There are several versions of the origin of the name spinel. According to one of them, the name is associated with the shape of the stone and comes from the word “spinell”, which means “thorn” in Latin. According to another, the stone received this name due to its unusual shine.
History of spinel
This mineral was already known in Ancient Rus', it was called “lal” and was used as a medicine and used to quench thirst. Mention of it is found in the records of Marco Polo in the 13th century. Documents dating back to the 9th century AD also contain information about the mining of “lala” in the Pamirs.
Physicochemical properties of spinel
Spinel is an oxide. Chemical formula - MgAl2O4.
The color range of this mineral is very diverse: all shades of red up to orange-scarlet, green with a transition to black. The stone can be either completely transparent or almost non-transparent. As a rule, spinel has the correct geometric shape either an octahedron or a dodecahedron.
Among the varieties of the mineral, noble spinel, ordinary spinel, chrome spinel and ganite are distinguished (zinc spinel).
Noble spinel includes ruby, sapphire, rubicella, ruby-bale, oriental, blue and green spinel. Common spinel is a dark green and black stone that is most common; varieties - ceylonite and pleonast - contain a large number of gland. Chrome spinel is a deep black color.
Spinel deposits
The richest places for mining the noble variety of spinel are located in Ceylon, India, the Pamirs and Tajikistan. In addition, spinel is found in Russia: in the Southern Urals, Southern Baikal region and Yakutia.
Bright red ruby spinel is mined in Myanmar at the Mogok deposit, where some of the best in the world are found. Stones are also found in Thailand, India, Brazil, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
How to distinguish artificial spinel
Unfortunately, it is impossible to independently distinguish a fake stone from a natural one. The only obvious sign that you're looking at an imitation may be the price: fine spinel starts at $20 to $30 per carat, while stones that are bright red or blue and of good clarity can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars per carat.
If you have any suspicions about the origin of the stone, it is best to contact a jeweler to confirm its authenticity.
Healing and magical properties of spinel
The stone, which has a rich red color, was considered an excellent amulet for men. Women could also wear rings with this mineral to attract love into their lives.
It is believed that jewelry with spinel is suitable for people whose work involves traveling. As already mentioned, this stone was used in medicine back in Ancient Rus'. It is able to cleanse the blood, stop bleeding and relieve various infectious diseases and inflammation. Spinel helps strengthen the immune system of its owner and improve vision.
The special value of spinel is that this stone itself creates favorable conditions for the life of the owner, bringing him good luck in all matters.
Ring of Belle, the heroine of the cartoon "Beauty and the Beast", inlaid with multi-colored spinel.
Who is spinel suitable for?
The only zodiac sign that can use the positive power of spinel 100% is Leo. This stone will help him in all matters, enhance his innate charm and nobility. In addition, spinel will feed the owner with energy, which will help avoid the breakdown that suddenly occurs in people of this sign from time to time.
It is permissible to periodically wear jewelry with spinel to people whose work involves constant travel and requires quick decision-making. But it is worth remembering that this mineral is very willful and capricious; you should be careful with it and not abuse its help.
What kind of stone is spinel? It is an original and very rare metal. The gemstone has a rich color and memorable shine. It has a lot of properties, so it can hardly be called ordinary. The stone can bring happiness and happiness to the owner great mood. But there is one condition - the owner himself must be kind to the spinel.
History of the origin of the stone
The famous traveler Marco Polo, who visited the Pamirs in the 13th century, first mentioned spinel as a jewelry stone. Spinel began to be mined in the 9th century in the southwest of the Pamirs in the Kuhilale deposit. The stone was then often confused with and, which is why Marco Polo called the spinel deposit “ruby mines.”
With the development of science, the stone was identified as a separate group of minerals with unique physical properties. Despite this, spinel was often used in ancient times. It has always been one of the rarest and most expensive minerals.
The stone served as decoration and a symbol of power for representatives of Germany, Great Britain, Russia, and France:
- The famous “Monomakh's Cap” is decorated with spinel, and not with rubies, as was previously believed;
- The crown of Catherine the Great is inlaid with this stone;
- The Wittelbach Crown was decorated in 1830 with teardrop-shaped spinels. Previously it was assumed that these were rubies.
