Almandin: where is it mined and what properties does it have?

Among the semi-precious stones, almandine, famous for its deep saturated color, occupies a special place. This stone, which is a type of pomegranate, besides its visual appeal, impresses people with its magical and even healing abilities. Before buying jewelry and talismans from such material, it is recommended to get acquainted with the purpose for which it is most often used, to whom it suits, how to properly care for the stone.

Almandine is a semi-precious stone. He, in contrast to other world-famous minerals, has one of the darkest shades of red. This type of pomegranate is considered noble. It is incredibly popular among jewelers and is known to the world under a variety of names:

• Albanian ruby;
• Becheta;
• carbuncle;
• Ceylon garnet;
• Adelaide - Ruby;
• anthrax;
• noble winery;
• Siberian garnet.

A unique characteristic of almandine is asterism. This is an optical phenomenon, in which in the precious stone under the rays of light you can see the star shine.

Transparent almandine can be after the passage of special treatment. And also he gets a beautiful shine.

There is no one version about the origin of this mineral.

The most popular options are several.

• The stone, according to the Greeks, originally belonged to two goddesses: Hestia and Demeter, ruling over fire and earth. As a sign of worship of these goddesses, the inhabitants of ancient Greece began to use gems as ornaments, and also made out clothes and headdresses with their help.
• Another legend is the story of a snake-woman, which had almandine crystals instead of eyes. Leaving in the water, she left them on the shore, and people tried in vain to take possession of them.
• The most truthful version is not a legend. The deposit of this stone was found near the city of Alabanda on the Aegean coast.

And its name reflects the distorted name of the area. Initially, this stone was very expensive, and it could be seen only among representatives of the nobility.

There is no fundamental difference between the almandine and the pomegranate. However, it is worth noting that this particular stone is the hardest of all representatives of the garnet group. Both almandine and garnet symbolize passion, but each of the stones is responsible for its different components. If the garnet protects the wildness and the riot of feelings, then almandine symbolizes passion at a deeper level. It is also worth noting that the brightness of the Almandine is more vivid than that of a pomegranate. In addition, the grenade is not inherent in asterism.

The main criterion by which a number of varieties of this semi-precious stone can be distinguished is color.

The most common shades are red, purple, cherry. The last two tones are not pure color, but rather an ebb inherent in this mineral.

Some colors can be seen quite rarely. These include black. And also rarely come across transparent stones. They are classified as jewelry. The most valuable are red gems.

Red almandine with a violet hue is very common. In some products from the mineral one can observe not an intense red, but a slightly similar tone to an orange. Among the most famous varieties of this stone are the following:

• star grenade;
• pyrope;
• spessartine;
• demantoid;
• Malaya;
• rhodolite;
• tsavorite.

There are also rarer types of almandine:

• hydrogrossular;
• melanite;
• Hessonite;
• grossular;
• topazolite.

Almandine reserves on the planet are quite large, it is mined in various territories. Deposits are literally scattered around the world, but among them it is necessary to distinguish individual areas.

• Myanmar is the site of the main stone deposit.
• Territory of Karelia and Siberia.
• Finland.
• Sri Lanka Island. It is characterized by the extraction of almandine of a rich red color, which is called “Ruby of Ceylon”.
• Sweden is famous for quarrying brown tones.
• Other locations where fishing is carried out are Alaska, Antarctica, Africa and Greenland.

Like many semi-precious stones, almandine has a set of unique properties that can be divided into 3 groups: physical, healing and magic.

This group of properties includes scientifically verified physical indicators characterizing the main features of the stone in terms of the appropriateness of its use for the manufacture of jewelry and other products. The main characteristics include:

• hardness rate - 7.5;
• cubic syngony;
• imperfect cleavage;
• transparency values ​​ranging from transparent to opaque;
• density indicator - 4.3 g / cm 3;
• a conchoidal or uneven fracture;
• glitter resin or glass type;
• light refractive index - 1.8.

