The natural mineral chrysolite, which has an unusual green or yellow-green color, is also very popular as a basis for creating various accessories, jewelry, and as an element of decor, and even as a talisman against adversity. In English-speaking countries, stone is more often called peridot. Natural mineral in the Middle East is highly valued, where its unique color is considered noble. And the first mention of chrysolite can be found even in biblical sources, not to mention the literature, where this stone has been found from antiquity to the present day.
What it is?
Natural stone chrysolite has a hypnotic golden-green color, due to which it is often confused with emerald. Despite some similarities, these transparent crystals are still very different from each other. The color of the stone depends on the conditions in which it was formed. In most cases, it is yellow-green or emerald, but it may acquire a brown tint due to the presence of metal impurities - iron, chromium, nickel.
Chrysolite looks very decorative due to its main characteristic - the coefficient of light refraction, it is quite high. The ornamental mineral, the description of which always evokes the desire to see it with my own eyes, when properly cut, turns out to be a very effective addition to precious metal products.
Chrysolite nuggets are quite rare in nature. They are natural satellites of diamonds and can form in kimberlites, where ultrastrong crystals are formed. In addition, they often enter the rock massifs called olivine.
We can say that these stones are related and similar in structure.
The mining of chrysolite, carried out in volcanic rocks, suggests the influence of igneous processes on its formation. Surprisingly, this mineral can also be found outside the Earth. His traces were repeatedly found in samples of lunar rock and on fragments of meteorites. But the size of the nuggets, even in terrestrial terms, is not too large.
The largest of the known faceted minerals weighs 310 carats. And the most common stone size is less than 3 carats. The first historically significant product of chrysolite can be called the lens of the emperor Nero, through which, according to legend, he surveyed the Eternal City, which he burned to the ground, Rome. Today, this relic is stored on the territory of the Vatican.
The cost of chrysolite depends on its faceting. The cheapest - “pear”, allows you to buy jewelry with this mineral for several thousand rubles. The most expensive option - more than 12 000 rubles per carat, refers to the stones, cut in the form of a perfectly smooth circle. Also on the final price of the stone affects its purity.
Precious or semiprecious stone?
To answer this question is more difficult than it seems. According to the current classification, it belongs to the category of second-rate gemstones (III order). To obtain such a status, the mineral has everything you need - a rather high hardness, brilliance, created by optical effects.
But at the same time chrysolite is an ornamental stone. That is, in large quantities it can be used for the manufacture of objects of interior decor, as well as for combination with silver as a frame. Chrysolite crystals are not highly valued, but are popular due to the variety of optical effects observed in them.
Due to the inclusion of additional components - mica, spinel, magnetite, chromite, the transparency of the mineral varies greatly. But it is precisely this factor that makes it possible to observe the “cat's-eye” effect, iridescence — radiance under artificial light, opalescence, and other interesting and unusual phenomena characteristic of chrysolite.
Varieties
The concept of "chrysolite" is inextricably linked with the stone, known as olivine. It is he who is as close as possible to the precious analogue. The English name peridot is also often used. But what is more true - chrysolite and its varieties of olivine and peridot, or is it still a common group of minerals?
In any case, each of these options is characterized by a green color.
Unprocessed olivine is quite difficult to distinguish from other minerals of this group. But since 1968, gemologists have approved and apply the following classification: only transparent stone with green or golden hue is called chrysolite.
As for confusion, it is also added by the fact that collectors and popular literature often include minerals with a completely different chemical composition in this category. Chrysolite is also called the so-called “Ural emerald”, which is actually a green pomegranate. Gemologists are against such an expansion of classification, but in history such incidents are not at all rare. So, Saxon chrysolite was called topaz, Brazilian - chrysoberyl.
The mineral was originally named in ancient Greek. Canonically, the color of the stone is olive-green, dull, with splashes of yellow, brown, brown and gold. There are only two most valuable varieties of chrysolite:
- the mass extracted by hand from the Apache Indian reservations has a diameter of up to 15 mm;
- with the effect of asterism - the stellate inner structure allows it to create an unusual play of light with a completely smooth surface.
How to distinguish natural stone from a fake?
Natural chrysolite is quite popular among fraudsters trying to fake it. It is sometimes possible to recognize deception only through laboratory analysis, especially when it comes to fraud with cheaper types of minerals of natural origin. You can prevent possible errors by requesting a special certificate. In addition, you should pay attention to the following points.