The stone has had different names over the centuries of its existence: coelonite, noble spinel, picotite, lal, rubicel.
Description and meaning
Spinel is an independent group of minerals. It includes transparent and opaque shiny stones various shades.
It comes in colorless, blue, grey, light blue, pink, green, purple, yellow, black, red and orange. The red stone is of the highest value for jewelers, it is very similar to ruby. Blue spinel is also prized. Stones large sizes can be found extremely rarely, but the rating will be correspondingly high.
Spinel has powerful magical properties. It is able to save its owner from loneliness and bring happiness. The stone has a complex and capricious character, which must be taken into account. Spinels are best placed in earrings or a ring. The ring must be placed on the index and ring finger left hand.
Red spinel Physical properties:
- density – 3.72 g/cm;
- class – Oxides;
- refraction – 1.76;
- has a glassy luster;
- hardness – 8 on the Moss scale;
- fracture – conchoidal;
The stone contains aluminum and magnesium ions. It is very fragile and easily damaged when in contact with a hard surface.
Field
The most famous and large-scale deposits are located in Kampuchea, Vietnam and Thailand. They are also located in India, Madagascar and Australia. The most expensive types of red spinel are found in Myanmar, and the blue ones in Sri Lanka.
Colors and types
There are many varieties of spinel, they differ in the degree of transparency and color. But not all of them are considered precious and belong to jewelry stones.
The most valuable types of spinel are as follows:
- Ruby spinel has bright red hues;
- The color of the bale ruby is pink-red;
- Almandine spinel violet-scarlet;
- Ribicell is red, has an orange-red or yellowish tint;
- Chlorospinel has a bright green color;
- Sapphire spinel has a blue and blue tint;
- Pleonastus is a dirty green stone with a brown tint;
- Ceylonite has a dark green tint;
- Ganospinel is blue, with a slight purple tint.
Magic properties
It doesn’t matter whether it’s precious or semi-precious, almost any stone has magical properties. Wearing spinel brings the gift of foresight to the wearer. The stone takes energy from space and transfers it to the owner.
Spinel creates a positive background - you don’t need to do anything for this, just wearing it. One of the magical properties is to attract sympathy.
Red or pink spinel will give a public figure recognition of the people and a positive image. The stone will help a lover to have a love spell.
Spinel gives happiness only good people- It is better for the greedy and immoral to avoid it. The more careful the treatment of the stone, the more luck he will bring it. He can even warn of impending troubles.
People who are too active should not wear it either, it will only worsen their well-being and will not bring anything useful.
Medicinal properties
The healing properties were first described by the ancient occultist and healer Paracelsus. He used stone powder to treat many diseases.
Modern experts also do not deny beneficial features. Spinel activates blood circulation, copes with skin diseases, helps with myopia, relieves pain in muscles and joints, and has a general strengthening effect.
The properties of the stone depend on its color:
- Red stone helps improve blood circulation, strengthen the immune system, and provide support for paralysis. In ancient times in the East, spinel was considered a sexual stimulant and was used by men to attract women. Sorcerers used the stone to make amulets to enhance sexual performance. Therefore, you should not give it to children and teenagers.
- Green stone helps get rid of pain in the joints and head, is useful for heart, eye diseases and hypertension. Spinel helps normalize metabolism.
- Pink stone soothes, relieves sleep problems, eliminates skin diseases.
- Blue spinel useful for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, endocrine system, liver and lungs.
- Black spinel relieves pain from bruises and wounds, reduces bleeding, improves well-being. The stone is useful for hypotension.
Talismans and amulets
Spinel is best worn in a gold frame - this helps the stone to fully reveal itself. Talismans have strong energy - they relieve apathy, helping you move further towards your goal. It's good to take to training, study or work. Spinel helps you concentrate, absorb information more easily and provide practical application in the future.
The stone must be worn at social events. In this case, communicating with a large number of people will not cause difficulties, shyness will disappear. The pleasure of the holiday will be guaranteed!
For romantic setting and the first date, the amulet must be used - spinel will help create a strong and happy family, will provide love. Those who are already married should keep jewelry made from this stone in their home.
Will return old passion, will add variety to the relationship.
Influence on zodiac signs
The zodiac sign of the stone is Leo, but other fire signs (Sagittarius, Aries) can also wear it. It improves intelligence, physical qualities, increases energy and strength.
