All about spinel stone

Spinel is one of the rarest and most expensive semi-precious stones. The cap of Monomakh, the crown of Catherine the Great, the attributes of the power of the Iranian rulers are encrusted with this stone. In beauty, it is not inferior to rubies, sapphires and emeralds. What is so liked mineral minerals of the powerful? What physical and magical properties does it possess and for whom can it become a happy talisman?

Spinel is first mentioned by the famous 13th century traveler Marco Polo. Having visited the Pamirs, he called the place of gem mining ruby ​​mines. In the old stone was often confused with precious ruby ​​and corundum. For centuries, many red crystals revered as rubies, until in the XIX century, scientists did not carry out relevant studies and did not establish the truth.

In Russia, spinel is known by the Arabic word "lal" by the name of the Kuhi Lal mines, where the stone was first discovered. The mineral ground into powder was used as a medicine for various ailments and to reduce the feeling of thirst. Its current name gem received from the German word spinell. The crystals have a peaked shape., therefore, scientists have suggested that the word means "thorn." According to another version, the word has Greek roots: in one embodiment it means “brilliance”, in the other - “spark”.

In modern form colored transparent crystals are used in jewelry for making jewelry: rings, earrings, beads, bracelets, brooches, rings, tiaras. Natural mineral of high quality jewelry is a rather expensive acquisition. Designer jewelery often combines lal with pearls and diamonds. The stone seems to glow in the twilight. Aluminum-magnesium spinel is used in ceramics, in particular, in the production of refractory materials, resistant ceramic paints, glass.

In science, stone is divided into an independent group of minerals with its own set of unique physical properties. By its chemical nature, it is an oxide having the formula MgAl204. Some of the magnesium and aluminum ions can be replaced by ions of other metals of the same size, while the properties of the mineral remain unchanged. A part of magnesium is usually replaced by iron ions, less often - zinc ions, a part of aluminum - iron or chromium ions.

The mineral has a rich color palette. In nature, there is colorless, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, blue, purple and black spinel. Mostly it is a transparent stone with a bright glass shine., having the following characteristics:

• hardness - from 7.5 to 8 units;
• density - 3.57-3.72 g / cm³;
• type of symmetry - cubic.

Samples of spinel differ significantly from each other in color, transparency and chemical composition. About her, we can say that this is the ideal stone for a gemologist - a specialist who studies gems. Conditionally distinguish the following types of mineral.

• Noble spinel. It includes colorless spinel and transparent varieties with flawless color saturation: ruby, sapphire, almadin, blue, green spinel, rubicellus, ruby ​​bale.
• Common spinel. It has in its chemical composition a high proportion of iron, therefore the stones acquire a dark green and black color.
• Chrome spinel. It is distinguished by a thick black color.There was a replacement of aluminum for chrome.
• Ganit Iron and zinc ions displaced magnesium.

Separately, let's talk about the noble spinel. Only this type of mineral is a jewel value and refers to semiprecious stones. Ruby spinel has the highest cost. The price for 1 carat of a natural crystal reaches 1000 dollars. Its rich deep red color is due to the presence of chromium ions.

The stone has the ability to fluorescence. Under UV light, it gives the human eye a red color.

In second place is worth sapphire variety. Her color is blue, blue. Infrequently found in the natural environment, therefore valued so highly.

Rubin Bale due to manganese has a pink-red color with a lilac shade. Rubitsell - orange-red, yellow stone. It has iron blotches.

Almadinovaya - spinel purple-red color. Ganospinel has a deep blue color with a subtle magenta or gray-violet hue.

Black crystals of high transparency and thick color can also be attributed to the noble variety.. In jewelry, valued black Thai Hercynite.

Rarely found mineral possessing alexandrite effect: ability to change its color depending on the lighting. Most often, this quality has synthetic stones.

Jewelry spinel is mined in placers with single crystals ranging in size from 10 to 12 carats. Sometimes the mineral forms drusen. The richest deposits of expensive gem are in India, Sri Lanka, the Pamirs and Tajikistan. From the mines of the Pamirs, the largest mineral sample weighing 5 kg was brought to light.

Red spinel placers are developed in the depths of Mogok in Myanmar. Major miners are Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Brazil. The blue crystals are brought from Turkmenistan, the USA and from Madagascar. Sri Lanka is considered the world leader in the supply of noble black spinel.

Black non-decorative stone is mined in Australia. The deposits of ordinary spinel were found in large quantities in Russia: in the Urals, in the Shishim and Nazyam mountains.

Today it is very difficult to find on sale a natural noble spinel because of its rarity, difficulties in mining and cutting. Scientists have learned to synthesize it. Artificially grown spinel is widely in demand among jewelers. It imitates a natural mineral and other gems: alexandrite, topaz, zircon, aquamarine.

According to its properties, an artificial analogue can differ significantly from a fellow of natural origin, and outwardly only experienced professionals can distinguish them. Although you can try.

Developed several technologies to artificially obtain the mineral. Among them: the Czochralski method, the hydrothermal method and the method of crystallization using fluxes.The most common and easiest way to grow spinel remains Verneuil method. The oxides of magnesium and aluminum are melted in a specially designed fire-hydrogen-oxygen burner. A crystal is born from the cooled drops.

For giving of the necessary color and a shade add various mixes. Cobalt gives a blue color. Chromium oxide will make the mineral red or pink. If you add heat while melting, a green pattern will appear. Thanks to fluoride lead grow azure, pistachio, pale blue and golden honey crystals.

