fake will heat up, if you hold it in your palm, the diamond will remain cold.
- The original, unlike the imitation, does not fog up if you breathe on it.
- You can draw a straight line on white paper and place a diamond on it; a real stone will certainly bend it.
- The diamond will not be visible in water, unlike imitation.
- The best way is to show the product to a jeweler.
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.
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.
Black and gray
Not everyone dares to purchase jewelry made of grey-black, gray or black transparent stones. They are preferred by strong and self-sufficient individuals. The following are the names of rocks used in jewelry:
• diamond; • quartz; • rutile.
Natural transparent stone of gray shades is a rather rare species. Therefore, when purchasing, you should take measures to avoid purchasing a fake.
The gray opaque stone is a very powerful healer. It is able to neutralize external influences on the body and draw internal problems to the surface, freeing them from them.
Astrologers believe that this type of stone is suitable for large entrepreneurs and businessmen. It emphasizes the high status of the owner and does not distract from the business.
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.
Chalcedony
Many historians and simply lovers of learning something new ask the question: “What is the name of the blue stone, which was the most popular among the Romans?” These ancient people were very fond of using the semi-precious mineral chalcedony, once discovered in the Bosporus region. The name comes from the city of Chalcedon, near which the stone was discovered. The density of the mineral is 6-7 units, it has a delicate, coolish light blue tint. The texture of the mineral can be either glossy or matte.
The ancient Romans believed that chalcedony was a stone of love. He did not attract passion, but attracted true feelings that could last a lifetime. It was also believed that the stone served as a source of joy in painful and boring sea voyages. Nowadays, chalcedony is believed to treat various mental disorders. It eliminates insomnia, banishes nightmares, and allows you to quickly cope with stress and depression.
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.
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.
Red and pink
Transparent and opaque red stones are a symbol of passion and love. Jewelry with minerals in pink tones, as well as red ones, is usually acquired by active, bright, independent individuals who are not afraid to be the center of attention.
Let's list the names:
• ruby; • tourmaline; • spinel; • pomegranate; • andalusite; • quartz; • sapphire; • topaz; • blinks; • sardonyx, etc.
These stones are used by jewelers to make all types of jewelry. Earrings and brooches, rings and rings with rubies were also very loved by our mothers and grandmothers.
Red and pink gems look good, either alone or in combination with minerals of other colors, in bracelets, beads, necklaces, and in gold and silver frames. In rings, rings, and earrings, the stone takes on the main role, attracting the attention of others with its shimmering colors and shine.
Nuggets of scarlet flowers and their shades help in curing diseases of the hematopoietic system. They are also able to transform their owner from a shy and insecure person into a courageous and purposeful leader.
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.
Classification
Colorless stones are divided into varieties based on the degree of transparency.
| Transparent | Adularia (moonstone, orthoclase); Diamond; Alunite; Achroite (white tourmaline); Barite; Halite; Rhinestone; Quartz; Leucosapphire; Topaz; cubic zirconia; Zircon; Spinel. |
| White (opaque) | Agate; Albite; Alcetorine; Aragonite; Beryl; Howlit; Dolomite; Pearl; Kaolinite; Cryolite; Coral; Magnesite; Marble; Muscovite; Nephritis; Opal; Selenite; Stefanik (white chalcedony); Amber; Jasper. |
Topaz
The precious transparent stone received its name from the place where it was first discovered on the island of Topazios in the Red Sea. Its color range is very diverse: from brown to blue, yellow and pink. Colorless minerals are also often found.
As history indicates, it was this stone that in ancient times adorned the crowns of kings and sultans of many countries. In Russia in the 19th century it was called the “Siberian diamond”. Currently, the world's topaz suppliers are Germany, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Brazil.
Untreated topaz has virtually no shine. Only after cutting does it develop an amazing glass shine, which allows you to admire the extraordinary radiance of the gem in jewelry.
It is believed that topaz protects against damage and witchcraft and gives the body the strength to cope with depression. You can call upon him for help when you need to concentrate or calm down.
Properties of transparent stones
Since the discovery of the first gems, people have endowed stones (including transparent ones) with magical properties, sincerely believing in their ability to influence human life and change the future. For a long time, the possession of crystals was perceived as the privilege of magicians and priests, who, with the help of stones, “looked” into the future.
People believed that amulets protected against evil spirits and the evil eye and believed that owning a talisman in the form of a transparent crystal would help avoid misfortunes in life. In addition, the stones were credited with the following abilities:
- protect peace and tranquility in the family;
- improve relationships with others;
- impart wisdom and prudence;
- ensure success in work and new endeavors;
- protect on the way;
- protect from envious people and ill-wishers.
In addition to magical effects, minerals are also credited with a healing effect on the human body.
Moreover, this property was considered characteristic not only of precious gems; semi-precious stones with strong energy also helped to get rid of a number of diseases. This is for example:
- problems with the stomach and digestion;
- heart and vascular diseases;
- high blood pressure;
- breathing and lung problems;
- eye diseases.
Demantoid
This transparent green gemstone is considered the most expensive variety of garnet. It has been known since ancient times and before, by mistake, it was often called chrysolite. It was this gem that was a favorite in the jewelry collections of the noble class at the end of the 19th century.
Due to the fact that demantoids are quite rare, they represent considerable jewelry value. The color play of this mineral is even stronger than that of diamond.
This gem helps its owner become more collected and concentrated. Beads made from this stone improve the functioning of the heart, and the bracelet eliminates infertility.
Noble spinel
This beautiful semi-precious stone comes in a variety of shades. Its individual copies are comparable to the cost of rubies and sapphires. Noble spinel contains various mineral impurities that color it in all sorts of shades: blue, yellow, green, brown, red and even black.
The richest deposits of spinel are in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Brazil and India.
The stone is perfect for people whose work involves business trips. He is able to create favorable conditions for the life of his owner, attracting finances and good luck.
Discovery History
A beautiful legend is associated with the origin of ametrine: in the 16th century, the Spanish conquistador Felipe de Urriola y Goitia married Anahi, the daughter of the leader of the Bolivian tribe of Aureios Indians. Felipe received a deposit of ametrine as his dowry.
According to legend, before leaving with her husband for Spain, Anahi died at the hands of rebel tribesmen. Dying, she gave her beloved a two-color stone, which symbolized her heart, divided in two by love for her husband and love for her people. Allegedly, Felipe took this stone to his homeland and presented it to the ruling couple of Spain, and so Europe saw Bolivianite for the first time.
In the 18th century, Bolivian ametrines were already in demand in the Old World. But the mine was lost, and the stone reappeared on the market only in the 1970s.