To improve health, spinel should be worn by Libra, Taurus and Pisces. It will add strength, especially to people who are constantly on business trips or often make responsible decisions. The stone will give Gemini peace of mind, and Capricorn - lightness and optimism. It will give Virgos a lot of extra energy.
For Aquarius, Scorpio and Cancer, spinel is not entirely suitable. Aquarius may experience laziness and apathy. Scorpios will stop distinguishing truth from lies, which is very dangerous. Cancers will become relaxed and serene.
Application and Decoration
Red stone is usually used for rings and necklaces. Large rubies on royal decorations, crowns, and treasuries turned out to be fake, since they rarely come in such sizes. It was spinel that helped emphasize the status and wealth of high-ranking people.
Blue spinel is similar to, green spinel is similar to emeralds. Black stones are sometimes sold as diamonds, so you should always check the quality certificate. Among jewelers, transparent bright spinel is usually called “noble”. Common natural synthetic stone, since the differences are difficult to notice.
Price
Real spinel cannot be cheap - a low price should alert the buyer. 1 carat of the cheapest model in blue-gray color is about 25 dollars. Purple spinel costs about $200. Pink and blue stone - $100-300. The most famous and rare red spinel exceeds $600 per carat.
Care
Spinel is a very fragile stone that requires careful handling and careful maintenance.
It is necessary:
- Store separately in a box (preferably with a soft inner lining).
- Take pictures during physical work and household chores.
- Avoid falls and impacts.
- Avoid contact with aggressive chemical media.
- Clean with a soft brush and mild soap solution once every 3-5 months.
How to distinguish from a fake?
When choosing a stone, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
- Price. If the stone costs less than $25, it is most likely a fake.
- Natural spinel may not look perfect– various defects and inclusions confirm the authenticity of the stone.
- Certificate of quality. Only the best jewelers can provide it, so it is better to buy the stone from them.
Synthetic spinel
The synthetic production of the material first occurred by accident. The goal was to obtain a hexagonal sapphire, but instead a cubic spinel was removed from the Verneuil apparatus. Since then, metal began to be created artificially.
Synthetic blue spinel The synthesis began to gain momentum, and research was also carried out to study the properties of the mineral. Its use for industrial purposes was discovered - spinel began to be used as an optical and dielectric material.
The stone is more popular among jewelers, but has a subordinate meaning. For example, it is used for cutting. Synthetic spinel has a vibrant color.
- For creative people - musicians and artists, it is recommended to wear rings with spinel on the ring or index finger of the left hand, and wear earrings with a stone. It will give inspiration, new ideas, and help create a unique masterpiece.
- You need to become a sincere and kind owner for the stone - then it will reveal everything positive traits. It is dangerous to deceive and hide the truth from spinel.
- You shouldn’t wear the stone every day - you can go into a fantasy world.
- If a person has a nervous job, you can talk out all the problems to the spinel or just think about them while looking at the stone. Calm will come, thoughts will be put in order and a way out of any situation will be found.
- Spinel should not be worn with other stones, otherwise the mineral may cause harm.
Spinel - what kind of stone is it and what properties does it have? To which zodiac signs is spinel guaranteed to bring good luck and prosperity?
She adorned the crowns of Empress Catherine II, British monarchs, as well as the Monomakh cap. At different times in different places it was given unusual and exotic names: lal, picotite, rubicel, celonite. But most know it as a mineral called spinel. What kind of stone is this and why has it gained such unprecedented popularity among jewelry connoisseurs?
Spinel: description of the stone and its meaning
Spinel - a natural stone, which has a certain significance for both jewelers and mineralogists. In fact, this mineral is considered a derivative of magnesium and aluminum. This is a fairly durable stone, and upon completion of the cutting process acquires a beautiful, uniform shine.It is also popular because of its rich color range, including almost all known colors.
This is interesting. For a long time, lal was confused with ruby, these two stones are so similar. There is an opinion that in the famous story by A. Conan Doyle “The Blue Carbuncle” it was about this mineral.In some ways, because of this striking resemblance, spinel has long had a bad reputation. For centuries, the stone was mistaken for a sapphire or ruby. This continued almost until the beginning of the 19th century. When people learned to differentiate lal, unpleasant veils came to light. Thus, some of the famous rubies, which are part of historical jewelry, turned out to be spinels.