- When warming in the palms the natural mineral remains cold. Plastic fake is quickly gaining warmth.
- When viewed in the sun through the stone, the effect of splitting the image.
- Glitter surface. In this chrysolite, it is saturated, oily.
- Dimensions and weight. Stones over 3 carats and possessing decent cleanliness and transparency are rarely sold freely.
- With a strong push on the stone traces should not remain. Scratches will inevitably appear on the plastic.
- The stones from Sri Lanka are mostly just fragments of broken glass of water. Falsification of chrysolite in this country put on stream. But with careful visual inspection to identify a fake can be due to uneven color. The natural mineral will not have this effect.
Given all these points, you can avoid trouble when buying chrysolite and products with it.
Where is mined?
Chrysolite is a natural mineral found in many countries around the world. It is being successfully mined in Australia, Tanzania, South Africa, Brazil, Pakistan and Myanmar. Sri Lanka also has deposits, but the proportion of counterfeits coming from there is very large.During archaeological excavations, the mineral is often found in historically significant places - Alexandria, Jerusalem, in the cities of Greece.
In Egypt is the most popular field. It is based on the island of Zebergged in the Red Sea. Stone is also mined in the United States in the territory of Arizona.
Russian deposits of chrysolite are concentrated in the areas of traditional diamond mining in Yakutia and the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Also, the stone for jewelry is mined in the Murmansk region in the territory of the Kovdor mountain range. The Ural chrysolite mentioned by amateurs is not an island silicate, but refers to a sub-species of garnets.
Properties
All existing properties of chrysolite stone are usually considered in several directions at once. After all, in addition to objective characteristics related to the density, hardness, composition of a natural mineral, there are also criteria for subjective assessment. For example, medicinal properties, which are known since ancient times. Attributed to stone and mystical characteristics. They are mainly associated with its unusual properties, mysterious radiance and the ability to transform in bright electric light, like a diamond.
Physico-chemical
The main physico-chemical characteristics of chrysolite are associated with its composition. The basis of the stone is iron orthosilicate-magnesium, respectively, the volumes of metallic inclusions affect not only the transparency, but also the color gamut. Copper inclusions give rich emerald green, iron corresponds to yellow and brown shades, nickel and chromium are also acceptable.
Chrysolite is a rather fragile mineral: its hardness reaches only 7 points on the Mohs scale. The density of the stone is 3.3 g / cm3, which makes it easy to polish and cut it. Carefully processed peridot acquires a peculiar glass shine. The natural structure of the stone makes it vulnerable to acids, it dissolves easily in them, and can be damaged by contact with aggressive media.
Classical pure chrysolites decided to expose a diamond, stepped or emerald cut, showing all its characteristic properties. Starlike crystals and stones with the effect of "cat's eye" are subjected to processing "cabochon."
The birefringence property makes it possible to obtain a split image when looking through the thickness of the mineral.
Medicinal
There is no official scientific evidence that chrysolite has any healing abilities. But for centuries its use was considered beneficial for women who have problems with childbirth and the health of the reproductive system as a whole. Lithotherapists of the past attributed to the stone the ability to relieve pain and cramps in the abdomen, to relieve toxemia.
Modern healers find much more extensive use for the mineral. It is assumed that chrysolite can:
- beneficial effects on the organs of vision;
- able to relieve pain, eliminate discomfort in muscles and joints;
- regulate the work of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring the normalization of the processes occurring in it;
- positively affect the health of the cardiovascular system;
- purify human blood from toxins;
- improve hormones, improve the action of the endocrine system;
- strengthen immunity, protect against viral infections;
- remove spasms, regulate the nervous system;
- establish psychological well-being, eliminate fears, get rid of insomnia;
- accelerate the cure of stuttering, nervous tic;
- assist in the regeneration of organs and tissues after surgery;
- facilitate generic activities;
- shoot migraines.
As a rule, lithotherapists advise wearing the mineral closer to the body, choosing a stone according to its energy potential.It is also important to pay attention to the fact that taking crushed stone powder or wiping made on the basis of it, ointments can be hazardous to health.
It is necessary to apply such methods of treatment with great care.
Magical
Chrysolite is one of the minerals traditionally attributed to magical properties. For a stone to manifest them, it should be properly used and worn. Before the important changes happen, you can make such a talisman, having predetermined its value for a person. Energetically, peridot is considered to be a positively charged mineral, for a long time clergy used it in their rituals. Today chrysolite is often regarded as a personal talisman, able to protect, protect, give a good mood and calm.
