Precious stones

Aventurine

Aventurine is a type of fine-grained quartz - the so-called quartzite. Painted aventurines usually in yellow, green, blue or cherry color. There are also almost black stones. The distinctive form of goldstone gives uniformly dispersed inclusions of mica flakes, goethite and hematite. In addition to these there are also some other inclusions. In addition, the breed is riddled with cracks aventurine, which are filled with iron hydroxides. These features give the characteristic sparkling mineral golden sheen and a bit mysterious shimmering shine. With this feature goldstone in the old days was called "zlatoiskrom", "golden stone", "iskornikom", "Iskra-ists." Glass with glitter, resembling aventurine were able to do much more ancient Egyptians, but later the secret of its manufacture has been lost. The red-brown glass, simulating aventurine color, was again obtained only in the XVI century. Murano glass blowers in the small town near Venice, when a little copper filings accidentally fell into a vessel with molten glass. Hence, in 1700 and emerged the modern name of the stone (in Italian avventura - "case"). Aventurine is mined in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Spain, China, Norway, Chile and the United States. American aventurine called "Colorado gold stone." Aventurine has long been mined in China, where it was very popular and was called "the imperial stone." aventurine deposits exist in Finland. In the Urals and Altai are golden brown goldstone. In the Indian state of Jaipur meets blue goldstone.

Agalmatolite

Agalmatolite - decorative opaque semi-precious stone, variety of the mineral pyrophyllite. From agalmatolita cut a variety of figurines and ornaments. It is no accident of its name derives from the Greek words agalta - "sculpture", "statue" and Lithos - "stone". Agalmatolity come in white, gray and yellow with greenish hues. Less common stones are red and dark cherry color. Thanks to the smooth, "soap" surface agalmatolite called "waxy stone" or "wen." In addition to Southeast Asia field agalmatolitov is in the southern Urals, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Romania and the United States. Extensive field agalmatolita exist in Mongolia. In Mongolian folk medicine agalmatolite used to treat rheumatic diseases. In particular figures and pieces agalmatolita tried to ease the pain in the joints.

Agate

Agates are fine-fiber varieties of chalcedony, which are characterized by layered coloring. These layers may be concentric or linear. They seem to repeat the shape of underground voids - geodes, which often is the formation of agates. Name of these amazing "striped" stone comes from the ancient name of river Ahates in Sicily, where in ancient times agate was mined. According to another version, the word "Agate" comes from the Greek ahates - "happy." Colors of agates range from milky white to yellow and green to almost black. If the white layers alternate with layers of yellow, red, brown, black or another color, then this type of agate can have its own name. For example, the most beautiful so-called "ocellar" or "spectacle" agate with concentric layers arranged around a central point. These stones are sometimes called "owl's eyes." In some agates zone width of 1 cm can contain up to 7,000 different layers. In the countries of the ancient East especially appreciated the so-called "moss" agates with patterns similar to wild forest thickets. Agatha with tree designs and inclusions are called "dendritic" or "dendritic" stones (Greek dendron - «tree"). Depending on the color options distinguish "cloud", "optimistic" and "fiery" agates . Coloring agates varied, and essentially it is individual for each stone.deposits agates are associated with volcanic rocks (lavas, tuffs) and found almost all over the world. The most beautiful stones are mined in Uruguay, Brazil, India, Arabia and Sicily. In Russia, agate has long been mined in the Urals.

Azurite

The name of the stone is conformable to the word "lapis lazuli" and, possibly, too goes back to the Persian word Lazard - "blue". In the middle Ages, this mineral was called the "mountain" or "copper" blue. Dense fused crystals of azurite copper ore occurs in areas in the U.S., Russia to the Altai and the Urals, Kazakhstan, Germany, Africa and Australia. Less likely to come across some large crystals of this mineral. The blue color of this stone is due to the compounds of copper is not by chance called azurite and azure copper. Such compounds are present in malachite. It is no accident; both minerals often form intergrowths - the so-called azurmalahit of which often make jewelry. In ancient Egypt, azurite was considered a secret stone, which served to increase the power of consciousness. Egyptian priests used azurite, to raise it to the level of higher powers.

 It is believed that the azurite is able to remove the "negative" energy. Jewelry with azurite contributes to the struggle with melancholia, hallucinations and other disorders of the nervous system, increasing its passage through the flow of energy.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine belongs to the emerald, ruby to sapphire. Both are different forms of the mineral beryl. The name "aquamarine" corresponds exactly to the perfect blue color of sea water, which demonstrates the best of it. The stones, which are noticeable green tint, are valued much lower.

In contrast to the emerald, aquamarine little prone to defects, but its value remains quite modest. The only noticeable in its inclusion of so-called "rain" - a small needle-like crystals or cavities, which runs parallel to the main axis. The more expressive and intense blue color of stone, the more it costs.