However, this mineral is very popular due to its beauty and pure shine. And since the stone is quite rare at the moment, people have learned to create its synthetic analogues. After a successful experiment, the production of such spinel samples was established almost everywhere.
Interesting Facts:
- In 1986, the largest specimen of pink spinel in history was found in the Pamirs, weighing about 5 kg.
- Large samples of the mineral (about 500 carats) are in the London Museum and the treasury of the Iranian Shah
- Many beautiful stones of unusual red and purple shades were brought to America
What color does it come in?
IN pure form the mineral is absolutely transparent. It is this type that is of the greatest value. Spinel acquires a certain color due to the presence of various impurities. Depending on the shade, the stone is divided into subspecies:
- dark red (often confused with ruby). The most common type of stone, as well as derivatives various shades– from light pink to blood red
This is interesting. Pink spinel is a kind of standard stone. It is mined in the Pamir Mountains - this is where samples of amazing size and purity are found. Here the traveler Marco Polo met this wonderful mineral. In honor of a place called Balas, where the deposits were developed, the Europeans dubbed the mineral baleruby and new stone.
- blue – ganospinel. All shades of blue mineral occupy an honorable second place in popularity after red. Spinel of these colors is also called sapphire; its shades can vary: from soft blue to deep blue.
- orange – rubicell
- transparent green. Received the name chlorspinel
Magic properties
Spinel has long been endowed with strong healing and magical properties.
Its main features are:
- The ability to “cause” change for the better. Products with this mineral are suitable for people who are disappointed in life and do not see any bright prospects. Lal will cheer up the despairing, instill hope and positivity in him
- Attracting good luck. With a small caveat: only to people whose thoughts and souls are crystal clear. For a person with evil intentions, such jewelry will only bring frustration. It is also not recommended for envious, greedy people to wear spinel jewelry - the negative sides of nature will eventually come back against them
- Help in making your wish come true. The most secret and sincere dreams made by the owner of the stone will certainly come true
- Lal is a kind of “love magnet”. Constantly wearing jewelry made from it attracts the owner romantic relationship. The mineral gives lonely ladies unprecedented attractiveness and femininity, and gives men powerful sexual energy.
- Help for travelers. When going on a trip, it is useful to stock up on even a small piece of jewelry made from this mineral. It will protect you from troubles along the way and help you get to the right place faster.
Advice. Spinel is jealous and will not tolerate the proximity of other decorations. Having chosen it, you should abandon other metals or gems. Under such conditions, the noble mineral will reveal its full potential to its bearer.The owner should treat the mineral with all sincerity and love. Spinel is not suitable for overly impulsive, hot-tempered people.
Correspondence of spinel with zodiac sign
Wearing spinel jewelry is not suitable for every zodiac sign. Therefore, astrology lovers should take into account that Lal gets along best with the signs of the fiery element (Leo, Sagittarius, Aries). Aquarius and Capricorn will also benefit from the mineral. It will give them strength, energy, improve physical and intellectual qualities.Spinel is also partial to the signs under the auspices of Venus.
But people born under the constellation Cancer should refrain from wearing jewelry made from this material. It can put sensitive Cancers into a completely serene state and allow them to lose control over life situations.
Taurus, Gemini and Pisces should choose red and pink shades of the mineral.
Spinel is a precious or semi-precious stone
To valuable samples of stones used in the creation original jewelry, include quite rare red and orange spinel. Jewels of blue, blue flowers also held in high esteem by goldsmiths. But large and pure samples of such shades are extremely rare, and therefore prices for lal are currently very high. It's even rarer to find classic version having the transparency of a tear. These varieties are considered the most valuable.But not every mineral sample has value for jewelers. For example, black and brown spinel are classified as simple gemstones. Such stones are not suitable for creating exquisite jewelry. Jewelers are also not interested in minerals with small inclusions of rocks or cloudy (so-called “milky”) samples. But mineralogists will be delighted with such a find.