The composition of this mineral includes elements such as silicon, iron and aluminum. And also may be present ions of magnesium and calcium.

Even the ancient Indian yogis believed that almandine has a very strong positive energy, which can often change the emotional state of a person for the better and have a beneficial effect on certain situations. At this level, the mineral can provide the following types of assistance to those who believe in its properties:

• creating emotional balance;
• gaining self-confidence;
• assistance in realizing oneself as a harmonious personality and in acquiring the qualities inherent in a diverse person;
• getting rid of fears;
• protection from trouble;
• control over negative emotions, such as anger;
• empowering to remain faithful;
• overall improvement in mood;
• protection from evil and negativity;
• reduced anxiety;
• protection from unpleasant and dangerous meetings on the road.

The value is also attributed to shades of stone, which, according to the assumptions of the Indians, affect the work of one or another effect.

• If the color almandine scarlet or bright orange, then such a stone protects against adverse physical effects, and is also able to bring victory.
• If the color of the stone is in the range between red and brown, then his influence is more directed towards the spiritual state of man. Mineral contributes to the attainment of harmony.
• To increase self-confidence and get rid of fears, it is better to use mineral with a crimson or purple tone.

Although medicine officially does not confirm the healing properties of almandine, it also does not reject them.

Almandin is able to show the following healing effects:

• improvement of metabolism;
• increased visual acuity;
• normalization of blood circulation processes;
• acceleration of regeneration during wound healing;
• mitigation of allergic reactions;
• improvement of the thyroid gland;
• the weakening of such afflictions as sciatica and arthritis;
• increased sexual ability;
• strengthening the nervous system;
• analgesic effect;
• improving the effectiveness of treatment of diseases of the intestines and kidneys, as well as the liver.

If we consider the compatibility of people with this stone from an astrological point of view, then we can see that Almandine is not combined with all the signs of the zodiac equally. Patronizes this mineral Aries, helping them gain more energy, as well as promoting career development and personal life. The stone has no less pleasant effect on Lviv and Capricorns. The first he gives courage and tone, and the second adds charm and charm to help in communication.

Sagittarius mineral helps to become decisive, as well as improve the overall condition of the body. To realize conceived plans concerning career and personal life, almandine is able to help Aquarius. He is also a good ally of Taurus, Libra and Scorpio. But representatives of such zodiac signs as Cancer and Pisces should not use this stone. It is better for them to opt for grenades or other green stones. Almandine can, on the contrary, disrupt these signs.

Some consider the stone in terms of compatibility with names. Among Russians, the most successful female variant is Alla. The mineral helps the owners of this name to gain indulgence and softens their character, and also gives them inner strength. Among male names, the stone patronizes Basil, bringing him success in love affairs and endowing him with courage and vitality.

Even despite the fact that the cost of almandine is not very high, some scammers still fake this mineral. In order not to fall for their tricks, one should take into account when choosing a stone several signs and independently check the product in accordance with them.

• Bring the stone to the light. If with its direct impact is not observed the effect of asterism, it means that before you is a fake.
• Notice how rich the color of the stone looks. The natural mineral has a very deep tone. And you can also check the product by the presence of glass shine: for fakes, it is usually absent.
• Before buying a stone swipe on the glass surface. On the real Almandine, due to its strength, there will be no trace left, and the glass will be damaged. If you do not observe such a result, then you have a fake stone.

In order for almandin to remain your talisman for a long time, you should not forget to take proper care of this stone. It involves the observance of certain conditions.

• It should protect the mineral from temperature extremes. After them, cracks may form on the surface of the gem.
• To cleanse almandine, you need to use a soft cloth and a soap solution prepared in water at room temperature. After treatment with soapy water, wipe the stone with a damp cloth and then wipe dry. This procedure should be carried out at least once every 30 days or the mineral should be stored in a place where dust does not penetrate.
• It should not be a long time to leave a stone in the open sun: it does not tolerate well the long exposure to bright rays.

For information on how a stone affects a person, see below.