Actinolite

Actinolite - semi-precious stone, consisting of many needle-like crystals and their radiant units. It is no accident in the name of the stone used in the Greek word aktinos - "Ray" and Lithos - "stone." Fibrous actinolite inclusions create the effect of "cat's eye" in quartz and transparent crystals give many special charm. Greenish color due to the presence of actinolite in this mineral iron compounds. The solid fine-grained mass of emerald-green actinolite sometimes referred to as "smaragditom" or "emerald spar." On the territory of East Africa are sometimes transparent crystals of actinolite brown and green colors, which can be subjected to cutting.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite - the most valuable form of chrysoberyl. The main thing you need to know about these stones fan, is that they are extremely rare and therefore very expensive. The best examples in the daylight showing a beautiful green color, which under artificial light (except fluorescent) changes to red burgundy. Perhaps the most serious errors in evaluating gemstones relate to changing the color of synthetic spinel and corundum, when they were mistaken for alexandrite. Dishonest traders sold the stone in Egypt, these artificial stones unsophisticated buyers, claiming that they were real, as extracted in the city of Alexandria, in whose honor and named (assertion, incidentally, is erroneous.)

The value of genuine alexandrite depends on the severity of the changes of color and beauty. The cost of poor quality samples whose color changes to dirty-brown (usually the stones from Sri Lanka), is not above a few hundred pounds per carat. But the price of stone, which changes color to deep red, can reach many thousands of pounds per carat (usually stones from Siberia), in addition, highly sought after rare form of "cat's eye."

The easiest way to distinguish alexandrite with a refract meter (refractive index - 1,74-1,75), Alexander also shows the dark absorption lines in the red end of the spectrum when checking the spectroscope. However, this test is available only to professionals.

Diamond

Faceted diamond is a diamond. Before describing the basic methods of distinguishing diamonds, it will be useful to list the criteria for their evaluation. Unlike other stones, the majority of diamonds valued for its lack of color. However, only some of them are really completely colorless, the others have a slight yellow or brown tint. Colorless diamonds are called "white", but for a white gradation.


 

Color in diamonds is usually evaluated in comparison with a set of rock-samples. The most respected organization conducting such assessments, it is the Gemological Institute of America (GIA); gradation in alphabetical order, they suggested, has spread throughout the world; score «D» is assigned to the best white or colorless stones, followed by the remaining characters up to the «Z» after which the stones have already expressed a yellow tinge, and are regarded as "colored." By category «D», «E» and «F» are colorless or "white" diamonds, and the difference between them is almost impossible to see with the naked eye, even at close inspection.

However, despite the fact that they are visually indistinguishable, these stones vary greatly in price. For example, the brilliant cut stone with the color of the category «D» weight of 5 carats without internal cracks is worth five thousand dollars per carat (dollar - International currency in which diamonds are valued); rock category "E" of the same weight and purity will cost approximately 70% of this price per carat; category «F» - 50%, and the category of «L»-only 17%. Of course, buyers tend to purchase the best stone, even for big money.

The absence of defects is established in the study of stone with a tenfold increase. Stone, in which such an increase in the crack is detected, is considered "internal integrity» (IF). The presence of the smallest cracks means less category to WS, grade 1 or 2. If the crack is a little more rock is classified as VS, grade 1 or 2. The next category - SI, when the crack is visible to the naked eye, although it is extremely small. Then the stones are recognized "defect» (I). In this case, the crack is so pronounced that affect the brilliance of the stone. Damage to the surface, even small also means that the stone does not fall into the category of IF, even though the certificate may be mentioned that it is "potentially holistic" when it re-polished, although it happens a little weight loss.

As is the case with the color, the presence of defects strongly influences the cost of the stone: remember the same example with brilliant cut stone weighing 5 carats and color category «D» - in the absence of cracks it will cost five thousand dollars per carat, in the presence of cracks category WSI it is already 70% of the price per carat, and the presence of cracks category SI - 32%.

The cut is also an important factor in assessing diamonds: classic rock volume brilliant cut of the XIX century can cost 25% less than the modern stone in a good treatment. "Fire" of stone is best seen, if the diamond cutting is achieved by "total internal reflection," in which the lower edge of stone act as a mirror reflecting the light coming into the stone, each other and throwing it back, already overwhelmed by all the colors of the rainbow. In the early XX century, jewelers began to realize that this effect is achieved only in strict compliance with the proportions of a diamond cutting and at certain angles between the faces. Unfortunately, with the loss of much of the weight of the uncut diamonds, and because many of the old stones were re-cut, they lost some of its value. In recent years, however, the newly increased interest in ancient rocks cut "roll", which experts valued for their uniqueness and beauty, as well as a rarity. More difficult to assess facets of fantasy gems such as emerald, cut "pear" (an archaic name - "pandelok") or "Marquis."In this case, the same weight proportions of stones can vary greatly; besides, the price affects the quality of treatment. The most expensive are the stones cut which is recognized as the "most appropriate" or "exemplary."

Fancy cuts are influenced by fashion. For stones weighing over 20 carats of cut "Emerald", "Marquis" or "pear" is preferable to the classic diamond and if to give brilliant cut stones in 40 carat, it will be virtually impossible to insert into the ring, but if you choose a form of "Emerald", it will just gorgeous. For stones less than 10 carats of brilliant cut is more appropriate than a fantasy.
 

Finally, consider the weight of the stone: 0.99 carats of diamond weight will cost much less than diamond weighing 1.10 carats, the stone weighing exactly 1 carat to sell much more difficult, since even a small sanding edges to eliminate chafing, resulting in socks, will lead to the weight of the stone will be less than one carat. Price per carat for carat stone in 2 is higher than that of a 1 carat stone with the same color and clarity, the same for a 3 carat stone and so on. Weighing in at over 10 carats, this stone extremely significantly raise its price. Therefore, when assessing the diamond has to balance between the four major categories: color, clarity, cut and weight.