Spinel jewelry: photos
Such a different spinel - products from a noble mineral
Properties of black spinel: video
Mysterious, incredibly beautiful spinel is rightfully considered the stone of the rich. It is no coincidence that its beauty is in no way inferior to rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The natural mineral of popular shades is valued quite expensively. The owner of this stone will always be able to boast of an original, rich piece of jewelry. In gratitude for the caring attitude of the owner, lal will give him good luck and prosperity.
Spinel is an unusual, beautiful and quite rare mineral. Among others, it stands out for its bright shine, rich color shades and high transparency. A spinel talisman or decoration brings happiness and love to its owner. What are the healing properties of spinel stone, and which zodiac signs is it suitable for?
Spinel: general characteristics of the stone
Spinel is quite rare in nature.
Spinel is a fairly rare mineral. By chemical composition it is a mixture of magnesium and aluminum oxides. The word "spinel" most likely comes from the Latin name for the stone, "spina", which can be translated as "small spike". It is possible that it comes from the Greek “spinos” (to spark).
Deposits of the mineral are found in several countries - in Thailand, Brazil, India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and on the island of Sri Lanka. The richest deposit of red spinel is being developed in the Mogok Valley (Myanmar). Moreover, ruby is also extracted from the depths there (both minerals are quite difficult to distinguish from each other).
It should be noted that red spinel is extremely rare in nature. Therefore, such a mineral is highly valued by jewelers.
Stories and legends about the stone
Marco Polo (Italian: Marco Polo) – Italian merchant and traveler
Information about jewelry stone Spinel was first brought to Europe by the famous wanderer Marco Polo. In the 12th century, a traveler visited the Pamirs, where he saw with his own eyes how this stone was mined. True, at that time it was considered a type of ruby. That’s why Marco Polo called the spinel deposits in the Pamir Mountains ruby mines.
Celonite, picotite, rubicel, lal - there were an unusually many names for this stone. Only several centuries later, geologists established that spinel is a separate mineral with a whole list of specific properties. One way or another, this stone has been loved and respected since ancient times. In the culture of many eastern peoples, it was considered a very expensive and luxurious decoration.
Large Imperial Crown, made for Catherine II in 1762.
A very interesting fact from history: it was the spinel that was used to decorate the crown of the odious Russian Empress Catherine II in 1762. Encrusted with this rare mineral also the famous "Monomakh's Cap". In Ancient Rus', this stone was equated in value to emeralds. Nowadays, jewelry made from it is on a par with jewelry made from pearls or diamonds.
Spinel: varieties and colors of stone
Spinel is very rich in shades
Spinel contains many different particles and impurities. Because of this, the mineral can take on a variety of color shades. He can be:
- red;
- pink;
- blue;
- green;
- purple;
- orange;
- black;
- colorless.
The stone can be transparent or cloudy. Spinel consists of small crystals that often form druses. Thus, spinel is characterized by a huge variety of colors and shades.
It is worth noting that in jewelry Not all varieties of spinel are used. Yes, minerals dark shades(black, brown and others) are not considered precious and are not used in production jewelry. But red or orange spinel are considered the most valuable. Specimens in dark blue shades are also highly prized by jewelers.
It is not difficult to guess that the cost of this mineral is quite high, since large specimens can be found in nature suitable color not so easy. There is a so-called synthetic spinel created in the laboratory. This stone looks very much like sapphire or aquamarine and can have absolutely any color.
The most expensive varieties of red spinel are mined in the deposits of the country of Myanmar, blue - in the territory of the island of Sri Lanka.
Spinel stone: average prices and scope of use
The general price range for spinel in today's market is from $25 to $500 per carat weight. The mineral is extremely expensive, so buyers should beware of scams and fakes.
Red spinel is the most valuable type of stone
The cheapest spinel is gray or bluish in color and costs about $25 (per 1 carat). Purple, pink or blue spinel is much more valuable. Such stones will be sold to you for 100-200 dollars per carat. The rarest and most expensive are red specimens. This mineral can be purchased for $600 or more per carat.
In general, the price of spinel depends on the color, clarity, size and area in which the mineral was mined.
Naturally occurring spinel is used in jewelry making. The scope of application of synthetic spinel is much wider and more diverse.
Like many other inventions, spinel was synthesized by accident. The first experiments turned out to be quite successful and served as a springboard for further research. This is how scientists obtained synthetic spinel and continued to study its properties and practical applications.
