All about taaffeite

Taaffeite (another name magnesiotaffeite-2N2S) is a mineral belonging to the class of oxides. Most of them are located in the upper crust of the Earth, on the border with the atmosphere, since there is free oxygen there. Oxides are also found in swamps, lakes and seas.

In the fall of 1945, Earl Richard Taaffe, who lives in Dublin and studies gems, examined faceted spinel. Among the placer of these minerals, he unexpectedly discovered an original specimen with double refraction. For a more detailed study, the graph sent a stone to the mineralogical laboratory of the British Museum.

There it was confirmed that this mineral has unique, nowhere previously recorded, properties. In 1951, the stone was named taaffeit in honor of its discoverer, but only in 1982 he was officially registered by the International Mineralogical Association IMA.

In the literal sense of the word, taaffeite deposits do not exist. It is found in the form of small crystals with chrysoberyl and spinel. Therefore, the targeted mining of this mineral is out of the question. This stone is not mined, it can be found only by chance, carefully checking the spinel for the effect of double refraction.

After the already described first case of an unusual finding of this mineral, which allegedly came to Europe from the island of Ceylon, the second taaffeitite was found in 1949 on the island of Sri Lanka. The third stone was discovered in 1957 in the African state of Tanzania, in the same place 10 years later they found the fourth taffeffeite among spinels.

This mineral, depending on the species, may be colorless, greenish, or have a mauve shade. The latter points to traces of iron in the stone. Glassy gloss and translucency, as well as double refraction, are characteristic of taaffeite. It is fragile, but it has great hardness - 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale of minerals.

It has a specific weight of 3.6-3.614. The chemical formula of taaffeite is Mg3Al8BeO16. It has a complex structure, it consists of magnesium, aluminum, beryllium, iron, chromium, zinc. The chemical composition of this mineral is similar to the compositions of spinel and chrysoberyl. Crystals are formed during metamorphism, in the process of changing the structure of the rock along with mica, tourmaline, spinel as a result of exposure to temperature and high pressure.

Only an expert with extensive experience can distinguish an original from a fake. For this purpose, special equipment is required. Therefore, the main thing with the purchase is to find a qualified professional with a good reputation. Outwardly, it is extremely difficult to distinguish taaffeite from similar spinel.

Taaffeit is a semi-precious stone. Due to the fact that it has a high rate of hardness, it can be used for jewelry processing. This stone is well polished and has an attractive appearance.But faceted crystals, which are put up for sale in the form of jewelry, are very few and, of course, they have a very high cost. The frame is very carefully chosen for this mineral, most often gold or platinum is used.

Taaffeit has many beneficial properties for the human body. For example, he:

• helps with diabetes by normalizing blood sugar levels;
• It has a positive effect on the circulatory system, lowers blood pressure in hypertension;
• improves sleep, relieves insomnia;
• has a calming effect on the central nervous system;
• promotes faster healing of tissues with injuries.

According to existing beliefs, taaffeit eliminates its owner from unreasonable anxiety and fears, sharpens intuition and creative abilities. But wearing it constantly is not recommended, since negative aspects of character can be activated. You can not wear this stone at a young age, because bad habits and apathy can develop.

This mineral is considered a symbol of well-being and family harmony, it enhances the feminine charm. Women are advised to wear a bracelet with a stone on their left hand, and men on the middle finger of their right hand. There is an opinion that the best amulets are made of pink color taaffeita.

Most of all, the mineral is suitable for Pisces, Taurus, Lions and Libra, as it itself belongs to the elements of Fire and Earth. Emotional Pisces, which can bring themselves to a nervous overstrain, this stone helps to find inner harmony and peace.

To hardworking Taurus taaffeit gives an understanding of the secret laws of life and helps to get rid of excessive fussiness. Lviv, which is ready for any sacrifice for the sake of their loved ones, this mineral charges with its powerful energy, gives financial well-being. Sensual Scales with the help of this mineral support their inspiration and ability to concentrate on solving vital life problems.

You should be aware that taafffeite may lose brightness due to frequent wear. Therefore, for energy rest, the stone must be placed in storage in a place inaccessible to the sun's rays. For this purpose it is best to purchase a box with a velvet surface inside.

Should remember that This mineral is very fragile, because of what it needs to be protected from mechanical damage. Contamination from the stone must be removed by washing it with running water using a mild soap solution. The decoration with the mineral is dried with the help of soft delicate fabrics.

Many interesting facts are known about taaffeite:

• taaffeitis is one million times less common in nature than diamond;
• the price per gram of this mineral varies from 2.5 to 20,000 dollars (from 500 to 4000 dollars per carat);
• Musgravite, which is a type of taaffeitis, is an even rarer stone - there are only 18 specimens found in the world;
• Colorless Taaffeites, iridescent with bluish or greenish hues, are considered to be a great rarity (the double refractive property of the mineral creates several shades of the same color).

Taaffeit is a unique, high-value mineral. To present it as a present is difficult because of inaccessibility. However, the donated stone will tell that the person giving it is ready for the sake of the object of his love for everything, and these are not empty words.

In the next video you can take a look at taaffeitite weighing 1 80 Kt.