In nature, most diamonds are found in different colors. Most often, it's shades of yellow and brown. The classification includes a "colorless" and "almost colorless" stones. Depending on the severity of colored stones can be "with a faint color," "with a very light color," "painting with light" or "colored" by the American Gemological Institute graduation (GIA). The least valuable colored diamonds are brown in color, which is also called "cognac" or "cinnamon", although their cost amends fashion - in fact they look very attractive. They are followed by yellow colored diamonds, the color "canary", the most popular stone colors "of yellow daffodils." Blue and pink diamonds are extremely rare, so even with weakly pronounced colors are very expensive. Ideally, the blue diamonds have to be completely devoid of gray shades, and pink - brown. Until recently in Australia from the Argyle diamond wire in small quantities mined stones are beautiful deep, pink, and sometimes even purple, despite the fact that their weight rarely exceeded 1 carat, for it offered a great price.

The rarest are green and red diamonds. Lucky winner of this stone can request for it almost any price: the emergence of the market makes a real sensation. In recent years, the highest price at auction was paid for a red diamond weighing 0.95 carats - $ 880.000 ($ 926.315 per carat), which is 100 times more than the price of a colorless diamond is the best of the same size.

Some collectors collect only colored diamonds, and have sufficient financial resources to acquire these rare examples of the treasures of the earth.

At the beginning of the XX century the discovery was made: diamonds, burned for some time with the salts of radium, becoming green. Unfortunately, after this procedure, the stones have long been radioactive, and walked terrible rumors about how to die from cancer of the skin of their unlucky owners. Over time, this process has been refined and now diamonds are processed in nuclear reactors, making them different colors, but without residual radiation. To determine whether the diamond is artificially colored, requires a complex study, which can only be done in the laboratory. Therefore no color diamond is not put up for sale without a certificate of authority gemological laboratory, confirming the natural character of the painting.

Almandine

Almandine is a red or reddish-purple variety of garnet. This is the hardest and one of the most common varieties of garnet . Greater hardness of the almandine differ only similar to them in the color of rubies. Rarely are almost black almandines. Name of the mineral is a distorted word "Alabanda" - as in Asia Minor was called the city where they had long cut stones. According to another version, a place Alabanda was only a transit point of the ancient trade routes. In place of its production and processing almandines known as "Ceylon", "U.S." or "Siberian" grenades. Colors of almandine can be cherry, raspberry, purple and even brown-red. The intensity of the color depends on the amount of iron compounds. Jewels are only transparent almandine. Deposits of almandine exist in India, Mongolia, Madagascar, Finland and Karelia. However pyropes almandines are "stones of fire." Many people respected almandine and attributed magical properties - the ability to drive away the sadness and bring joy, to heal the heart and brain, excite passion and at the same time to temper the anger. Indian yogis believe almandine stone, having a strong power. It has beneficial effects on human emotions. It is believed that almandines of deposit Azkaban have pronounced medicinal properties. In Indian "Ayurveda" states that this stone is salutary for metabolic disorders. It helps heal wounds, provides energy for the heart and lungs and supports the immune system. Yogi noted that the soft vibration of almandine focus on the mental and the physical body. Stone well affect the emotional state; stabilize heart function, helps with inflammation. It promotes the regeneration of organs and tissues, stimulates circulation and increases the potency.

Amazonite

Ancient myths say that the Amazons Hippolyte Time The leader was taken exactly from the green stones. Maybe it was just amazonite. In any case, according to the testimony of ancient historians, mined "rock the Amazons," though in the Rif Mountains. So used to be called the Urals, where the amazonite is really there. Deposits of this stone also exist on the Kola peninsula, Central Asia, Ukraine, Brazil, Egypt, India, Canada, Mongolia, Norway, the USA and in South Africa. Amazonite Stone increases courage and devotion. The bright green color of amazonite creates a good mood, reduces anxiety and uncertainty. Jewelry made ​​of amazonite help strengthen family relationships and to build a strong family. They are attracted to material wealth and are able to inspire older people to impulses of youth.

Amethyst

Amethyst - purple or violet form of crystalline silica. Its best examples, possessing a rich saturated color, were popular in the middle of the XIX century, and then extracted in Siberia. Nowadays, the main source of amethyst is in Brazil. Characteristic of amethyst are the inclusion of fluid-filled fractures, which are called "tiger stripes", or "fingerprints." Typically noticeable color and zoning, which allows to distinguish gems from the rhinestones. It should be noted that most of the citrine is produced from low-grade amethyst by high temperature treatment. There is also a rose quartz, which, in the absence of visible defects (which rarely happens), you can take the pink tourmaline, so it is better to check a refract meter.

Anapana

 A rare mineral, It is interesting primarily for its crystals, which, like a tiny treasure, found in a geode. Exclusive collector's mineral and other applications have not.

Its name shall anapana Anapa - a city on the Taman peninsula (Russia), where it was first discovered.

Appearance

Anapana ore occurs in the form of nodular aggregates, hidden in the clay and marly rocks associated with deposits of phosphates. It is from them anapana receives phosphorus required for the formation of molecules of the mineral. Often anapana crystallize inside the fossilized shells of bivalves and gastropods.

