One of the most popular and sought-after gems - spessartine - attracts attention with its aesthetic color and extraordinary brilliance, it seems to glow from within. These outstanding properties make the mineral very valuable among jewelers and collectors.
Facts from the story
It has long been possible to find unusual stones on the Alpine ridge of the Spessart, along the river Main. They were part of a large family of precious stones and were called grenades. These stones were painted in warm tangerine shades and created a feeling of glow. They began to be called so - mandarin grenades. In 1832, the French mineralogist F. Bödan studied the found mineral and gave it the name Spessartine in honor of the mountain range where it was first discovered.
At the end of the twentieth century, pomegranate was cut and used in jewelry. However, the Alpine spessartine did not find wide application in jewelry practice due to its physical properties.
Chemical composition and classification
Pomegranate spessartin is a complex aluminosilicate, in its composition, in addition to silicon oxide, there are aluminum and manganese. Its chemical formula is Mn3Al2 (SiO4) 3, but in the crystal lattice of the stone, manganese and aluminum ions are often replaced by impurities of iron. In this regard, the majority of alpine minerals are dark in color and almost opaque, and this eliminates the possibility of cut.
Not only iron can change the properties of spessartin, but impurities of oxidized magnesium, yttrium, vanadium, as well as calcium and titanium can make up 3% of the mass of gem.
The crystal samples found leave only 94% of spessartin itself.
The specific chemical composition of the stone forms its physical characteristics, such as color and degree of transparency. Low resistance to heat, susceptibility to cracking and small linear dimensions of naturally occurring minerals make it difficult to process stone. However, in the spessartin deposits scattered around the world, fortunately, it is possible to find quality specimens. The hardness of the stone on the Mohs scale is 7 units, and the density is 4 g / cm3, these properties allow it to be polished and cut.
Depending on the impurities contained, spessartines are divided into the following subspecies:
- brandaosite - contains a small amount of aluminum and iron;
- calcium, isenspessartin - contain enough calcium and iron;
- emildine - has a large amount of yttrium;
- johnstonotite - it is red calcium spessartine with visible impurities;
- spandite - This is spessartin, which has a large amount of calcium and iron or magnesium and aluminum.
The appearance of spessartin is very attractive, it “glows brightly” in any lighting options. Color shades of stone are varied: orange-red, scarlet, orange, as well as red and cherry shades.
The most expensive spessartin is considered to be an orange-red mineral, it is mined in South Africa, and its value can rise to $ 1,500 per carat.
The cost of the remaining shades of stone ranges from 50 to 80 dollars per 1 carat.
The main mineral deposits are located in the USA, Brazil, Australia, Sri Lanka and Madagascar. India and Southeast Asia are famous for their pink and cherry stone deposits.Yellow-orange stones are more common in the northern part of America, and garnets mined in the southern part of the country have an alexandrite effect (discoloration in different lighting conditions). There are few spessartin deposits in Russia, but in small quantities it is found in Transbaikalia and in the Urals.
Use and care of products
Very often, natural variations of rough stones are found at private exhibitions and in museums. Processed spessartines are considered more exclusive and valuable.
Jewelry made of platinum, gold and silver is very harmoniously combined with various variants of spessartine. Rings, brooches, pendants with pomegranate will be the perfect accessories for any image and emphasize the status of its owner.
The use of spessartine and articles made of it as talismans and amulets is very popular.
Products made of mineral must be stored on a velvet fabric in a box.
Prolonged exposure of the product in direct sunlight can cause color fading and small cracks in the stone, so you should leave the jewelry at home when going on vacation to hot countries.
To increase the positive energy and restore color, it is periodically recommended to place the mineral under a stream of cold water.
Jewelry with spessartin cleaned with a soft brush dipped in soapy water. After that, they are rinsed in clean water and wiped dry with a soft cloth.
Stone magic
The fact that pomegranate has magical properties is said not only by psychics, but also by simple lovers of expensive minerals. The most popular mineral in fortune-tellers and magicians. It is said that in the glittering edges of the stone one can consider future or past events. It is believed that he has the power of some planets: Mars, Venus, Mercury and the Sun.
The main magical properties of spessartin include:
- activation of the vital energy of a person;
- the revival of the will to live and increase self-confidence;
- increase sexual energy and attractiveness;
- Charm from accidents and injuries.
Of the healing properties of the mineral, it is worth noting the beneficial effect on human immunity, as well as the ability to get rid of stress. Gem has a positive effect on the circulatory system, stabilizes blood pressure, has an antiviral effect and reduces allergic reactions.
To feel the strength of the mineral, you must always carry it with you.
Astrologers note that the magical properties of spessartin apply to people according to the signs of the zodiac:
- Aquarius can find harmony and meaning of life;
- Sagittarius open hidden abilities;
- Scorpions establish relationships with colleagues, bosses, and acquaintances;
- Libra gain strength to solve difficult issues;
- Crayfish will find the patron and become successful;
- Fish gain self-confidence;
- Lions charm will help strengthen mental health and find peace of mind;
- Taurus gain faith in success;
- Aries find their soul mate;
- Capricorns will be able to win laziness and be inspired to achieve their goals;
- Virgin become more confident and persistent in solving complex problems.
Experts in the field of astrology and esoteric advise men to wear jewelry from spessartine, since the stone radiates just male energy. The talisman helps its owner to increase income, accelerate business development, strengthen willpower, get rid of bad habits, increase positive energy and protect against the evil eye.
The predominance of male energy in stone does not mean that it cannot be worn by women. On the contrary, the owner of jewelry with spessartin will be able to solve problems in his personal life, to meet his constricted.
In ancient times it was believed that spessartine helps women in childbirth, helps to cure skin diseases, restores the body's metabolic processes.The most ancient healers noted that the action of an orange-red crystal helps to relieve anxiety, relieve depression and stabilize the emotional background.
Semiprecious spessartine attracts admiring glances from collectors, mineralogists, and jewelers. Due to the rare colors of natural shades, the mineral looks great in jewelry and gives the wearer an elegant look. For people who are fond of astrology, numerology and magic, this stone will come to the aid of its fantastic magical properties.
See the following video for details on pomegranate jewelry.