Spinel has healing properties. Its chemical composition contains trace elements useful for the human body. The famous Swiss chemist Paracelsus appointed the mineral crushed to the state of a powder as a medicine for healing from severe ailments. Disinfecting, hemostatic and regenerating properties the stone was known and skillfully used by healers and healers in Russia.

In the medieval medicinal treatises it is written: "Lal is useful for rosy cheeks, healthy stomach, improving eyesight." Nowadays, healers practicing alternative medicine and lithotherapists also use spinel to heal the body.

Red spinel will help the body to resist viral and bacterial infections during epidemics. She has the power to increase female and male sexuality and attractiveness in the eyes of the opposite sex. Enhances blood circulation in the body.

Blue mineral will be of greatest benefit in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in rehabilitation after surgery. Pink spinel used for sleep disorders: insomnia, nightmares.

Green - stone of the heart. Corrects its work, stabilizes pressure, helps restore vision. Black Spinel will provide first aid for injuries, abrasions, wounds, relieve pain and stop bleeding.

Since antiquity, people have noticed the magical properties of a stone and its ability to exert a positive influence on a person. It is believed that spinel brings its owner success in all affairs and undertakings. It creates around him a favorable atmosphere that contributes to the achievement of goals and the fulfillment of desires. Even if a person has been overtaken by a black stripe in life, the gem will give faith to the future, fill it with energy and help overcome difficulties.

Red spinel is a talisman, more suitable for men. In eastern countries, it was recommended as a remedy for male impotence. Although beautiful women, she is able to help in love affairs, to find a narrowed and build strong relationships. No wonder her name is the forerunner of happiness. Stone loves active, active business people who make important, responsible decisions regarding themselves and other people.

Spinel will save from trouble on the road, delays and unpleasant situations. The possessor of a gem may unexpectedly discover the gift of clairvoyance. and foresight of the future, for example, through prophetic dreams.

Mages and sorcerers are attracted to a variety of black mineral. They use it for magical purposes during rituals. The mineral helps devotees of the occult sciences to escape from the hustle and bustle, tune in to the eternal, to carry out large-scale projects. According to those who know the manipulations, the stone should be held with fingers and in no case should not be placed on the palm. The properties of black stone are such that they can upset the balance of energies in the human body.

Spinel - a stone with its own character. He does not like deceivers, liars, bilious, envious and dishonest people. He generously shares his energy only with sincere souls with pure and good intentions. The best "clothes" for the gem is a gold frame. In combination with this metal, the stone will work at full strength. A ring that has the power of an amulet is worn on the left hand on a ring or index finger.

Spinel - the perfect talisman for people born under the constellation Lion. He will fill his favorites with energy, enhance innate nobility and improve the “royal” character. Lal also favors other representatives of the fire element: Strelets and Aries.

Aquarius and Capricorn stone will help to gain physical endurance, add confidence in their abilities and good mood. Taurus, Libra and Pisces will give you the opportunity to find a happy family, build a successful career, help overcome difficulties and avoid sharp corners.

To whom a stone is not suitable, it is Cancer. Lal will introduce them into a state of serenity, which will add lightheadedness and carelessness. It can lead to loss of control over life situations and destroy previously achieved. Scorpions Be careful when using the gem as a talisman and jewelry. Spinel will make them "blind" in life. They will stop seeing lies, deceit and flattery.

Decorations with spinel require delicate care. To maintain an attractive and brilliant appearance several simple rules should be followed.

• To avoid damage and scratches the jewel is carefully wrapped in velvet fabric. The mineral is stored separately from other stones.
• Washes in warm soapy water, without the use of aggressive household chemicals.
• Ultrasonic and steam cleaning is not welcome.

Bright red spinel size 398.72 carats adorns the main dynastic regalia of the Romanovs - Great imperial crown of the Russian Empire. It was made by court jewelers on the occasion of the coronation of Catherine the Great in 1762. From that time until 1917 she was crowned with the kingdom of all Russian monarchs. The relic is kept in the Diamond Fund and is not subject to export outside the Kremlin.

The treasury of the British Empire keeps another magnificent specimen of the mineral with its amazing history 600 years long. In the oriental "Hiraj-i-Alam" ("Tribute to Peace"), and in the Western "Rubin Timur" Queen Victoria received from the leaders of the East India Company in 1851.

Mineral weight - 352 carats. The stone is fixed in a necklace along with other gems. Although the definition of "chest chain" is more suitable for this royal jewelry. It is surprising that for many centuries it was possible to preserve the original Indian cut.

The stones have letters written in Persian script, which informed the world about its history and owners. Among the owners of the jewels are influential rulers of the East: the shahs, padishahs, as well as the famous conqueror Timur-i-Leng (“The Lame Timur”), known as Tamerlane. His name gave the name of the stone.

The owner of another massive ruby-colored stone was Prince Charles of Wales, nicknamed by the color of his armor the Black Prince. He received this stone in exchange for military assistance from the hands of the Castilian monarch Pedro I.

The stone was inherited by the English King Henry V, who never parted with him.Legend has it that in one of the battles the enemy cut the helmet on the king’s head, but, stumbling on a “ruby” with a sword, could not kill the supreme commander. So the talisman saved the life of his monarch.

About features of a stone look further.