Single crystals and aggregates

The mineral is usually well-crystallized as in the case of single crystals, as well as in the case of spherulites (crystals radical located), has an irregular shape or form rosettes. Often there are parallel to the formation of small tabular or prismatic crystals. Larger units are dense intergrowths of crystals, which are difficult to separate the individual components. In addition, the crystal faces are curved, which gives it a kind of turret. Anapaita color varies from bright green to yellow-green, which is associated with the presence of iron ions in the mineral structure. There are also crystals of brown, but in this case, the change in color due to oxidation.

Class - Phosphates

Crystal system Triclinic-

Hardness - 3.5

Fracture - A geometric

Cleavage - Perfect

Glitter - Glass

Streak - White

Handling Precautions

- Anapana, as well as other minerals that are in the structure of water molecules, requires careful handling. Aggressive treatment with overheating or the use of acids can irreversibly damage it.

- Mineral water should be washed with a low lime content (even better with distilled water) using a soft brush and neutral soap. It must be dried with a cloth, lint.

Association

Anapana met with a few minerals. Occasionally it is found together with vivianite and fayrfilditom who have similar origins. About anapaita species is not known.

Mineral or fossil?

Often it happens that anapana formed inside the fossilized shells of mainly Miocene time, creating a bizarre combination of fauna and minerals. The value of such instances in the eyes of collectors is much higher than just anapaita crystals.

Rare mineral

Town of Bellver de Cerdanya in the Pyrenees - one of the most famous deposits of anapaita. Due to the small depth of the ore units with reniform anapa itom found here, even during farm work.

Anapana - one of many minerals belonging to the subclass of phosphates that do not have wide distribution. In the known deposits are present in large quantities.

From the Pyrenees to the shores of the Black Sea

Despite the small number of fields anapaita, the best of which are in Anapa (Russia), Kerch (Crimea peninsula, Ukraine) and in Bellver de Cerdanya (Lleida, Spain), it can be considered a common mineral. This is due largely to its sedimentary origin, the formation of a stable environment and conservation for a long time. In the Kerch and Anapa on the coast of the Black Sea, extracted brush anapaita crystals, whose color varies from light green to olive-green. Usually they are inside the fossilized shells of bivalve mollusks.

Did you know that ...

- Anapa is situated on a small peninsula of Taman. For this reason, the mineral was originally called "Tammany," which is now obsolete.

Where found anapana

The most beautiful specimens are obtained in the Crimea (Ukraine), because here they are formed within the fossils.For Spain (Bellver de Cerdanya, Lleida) is characterized by small crystals in the clay ore Kidney units associated with a certain type of plant fossils. In Europe anapana found in Santa Barbara and Tuscany (Italy), Messel (Germany). In addition, anapana mined in the United States - in Nevada, California and New Hampshire.

Anglesite

Despite the widespread mineral, anglesite crystals are rare and highly prized by collectors. Mineral deposits typical of the lead, owe their name to the island of Anglesey (Wales, UK), where it was first discovered.

APPEARANCE

Anglesite - secondary mineral oxidation zone of lead deposits containing galena. It is usually formed during the oxidation of galena and is associated with cerussite and other secondary minerals of lead. The crystals of anglesite have a pyramidal shape with a large number of vertical grooves. Bi pyramidal crystals are more common, taking a flat shape. Anglesite almost always white, but come across instances of the earthy, yellow, light orange or green. Some crystals may have a darker shade due to the presence of galena. Rare green crystals of the most valuable are explained by the presence of nickel ions.

Because this species replaces the other minerals, lead, and it's easy to confuse with phosgenite, cerussite, and shtoltsitom. The crystals are isolated, represented by irregular groups or parallel formations (one next to another). Although the crystal size is typically a few millimeters, there are exceptions, reaching lengths of more than 15 centimeters.

FORM AND COLOR

Well formed crystals of anglesite, with saturated color, most prized by collectors.

The best crystals

- After years of drought in Tuissite (northeastern Morocco) there were magnificent crystal anglesite exceeded 25 centimeters in length. At first they took for the crystals of cerussite.

- One of the best crystals of anglesite domarrokanskogo period was taken in Tsumeb (Namibia). It is stored in the Smithsonian Institute (Washington) and is an excellent DVU konechny yellow crystal measuring 1 inch in the parent material. A deep analysis in the eighties revealed that it is an instance shtoltsita. even more rare mineral.

Lead Ore

Extracted from anglesite lead is used in various industries. However, it’s no less interesting for its mineral rich crystals of unusual color.

TOYS ... AND NOT ONLY TOYS

On the right you can see mine production of zinc, lead and silver. Lead is used by humans for a variety of products - from bullets to toys such as placed at the top of the list.

Did you know that ...

- In the esoteric anglesite give amazing properties. It is said that he develops sensitivity, courtesy, gentleness, and promotes relaxation. In addition, it is used for evocation. It is also believed that anglesite helps turn dreams into reality.

Along with galena and anglesite cerussite is one of the main varieties of ores and is used in the manufacturing of battery plates and wire. In addition, in the defense industry anglesite used for the manufacture of ammunition, and in the paint - to create colors.

Demanding market
 

Dealers and collectors of minerals around the world appreciate the rare, well-formed crystals with a saturated color (yellow, green or orange), and crystals, accompanied by other minerals (such as cerussite, azurite and calcite).