For women, chrysolite has long been considered a powerful weapon in the struggle for the interest of the opposite sex. Mineral, framed by metal - in the form of a ring, brooch, cameo or earrings, increases sexual desire, the attractiveness of its owner.
Olivine and chrysolite are traditionally classified as stones useful for thinkers, as well as people associated with jurisprudence or law.
With it, they acquired an oratorical gift and self-confidence, drove away doubts. It is believed that the stone helps its owner to avoid erroneous decisions or judgments.
In the trading environment, peridot became especially popular in the Middle Ages. It was then that he was considered a talisman, patron of merchants. It was believed that the constant wearing of the stone would increase profits, save from knowingly unprofitable or failed transactions, prevent the loss or theft of goods.
The magical influence of the stone today is seen in many areas and activities.
- In love chrysolite promises the acquisition of true feelings, helps to win the attention and love of the desired object.
- In friendship promises to get rid of deception and betrayal. Peridot can be used to make paired jewelry that will hold friends together for years to come.
- In self-improvement This mineral helps to achieve a lot. Chrysolite is able to save its owner from envy and torment, wins phobias, helps to find peace of mind. It is recommended to wear the stone constantly in the period of depression, despondency, and nervous shock.
- In resolving litigation. Since chrysolite is considered a stone of justice, it can help in resolving the longest litigation. Mineral will restore mental health for a long time, relieve from any aggravations and doubts about the justice of justice.
- In career aspirations. The energy of chrysolite is such that it contributes to the manifestation of the best that is already in man. If the scope of activity is chosen correctly, only his own will will be able to stop the owner of the stone from taking off the career ladder.
Practicing magical rituals people recommend peridot as a means of imposing someone else's will. Mineral helps to get rid of love delusions, misconceptions about the actions of friends and relatives, clarifies the thoughts.
It is believed that it contributes to the awakening of the extrasensory gift.
Who is suitable?
Before you get an ornament made of natural stone, you should know who this mineral is suitable for. It is dangerous to wear opposite power charms and talismans. Indeed, in this case, the confrontation can easily deprive the owner of the decoration of forces, immerse him in despondency and apathy. Should also take into account astrological recommendations. In particular, chrysolite is perfect as a talisman for representatives of the following zodiac signs.
- Sagittarius. His fiery temper requires taming, and the mineral will cope with this task perfectly. By curbing anger, it will help improve the overall life position of its owner, help him win the love of loved ones, achieve promotion.
- Libra. The representative of the air element often “soars in the clouds” and does not take marriage ties too seriously. Changes in life will help bring a talisman that increases responsibility and eliminates doubts about the loyalty of the decisions made.
- Fish. The representatives of the water element, always in doubt, simply need an amulet with which one can gain self-confidence. Ridding its owner of melancholy, excessive emotionality, the stone will give peace and peace in the soul to a person who is distinguished by excessive suspiciousness.
Despite the fact that chrysolite jewelery is not suitable for everyone, people close to the world of astrology and magic assure: it is definitely worth buying, if there is a move ahead, a major financial deal, a job change. In this case, upon completion of the specified event, the product with a stone will simply go to the storage location - you will not have to wear it all the time.
Care and storage
Chrysolite jewelry is quite popular and widespread. But improper care for them is to the detriment of the precious mineral. To comply with all rules, you should remember the following precautions.
- Due to the increased fragility of the stone, jewelry - earrings, pendant, brooch, ring, should be protected from mechanical damage. Their cleaning by rigid abrasive structures is excluded. It is necessary to protect the mineral from falls, strikes.
- Removal of surface contamination from stone should be done using soap suds and soft cloth. Rinsing is made with ordinary water.
- The process of drying a chrysolite jewel after processing and removing contamination requires placing the stone away from exposure to the sun's rays. Drying with a hair dryer is not suitable, as heating can adversely affect the condition of the stone. To get rid of moisture, use a soft, lint-free wipe.
- If the jewelry is a necklace, necklace, tiara, ring, earrings, it is not worn all the time, it is necessary to take care of the rules of its storage. When placed together with other products, an individual velvet cover is always used. But it is best to pre-order a separate case.
This will prevent the formation of microscopic cracks inside the stone.
If all the rules are observed, the products of chrysolite will retain their expressive color and impeccable brilliance for a long time, even after decades remaining a magnificent piece of jewelry art.
For more information about chrysolite, see the following video.