Synthetic spinel is widely used in instrument making
Today this synthetic mineral is used quite widely in production. Thus, it is present in many devices as a dielectric or optical element. In the jewelry industry, synthetic spinel is used extremely rarely. However, for the production of some jewelry, spinel of artificial origin, colored with chrome, manganese or copper, is used. Thanks to this, the color of the material becomes brighter and more saturated.
Spinel: magical properties of the stone and zodiac signs
Spinel is considered a stone with powerful magical properties. He is quite capable of radically changing a person’s life in better side.
In some people, spinel can open the gift of clairvoyance
The stone brings to its owner sincere love, good luck and success, helps you believe in yourself and set a life goal. In some cases, spinel can develop the gift of clairvoyance in a person. However, it is worth noting important point: the stone helps only those people whose thoughts and intentions are absolutely pure. Spinel immediately senses greed, envy and anger in people.
The mineral is closely associated with the Sun and two planets solar system- Venus and Jupiter. That is why the energy of the stone is very variable over time; it can affect a person with greater or less intensity. Magic properties Spinels are most pronounced when the stone is cut into a gold setting.
Spinel is a source of powerful love energy
In many Eastern countries, spinel has long been used to increase sexual energy in men. The stone helps single ladies find their one and only love.
Lithotherapists advise purchasing earrings and rings with this stone. Moreover, rings with spinel are recommended to be worn on the left hand, on the ring or index finger.
Thanks to your unique properties, the spinel stone is well suited for the fire signs of the zodiac: , and . The mineral will help these representatives of the zodiac circle take right decisions in certain life situations. The stone adds strength and energy, promotes the development of intelligence and willpower.
Spinel is also useful for some other zodiac signs, in particular, and. For these signs, the stone will significantly improve their well-being. For this stone is one of the best and suitable options of all that exist.
Spinel: medicinal properties and effects on humans
Paracelsus (lat. Paracelsus, real name Philip Aureolus Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim, German Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim) - Swiss alchemist, physician, philosopher, naturalist, natural philosopher of the Renaissance, one of the founders of iatrochemistry.
The influence of this mineral on human health was carefully studied by the famous Swiss alchemist Paracelsus. Using spinel powder, the healer treated a wide variety of ailments. Experts of our time also assure that the properties of spinel can effectively combat a number of various diseases and problems in the human body.
In general, this stone strengthens the body, relieves joint pain, improves blood circulation, and eliminates defects skin. Specific healing properties largely depend on the color of the stone.
Red spinel is a “friend” of the human circulatory system, which is not surprising given its color. The mineral activates blood circulation in the body and also strengthens the immune system. Red spinel is also used to stimulate sexual energy in both women and men. Even in ancient times, healers made talismans from this stone to attract the attention of the opposite sex. By the way, for this reason, red spinel jewelry is not recommended as a gift to children and teenagers.
Blue spinel will help solve gastrointestinal problems
Blue spinel will help solve problems with the stomach, liver and intestines. A stone of this shade is also useful for diseases of the lungs, kidneys, as well as for disorders of the endocrine system.
Pink spinel perfectly calms the nervous system, relieves insomnia and cures skin diseases.
Green spinel has a strong analgesic effect
Green spinel is an excellent pain reliever. The mineral relieves headaches and joint pain, normalizes blood pressure and helps normalize metabolic processes. Green spinel therapy is also recommended for various problems with vision.
Black spinel can stop bleeding
Black spinel effectively removes painful sensations and also helps stop bleeding. Black spinel increases blood pressure and significantly improves a person’s physical well-being.
Thus, spinel is rare and quite expensive gem. Its price primarily depends on the color. Its healing properties also depend on the shade of the stone. The mineral improves well-being, stimulates sexual activity, normalizes metabolism and relieves joint pain. Spinel is a stone that suits many zodiac signs. First of all - Leo, Sagittarius, Aries and Pisces.
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Colors than spinel. This bright mineral with shimmers of light gives charm and warmth. Spinel (a stone, properties, zodiac sign of which we will consider in this article) will certainly bring to its owner happy life and love. But you need to know that this mineral has a changeable character, and requires careful treatment and care.