THE STORY OF A COUNTERFEIT

Demand for the crystals was so high that they even tried to forge. Here are some amusing incident took place in Morocco. Once miners and distributors anglesite specimens found washed before they are sold. And someone came up with a great idea - clean lye crystals to achieve a better result. To my surprise, a lucky find that crystals of anglesite purchased a beautiful yellow-orange color. Soon, the market appeared unusual instances of anglesite, come true at exorbitant prices. Later, the fraud was discovered: accidentally crashed inside the crystals were colorless. Recognize the imitation was not immediately apparent. It was later revealed that the crystals treated with alkali, formed on the surface light milky haze.

Where found anglesite

Classic anglesite crystals are produced in various European deposits on the island of Anglesey (UK) on the island of Sardinia (Italy) and in Berezovsky (Russian Federation). However, the best examples of rich yellow color imported from Tsumeb (Namibia) and Tuissita (s Ohud, Morocco). In Spain, good crystals are mined in the city of Linares, a Catalonia are very expensive and rare crystals of green.

Beryl

Beryl is called a class of minerals - silicates of aluminum and beryllium. Blue aquamarine, dark green, emerald and gold heliodor - all varieties of beryl. A variety of colors of beryl are surprising. This property was known to connoisseurs of the stones of the past. Beryl in the narrow sense of the term is usually called a light-green version of these stones. Sometimes there are star-shaped beryl and beryl from the effect of "cat's eye" . Color stones depend on the impurity compounds of magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese. Do not contain impurities beryl colorless. In nature, beryl occur in the form of hexagonal prismatic crystals. Beryl is probably Indian in origin. It should be remembered that the word berillos ancient Greeks called all clear green minerals. Beryllium deposits are developed in Siberia, the Urals, the Ukraine, Brazil, Greenland, Zimbabwe, India, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia. Australian beryl light green color is often referred as "Australia's emeralds." In the East, beryl has long been regarded as magical stones, conducting life-giving energy into the body, and vice versa - leading out of a negative energy. It is no accident beryl called the "stone of mental equilibrium." They help people to maintain good spirits and prevent them from fatigue.

Turquoise

Traditionally considered a high-quality turquoise, with its bright blue hue of the summer sky. It must be borne in mind as often "turquoise" is considered a blue-green color, which have many samples, particularly mined in Arizona.

Unfortunately, turquoise almost can not be inspected as often devoid of defects, and a little transparent, so that its internal features are hidden. In addition, it is usually faceted cabochon, which makes it impossible to check on the refractometer, creating a real challenge for gemologists. For lovers who do not have at its disposal the spectroscope, the problem is unsolvable.

Do not forget that turquoise can be covered with colored powder, mixed with gum on the basis to enhance the color that mimic it with a variety of materials including glass and porcelain. Relatively rare odontolit - turquoise, formed of bone, we refer to her as she once we got valuable diamond jewelry in the 1830s.After revealing this fact, even the price of jewelry has risen (correctly distinguish odontolit you can, inflicting on the surface of a microscopic drop of acid, under the influence of which it will begin to hiss that shows presence of calcium carbonate).

Bornite

Among the iron and copper sulfides bornite is easily recognized by its bright blue tint and low hardness. The presence of bornite in copper ores, indicating their high quality.

Bornite is often called a variegated copper pyrites. Samples and dazzle you with a rainbow! However, is dominated by blue and purple hues. Iriziruyuschaya film on the surface of a mineral called tarnish. Meanwhile, the true color of bornite is not blue. On fresh fracture the mineral copper-colored in red or bronze-brown color.

MASSIVE MINERAL

The crystals are rare of bornite. As a rule cubes, octahedra and rhombic dodecahedron with the imperfect distorted faces. Sometimes minerals form twins, but looking at them with the naked eye is not easy. It is much more widespread aggregates of bornite. It forms solid or granular masses, and the crust on the other sulfides. It is formed in the hydrothermal deposits of endogenous or exogenous zones of secondary sulfide enrichment.

SURROUNDED sulfides

Bornite constant companions - other sulfides and sulfosalts of copper and iron: chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, tetrahedrite, pyrite. Most of bornite intergrowths with chalcopyrite - the result of decomposition of the solid solution.In bornite often find the inclusion of other minerals enargite, cubanite, cobaltite. Bornite is easily confused with pyrrhotite, which, however have higher hardness.

Bornite was discovered in 1845 by William Haydingerom and named in honor of the mineralogist Ignaz von Born {1742-1791). In addition to his scientific career, Born is known for friendships with many famous people of his time. In particular, with Mozart, he shared passion for Freemasonry.

Where found bornite

Large deposits of bornite are in the U.S. (Connecticut, Montana, Colorado and Arizona) and Chile (Atacama, Antofagasta). In Russia, bornite disseminated in the southern Urals and Trans-Baikal, in Kazakhstan - in copper ores Dzhezkazgan.

Handsome and without crystals

Bornite ore is an important source of copper. Fine-grained bornite widely distributed and prized as a raw material with a high content of non-ferrous metal, while well-formed crystals of bornite.

In the disseminated ores bornite occurs with other sulfides of copper-, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, and digenite. In addition to high concentrations of copper, the main component produced in these ores are generally high content of other precious metals, particularly gold, silver, gallium, germanium. These elements are isomorphic to the part of the sulfides crystallize in either form its own minerals, forming a fine disseminations.