Description
Spinel is a precious jewelry stone (properties, the zodiac sign to which it suits, we will look at in this article). It is considered one of the rare and unusual crystals due to its rich color, physical properties and gloss. Minerals are generally small in size. But sometimes you can come across specimens more than a foot long and weighing about a pound.
Depending on the location, color and transparency, the stones have different names: lal, noble spinel, coelonite, rubicel, picotite. The crystals have a bright glassy luster. Pure stones are colorless and transparent, but they are very rare in nature. The red color of cameos is determined by the presence of chromium ions. A lilac-red tint is associated with the presence of manganese, and a yellowish tint is associated with the admixture of iron. The hardness of spinel is 8. This is 2 units less than that of diamond.
Story
This mineral was first mentioned as a valuable jewelry stone in the 13th century. At that time, these crystals were being mined in the Kuhilale deposit.
Only in the 19th century, due to the development of science, was it possible to find out that spinel (a stone whose properties and zodiac sign have been interesting to people for a long time) has only its inherent physical properties, and also belongs to a separate group of minerals. Many jewelry After this, they were examined, and it turned out that the stones that were mistaken for rubies were actually spinels. The Black Prince Ruby is one of the most famous such stones in history. It was given to the Prince of Wales and Aquitaine for military valor in 1376 by the King of Castile.
Henry V began to own the famous mineral in 1415, always carrying it with him. During the Hundred Years' War, the monarch's helmet was split by a blow from a sword in one battle, but the king himself remained alive. Consequently, it is believed that the stone saved his life.
The Black Prince's Ruby disappeared during the bourgeois revolution and returned to the royal family in 1660 during the restoration of the monarchy. From that moment on, it adorns the crowns of British monarchs.
The Timur Ruby crystal, which once belonged to the conqueror Tamerlane, weighs 361 carats. In the Louvre there is a spinel that adorned the crown of the monarchs of France. The weight of this stone is 105 carats.
The Diamond Fund of our capital still contains a dark red crystal that was a decoration on the crown of Catherine the Great. Until recently, all these gems were considered natural rubies, and only with the help of progressive diagnostic methods were scientists able to establish their true origin.
Spinel deposits
In the Pamirs, in the mines of Badakhshan, spinel is mined (we discuss the stone, properties, zodiac sign and other details relating to it in this article). This mountain system passes through the territories of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The ruby double is also actively mined in Thailand. There are deposits in the Chantabu area. There the mineral is found together with garnets and sapphires. The place was mentioned by Marco Polo under the name "Pomegranate Mine". Burma and Ceylon are also famous for their mineral deposits. Russia is not rich in spinel. Jewelry samples were found only near the river bed. Slyudyanka.
The Malobystrinskoye deposit is also located near Baikal. But here spinel is colorless - the rarest type of mineral. It is valued much less than red, but is of great interest to geologists. The Urals are also famous for their gems. Although only one color of spinel was found here - green stone. The mineral is found in the Kochkar region in the south of the ridge. Due to its color, it is often mistaken for an emerald.
There are also shades. They are also mined in the Kochkarsky district (Kamenka river). The largest spinel crystals are found in Yakutia in Russia. In this place, at the Emeldzhak deposit in the Sakha Republic, black samples are found. Emeljak spinel (stone) reaches a size of 8-12 cm. Its properties are similar to other types of mineral, and it has a special name - hercynite.
Varieties
The stone has a large number of varieties, which differ in color and degree of transparency.
Represents transparent crystals of different beautiful shades. The main deposits of these stones are Ceylon, Borneo and India:
- purple - oriental amethyst;
- ruby stone - rich red spinel;
- orange-red - rubicella;
- pink - ruby-bale;
- pale blue or blue shade - sapphire spinel.
Common spinel, pleonast or ceylonite differ in their iron content. Has dark brown or dark green color. In our country, many deposits of pleonaste are located in the Shishim and Nazyam mountains, in the Urals.
Picotite or black chrome spinel. In this stone, part of the aluminum is replaced with chromium.
Zinc spinel or ganite has blue tint, periodically with a purple tint. Here magnesium is replaced with zinc and iron.
Healing properties
The red mineral can support the human body in various viral diseases, stimulate the immune system and improve blood circulation. Mineral powder was used in ancient times to improve complexion and treat stomach problems. There is an opinion that it can relieve bad dreams and cure lumbar pain.
The green mineral stabilizes metabolism and blood pressure, helps with joint pain and eye diseases. Pink crystal is used for skin diseases. It heals nerves and normalizes sleep. Lithotherapists recommend wearing a black gem for hypotensive patients. In addition, it can relieve pain and reduce bleeding. Blue spinel, a stone whose properties we discuss in detail in this article, will help with diseases of the kidneys, lungs and liver, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system.
Ancient use for healing
The stone is very fragile, therefore, it can be easily crushed into powder. In ancient times, healers used this property of the gem, and used the resulting powder to treat wounds and burns.
Magic properties
The other side of the spinel stone is also interesting. Its magical properties can radically change human destiny for the better. But the gem helps only good, sincere people who have good intentions. The crystal will rejuvenate its owner spiritually and physically, nourish him with energy, bring happiness and help him find friends. In the East, red gems are considered excellent sexual stimulants. Consequently, they are recommended to young men to attract the attention of women and increase sexual activity.
Rings or earrings with a mineral can attract love and family happiness. An amulet with a crystal in Europe was worn for rapid rejuvenation. It was believed that he was able to extend years. The overcoat is considered a talisman for people whose work requires quick decisions, as well as for travelers. You cannot wear a talisman on you all the time. The stone can pump up energy, but it can also deprive its owner of strength.
A little astrology
It is recommended to wear various jewelry with the mineral as an amulet for Libra, Pisces and Taurus. This will attract the favor of the opposite sex and good luck into their lives. The stone will be especially supportive for Pisces women. The crystal is most suitable for people born under the sign of Leo. Thanks to him, they will be able to improve their strong-willed, as well as intellectual abilities, gain additional energy and strength. It is better for Cancers not to wear jewelry made from these gems. The gem can make people who were born under this zodiac sign too lazy.
Amulets and talismans
As mentioned above, the stone is excellent as a talisman for Pisces, Leo, Taurus and Libra. The gem is completely unsuitable for Cancers and Scorpios. Its spinel can make you lazy and “blind in life.” It is interesting that representatives of these signs cease to notice flattery, lies, and dangers. Information space channels can open for all other people if they carry a spinel stone with them.
Who is the mineral suitable for in terms of professional activity? It is ideal for people who need to quickly make various decisions and often go on business trips. These people choose spinel as their amulet. This mineral especially protects and becomes an excellent assistant for drivers, air traffic controllers, doctors, and journalists. Apparently, the stone helped Paracelsus in treating people, as well as learning new things and making the right decisions.
Other uses
Spinel gemstone - jewelry. What do they make from it? Red spinel is mainly used for necklaces and rings. The majority of large, well-known rubies in crowns, royal attire, and treasuries turned out to be fake for a reason. Large garnets are practically never found. It is much more common to find impressive spinel stones. High-ranking people wanted to take possession of large crystals that would emphasize their status and wealth. As a result, the seekers found themselves the owners of the spinel stone. At the same time, the price was paid as if for a pomegranate.
The twin mineral in jewelry replaces more than just rubies. Blue spinel passes for sapphires, green spinel passes for emeralds. Black samples are sometimes passed off as diamonds. Therefore, when buying earrings or a brooch, you should check the quality certificate that comes with the stone. Jewelers call transparent examples of bright colors noble spinel. In this case, the term “common spinel” is indicated - this is a slightly cloudy brown, black or green spinel (a stone whose properties are given in the article above).
Jewelry craftsmen often use natural synthetic stone. The differences from the real mineral are practically invisible in person. Such crystals have a 2nd refraction of light. Consequently, it is practically impossible to visually distinguish artificial inserts from sapphire, garnet, and topaz. Manufacturers take advantage of this. If experts can identify a natural mineral, then to the common man All that remains is to take the stone for examination.
Care
When buying such jewelry, you need to understand that the gem is very fragile and can wear off on its edges over time. Because of this, it should be handled with care. It is better to store jewelry with minerals in a special box with an internal soft coating. Be sure to remove before performing any physical work. It is not recommended to wear jewelry with such a crystal every day.
The stone should be protected from impacts, falls, and contact with chemical environments. The gem should be cleaned once every 3-5 months with soapy water and a soft toothbrush.