ESSENTIAL COPPER

Extracted from the bornite copper - metal, familiar to any student.

Its scope is truly wide. The power cables and wires in the electrical, water and heating pipes in municipal services. Copper is part of the most common alloys - bronze and brass. By the way, the lion's share goes to the manufacture of brass shell casings. In the jewelry industry without copper, too, can not do: it increases the strength of an admixture of gold.

In bornite EDGE

The best crystals of bornite occur from old copper deposits of Cornwall in southwest England.

Born in Collections

The crystals of bornite prized by collectors for their rarity. The best collection samples mined in Cornwall (England) and HJK (Kazakhstan), as well as in the field Blade (Morocco). The easiest way to complete your collection grained bornite with a stunning bright tarnish. These samples are much higher among the collection of material put up for sale.

Moody Stone

Jewelers have repeatedly tried to cut bornite cabochon and beads. The result exceeded all expectations, but the articles were very short-lived. Attempts to treat the stone with a special compound, increase the wear resistance of bornite, were unsuccessful.

Did you know that ...

Bornite is often called "peacock ore" because of the characteristic blue-purple tint, which is similar to painting colorful peacock feathers with a blue tint. This iriziruyuschaya pestrookrashennaya film is formed by a weak surface oxidation of the mineral. In addition to bornite, it is characteristic of chalcopyrite, covellite, limonite and marcasite. Samples of minerals with tarnish, change color from golden yellow to pink and green red, blue and purple, highly prized by collectors. 

Variscite

 Known to man for millennia, now transformed into variscite rare and forgotten gem, interesting only to collectors.

Class - Phosphate

Crystal system - orthorhombic

Hardness – 4 - 4.5

The fracture - conchoidal

Cleavage - Shine

Glass - wax

Streak - White

Variscite got its name from the name of the district variscite (now Vogt-land) in Saxony, where he was first discovered and described in 1837.

Appearance

Varistsita crystals are very rare and small in size. Variscite occurs as nodules, nodular aggregates of ore of different colors, the most common and least valuable specimens of white. The most popular color is the mineral of various colors ranging from green to blue, often with black or white streaks or orange spots.

Handling Precautions

Variscite requires very careful handling because of its formula contains two molecules of water, they disappear when overheat. The mineral is exposed to active acids, but it can be cleaned by conventional cleaning agents.

In varistsita is a variety which is called amatriks. However, it is not recognized by the International Mineralogical Association. These are small entities, which are interspersed with thin layers of varistsita, quartz and chalcedony. These samples are more firmly, and after processing - brilliantly.

Application varistsita

This mineral has no commercial value and is used in gemology and jewelry as a cheap gem. Normally handled by variscite cabochon or oval and flat forms, emphasizing its color, turn and play of colors that adorn the stone and give it personality.

Did you know that ...

Initially, a mineral called "yutalit" - on behalf of the State of Utah (USA), where it was first found. However, this name in the mineralogy is not used.

Gemini

-Some species varistsita may be similar to turquoise, which is why they are often confused, despite the fact that turquoise is much harder. Such a similarity with Waris turquoise-tsitom allows merchants to sell the second mineral, giving it first. When buying real turquoise somebody should pay attention to the certificate of its formation. Above you can see the variscite-treated (left) and untreated turquoise.

It is an ancient gemstone

Variscite along with turquoise has long been known to man. Find jewelry varistsita made as early as the Neolithic

The oldest fragments of the design and decoration of the varistsita like beads necklaces and similar items were found vmestorozhdenii Gava, located next to Barcelona. It has been found in active development of the Neolithic mine with a complicated structure drifts and signal system. The dating carried out on the detected patterns, possible to establish the approximate date of development: 4500-5000 BC. This finding confirmed the observation of Pliny the Elder, which he recorded in the first century in his "Natural History". Pliny noted that local people like to adorn themselves with necklaces of green beads, extracted from local mines. The Roman historian also mentioned that these stones were used in trade with neighboring nations.

Mining

The miners settled in the mines of the ancient world with a complex system of wells, tunnels and halls with the primitive but highly effective tools. Among other things, they used stone picks, axes, chisels and bone, served to separate the layers of shale varistsita, where it was. Processing varistsita held immediately, almost at the entrance to the mine. The first thing sorted out the highest quality minerals which were grinding with abrasive stones. Perforation of the samples was difficult and sensitive occupation, and was carried out using silicon drills, stronger than variscite.

Active trade

It is known that during the Neolithic varistsitovye necklaces Gavy been the subject of trade exchange: they are found in southern France and Spain, the Ebro valley. In addition, five centuries before our era, they were distributed in mainland Italy, particularly in the Piedmont and Sardinia.

Where found variscite

The best specimens of minerals mined in Utah (USA). In Spain, the provinces of Zamora and Barcelona, ​​also found a decent color and quality of minerals.

Verdelite

Verdelite is a green variety of tourmaline .
 

Tourmalines come in many colors. Depending on the color of their release into separate categories gems. In the jewelry business are most commonly used varieties of tourmaline, such as pink and red rubellite, yellow-brown dravite, indigolite blue and colorless or white achromatic. In this series, and are green tourmalines - verdelity. All these varieties of color tourmalines combine into a single group of the mineral elbaite. There are tourmalines and green shades. verdelite - the most common of precious tourmalines. Give it green impurities of iron compounds. Shades of verdelita can vary from pale to dark grass-green color. The uneven distribution of impurities is often a bizarre play of colors in the crystals of tourmaline-verdelita.


 

For example, there is rubellitovoy with red apex, resembling a Turkish fez. The most significant deposits are in Brazil verdelita. Not accidentally imported from Europe in the New World for some time been known as"Brazilian emeralds." is extracted as the Urals, Transbaikalia, California and Namibia. 

Vivianite

 Widely distributed in nature vivianite long time called "blue iron ore," and in 1817 it was renamed in honor of its discoverer - British mineralogist John Vivian.

The aqueous iron phosphate is found throughout the world. As a secondary mineral vivianite is typicaly sedimentary deposits of iron, phosphorus-rich. In the bog iron ores to be found in peat bogs, it forms a mass of earthy. Crystals of this mineral are very beautiful and of exceptional interest to collectors. The most perfect crystals are derived from intrusive rocks formed during cooling and solidification of magma in the depths of the earth's crust.

GREAT DESIGNS

For vivianite is characterized by columnar and prismatic crystals. Often, they form radiant or kidney-shaped aggregates. Often come across individuals up to 15 centimeters in length. In Cameroon, the layers of clay crystals are found up to one meter.

COLOR CHANGE: A STEP BY STEP

If the crack or scratch of vivianite, chipped or scratched will be colorless or slightly whitish. Then they quickly acquire the first blue, then dark blue or blue-green color, and eventually, become almost black. This feature of vivianite is due to the fact that the mineral formed in the absence of oxygen. On contact with air contained in the vivianite begins to oxidize ferrous iron to ferric, which entails a change in color.

Vivianitovye fossils

Another interesting feature of this mineral is that it is involved in the process of fossilization of bones and teeth of large prehistoric animals: mammoths (pictured), mastodons and dinotheres.

Vivianite gradually replaces the organic matter until the entire skeleton will not vivianitovym, retaining its original shape and structure, but changing the color to blue. Paleontologists call these fossils odontolitom or "tartar." V1877 in Stuttgart have discovered fossilized pterosaur - a flying reptile dinosaur era. Its skeleton was completely blue: it consisted entirely of vivianite!

Mineral artists and farmers

long ago it was thought that vivianite is interesting only to a collector point of view. But today they are interesting artists too. In addition, it is widely used as a fertilizer.

Viviani has no industrial use, but not so long ago it was used in two completely different areas. First, in agriculture - to saturate the soil with iron, one of the key elements necessary for plants to develop chlorophyll. Second, it reminded of the artists who recently preferred to this traditional natural component of the synthetic pigments for oil painting.

SECRETS OF OLD MASTERS

In the old painters paint their own hand-produced using the worn minerals. These colors, in contrast to the modern, synthetic pigments contain microscopic inclusions of crystals, causing the play of light that are visible to the naked eye. Contemporary artists and restorers know about it, but they can not always reveal the secrets of old paints, recipes for which are held in secret. It is known that vivianite is widely used in the XIV-X V century Cologne school of painting masters for the production of blue and green pigments, as well as to give a bluish tint ohram.

Where found vivianite

Earthy masses of vivianite occur around the world. The best collection crystals are found in deposits of Ngaoundere (Cameroon) and Lyalyagua (Bolivia).

"Vitamins" for plants

Many farmers faced with a shortage of iron in the soil, one of the most important elements in agriculture. Most of the fertilizer being applied until now were either ineffective or too expensive. Recently, it became clear that the panacea for a lack of iron can be vivianite. In the form of earthy mass it is found in abundance and can serve as a cheap and effective fertilizer as it easily gives the plants needed iron. Fertilize the soil as a powder and its solution. 

Wulfenite

 It is usually part of a group of minerals that make up lead ore. Copies of the bright colors and well formed crystals are highly prized by collectors.

Wulfenite named after the Austrian mineralogist Franz von Wolf, who found the mineral in Carinthia (Austria). It is also called yellow lead because of the high density in the presence of lead ore, and the characteristic color.

EDUCATION AND APPEARANCE

Wulfenite - a secondary mineral formed in the oxidation zone of ore deposits containing lead and molybdenum minerals. It is usually associated with cerussite, vanadinitom, limonite and anglesite. Wulfenite occurs as massive coarse-and fine-grained aggregates or crystallizes in the tetragonal system, the most characteristic of it. Crystals - square and thin, sometimes there are prismatic (Los Lamentos, Mexico) and bipyramidal (Austria, Mexico). For vulfenita also characterized by flat (tabular or plate-like) crystals of bright colors, which may contain impurities of other minerals, giving them a different color.

SOME PRECAUTIONS

Wulfenite easily melts and lends itself to strong acids. With its clean-up must be very careful and only use a neutral soap, because strong cleaners can make it dull.

Crystals vulfenita

Being a rare mineral, wulfenite may be an ornament to any collection of minerals. Its crystals are distinguished by exquisite color ranging from yellow to orange and red. There are also colorless, brown, blue and gray crystals. The latter are of particular interest to know the mineralogists.

Interesting field

To date, the world's finest specimen wulfenite mined in a mine in Red Cloud Silver District (Arizona, USA). They differ in size, splendor and spectacular fiery red. The world-famous designs have recovered from the mines of Los Lamentos, Chihuahua (Mexico) and Tuissit (Morocco).

An important component of

Wulfenite - a major source of molybdenum, a chemical element that has a paramount importance for the steel industry.

Molybdenum - metal light gray in color with a melting point 2b20 ° C. The free form not found in nature. Molybdenum is a member of superalloys essential for nuclear and missile technology.

RELIABLE COMRADE

The use of molybdenum for the production of alloy steels gives the material, far superior in quality plain steel. Molybdenum steel, among others, may quenched at the highest temperatures. In addition, molybdenum is a replacement for more expensive items, such as nickel. Among the structures in the construction of which began to use these, the most impressive, perhaps, are the suspension bridges. It is made of molybdenum steel cables that support these amazing structures.

MOST FAMOUS

In 1846, engineer John Roebling built the first suspension bridge in the world. The design length of 308 meters located on the Ohio River in the town of Villingen (Eastern Virginia, USA). His most famous suspension bridge, no doubt - "Golden Gate" (1937). The central span of the bridge reaches a length of 1280 meters, its support pylons 227 feet high. It crosses the San Francisco Bay.

Where found wulfenite

Mineral found in abundance where there are large deposits of lead, for example in the U.S., especially in border states with Mexico, as well as in Mexico itself, in Morocco, Namibia, and Iran.

Red Cloud

The most beautiful kind of wulfenite has a blood-red color and is mined in Arizona. It is called "Red Cloud" in honor of the great Sioux chief Red Cloud, who headed to the 1866 war, the American Indian tribes of the west against the white colonists.

The link

The use of molybdenum in steel production allowed us to obtain an ideal material for the construction of suspension bridges. The Bridge Akashi Kaikyo-joining the Japanese city of Kobe with Awaji Island. This is the longest bridge in the world, reaching 3911 meters.

Jet

Like amber, jet fossil is derived from the tree and the origin of such links him with the coal. Not surprisingly, the main supplier of jet was England. In the XIX century, the greatest number of its mined in Whit by on the coast of Yorkshire. Victorian mourning jewelry commitment to the popularity provided substitutes for jet; it is often used in cameos and necklaces.

In our time it is valuable except to collectors. But in the second half of the XIX century, its popularity was so great that it became the subject of forgery. Most often they used the Vulcanite, a type of rubber, which is found in the most bizarre forms. It should be a little warm up this pattern, and the distinct smell of rubber reveal the hoax. In it went, and black glass. This is perhaps the only case in the jewelry business, where simulation can be no less, if not greater interest to the collector than the stuff that they replace.

Heliodorus

The ancient Greeks believed that the sun is a fiery chariot drawn by four fiery horses. It radiant god Helios each day passes across the sky. At night he returned to the golden bowl on the sea home, where his sister waiting for - the goddess of night, Selena and the goddess of dawn Eos. In honor of Helios, at the beginning of the XX century, transparent variety of beryl were called golden heliodor . The literal translation heliodor means "gift of the sun" (Greek Helios - "sun"). By heliodor rank as well as gray and white with a yellowish tinge. Quality and value of gems is determined by their transparency. The most prized yellow-green, lemon yellow and golden-yellow with honey-tinged transparent heliodor. Deposits of heliodor known in Brazil, Madagascar and on the territory of Namibia. Found these types of beryl also in Russia. It is believed that the warm hues heliodor able to help people find peace of mind and become wiser. This stone instills in the heart of its owner's pleasure is tranquility and peace. Heliodorus help create an atmosphere of relaxation and entertainment.

Heliotrope

Heliotrope (Greek Helios - "sun" and the trope - "turn") is called an opaque variety of chalcedony with bright red spots or stripes of oxidized hematite. Another name for the stone sealed the heliotrope in history - "oriental jasper."

Deposits of heliotrope are known in the Urals, Central Asia, in Australia, China and Brazil. Heliotrope has long mined in Egypt and Calcutta.

Heliotrope endowed many magical qualities; it was considered the best talisman. Not surprisingly, the Heliotrope has long been used for the manufacture of various amulets. In India, heliotrope is symbols of courage and wisdom. Besides, the Indian yoga heliotrope is considered as a stone, forming a strong protective energy field that can protect the owner of the stone from the negative influences. Heliotrope beneficial effect on blood circulation, in particular, increases the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. These stones purify the blood and help stop the bleeding. Perhaps, this opinion has arisen as the heliotrope color due to their distinctive blood-red inclusions. Heliotrope improves physical and mental activity, helping to resist stressful situations.

Hematite

The name of this firm and a heavy stone comes from the Greek word haimatos - "Blood" is another, less commonly used name for the stone, - sanguine (Latin sangua - "blood"). Hematite is indeed a dark red color, which gives it the iron oxides. Sometimes the brownish-red color of hematite becomes almost black. Such stones are called "black diamonds". Brownish-red variety called hematite. Thin plates of hematite are translucent, and the stones are cast metal, glass glitter. It is no accident fancy education, found in deposits of hematite in ancient times was called the "red glass head." In ancient times, flat pieces of hematite were used as mirrors. Deposits of hematite are in Krivoy Rog in the Ukraine, in the Kursk magnetic anomaly, in the Urals. Hematite is also mined in Turkestan, in Brazil, Italy, Switzerland and the USA.