All about spinel stone

Spinel is one of the rarest and most expensive gems. The cap of Monomakh, the crown of Catherine the Great, the attributes of the power of the Iranian rulers are inlaid with this stone. It is not inferior in beauty to rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Why is the mineral so attracted to the jewelers of the mighty of this world? What physical and magical properties does it possess and for whom can it become a lucky talisman?

Spinel was first mentioned by the famous 13th century traveler Marco Polo. Having visited the Pamirs, he named the place where the gem was mined as ruby ​​mines. In the old days, the stone was often confused with the precious ruby ​​and corundum. For centuries, many red crystals were revered as rubies, until in the 19th century scientists did the appropriate research and found the truth.

In Russia, spinel is known by the Arabic word "lal" after the name of the Kuhi-Lal mines, where the stone was first discovered. Powdered mineral was used as a medicine for various ailments and to reduce the feeling of thirst. The gem got its current name from the German word spinell. Crystals have a pointed shape, so scientists have suggested that the word means "thorn." According to another version, the word has Greek roots: in one version it means "shine", in the other - "spark".

In its modern form colored transparent crystals are used in jewelry for making jewelry: rings, earrings, beads, bracelets, brooches, rings, tiaras. A natural mineral of high gem quality is a rather expensive purchase.Lal is often combined with pearls and diamonds in designer jewelry. The stone seems to glow in the twilight. Aluminum-magnesium spinel is used in ceramics, in particular, in the production of refractory materials, permanent ceramic paints, glass.

In science, a stone is allocated to an independent group of minerals with its own set of unique physical properties. By its chemical nature, it is an oxide with 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. Part of magnesium is usually replaced by iron ions, less often - zinc ions, part of aluminum - iron or chromium ions.

The mineral has a rich color palette. In nature, there are colorless, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, blue, purple and black spinel. For the most part, it is a transparent stone with a bright glassy luster., having the following characteristics:

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

Spinel samples differ significantly from each other in terms of color, transparency and chemical composition. We can say about her that this is the ideal stone for a gemologist - a specialist who studies gems. The following types of mineral are conventionally distinguished.

• Noble spinel. It includes colorless spinel and transparent varieties with impeccable saturation color: ruby, sapphire, almadin, blue, green spinel, rubicell, ruby-bale.
• Common spinel. It has a high proportion of iron in its chemical composition, so the stones acquire a dark green and black color.
• Chrome spinel. It is distinguished by a dense black color. Here, aluminum was replaced by chromium.
• Ganit. Iron and zinc ions displaced magnesium.

Let's talk separately about the noble spinel. Only this type of mineral is of gem value and belongs to semiprecious stones. Ruby spinel has the highest value. The price for 1 carat of natural crystal reaches 1000 dollars. Its rich deep red color is due to the presence of chromium ions.

The stone has the ability to fluoresce. Under ultraviolet light, it gives a red color visible to the human eye.

In second place in value is sapphire variety. Her color is blue, blue. It is rarely found in the natural environment, which is why it is valued so highly.

Ruby-balais thanks to manganese, it has a pink-red color with a lilac tint. Rubicell - orange-red, yellow stone. Has blotches of iron.

Almadinova - purple-red spinel. Ganospinel has a deep cyan color with a subtle purple or gray-violet tint.

Black crystals of high transparency and thick color can also be attributed to the noble variety.... In jewelry, deep black Thai hercynite is prized.

Rarely is a mineral that has alexandrite effect: the ability to change its color depending on the lighting. Most often, synthetic stones have this quality.

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

Red spinel placers are mined in the bowels of Mogok in Myanmar. Major producers are Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Brazil. Blue crystals are brought from Turkmenistan, the USA and Madagascar. Sri Lanka is considered the world leader in the supply of noble black spinel.

The black non-decorative stone is mined in Australia. Deposits of common spinel were found in large quantities on the territory of Russia: in the Urals, in the Shishim and Nazyam mountains.

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

In terms of its properties, an artificial analogue can differ significantly from a counterpart of natural origin, and outwardly they can only be distinguished by experienced professionals. Although you can try.

Several technologies have been developed that make it possible to artificially obtain the mineral. Among them: the Czochralski method, the hydrothermal method and the crystallization method using fluxes. The most common and easiest way to grow spinel remains Verneuil method... Magnesium and aluminum oxides are melted in a specially designed fire-hydrogen-oxygen burner. From the cooled resulting drops, a crystal is born.

To give the desired color and shade, various mixtures are added. Cobalt gives blue color. Chromium oxide will make the mineral red or pink. If you add heat while melting, a green sample will appear. Thanks to lead fluoride, azure, pistachio, pale blue and golden honey crystals are grown.

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

In medieval medicinal treatises it is written: "lal is useful for ruddy cheeks, a healthy stomach, improving vision." Nowadays, alternative medicine healers and lithotherapists also use spinel to heal the body.

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

Mineral blue 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 - a stone of the heart. Corrects his work, stabilizes blood pressure, helps restore vision. Black spinel will provide first aid for injuries, abrasions, wounds, relieve pain and stop bleeding.

Since ancient times, people have noticed the magical properties of the stone and its ability to have a positive effect on humans. It is believed that spinel brings success to its owner in all endeavors and endeavors.Creates a favorable atmosphere around him, which contributes to the achievement of goals and the fulfillment of desires. Even if a person is overtaken by a black streak in life, the gem will give faith in the future, fill 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 she is able to help beautiful women in love affairs, find a betrothed and build strong relationships. No wonder they call her a harbinger of happiness. The stone loves active, energetic business people who make important responsible decisions in relation to themselves and other people.

Spinel will save you from troubles on the road, delays and unpleasant situations. The owner of the gem may have the gift of clairvoyance in an unexpected way. and foresight of the future, for example, through prophetic dreams.

Magicians and sorcerers are attracted to the black varieties of the mineral. They use it for magical purposes in rituals. Mineral helps adherents of occult sciences to escape from the hustle and bustle, tune in to the eternal, to carry out large-scale projects. On the assurance of those in the know, during manipulations, the stone should be held with your fingers and in no case placed on the palm of your hand. The properties of a black stone are such that they can disrupt the balance of energies in the human body.

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

Spinel is the perfect talisman for people born under the constellation Leo... He will fill his favorites with energy, enhance the innate nobility and improve the "royal" character. Lal is also favorable to other representatives of the fire element: Sagittarius and Aries.

Aquarius and Capricorn the stone will help to gain physical endurance, add self-confidence and good mood. Taurus, Libra and Pisces will give the opportunity to find a happy family, build a successful career, help overcome difficulties and get around sharp corners.

Whoever a stone does not suit is Cancer... Lal will bring them into a state of serenity, which will add lightheadedness, carelessness. It can lead to a loss of control over life situations and destroy what was previously achieved. Scorpions with the use of a gem as a talisman and decoration, you should be careful. Spinel will make them "blind" in life. They will stop seeing lies, deceit and flattery.

Spinel jewelry requires delicate care. To maintain an attractive and brilliant appearance there are a few simple rules to follow.

• To avoid damage and scratches the piece of jewelry is carefully wrapped in a velvet fabric. The mineral is stored separately from other stones.
• Washable in warm soapy water without the use of aggressive household chemicals.
• Cleaning with ultrasound and steam is not encouraged.

A bright red spinel with a size of 398.72 carats adorns the main dynastic regalia of the Romanovs - Great Imperial Crown of the Russian Empire... It was made by the court jewelers on the occasion of the coronation of Catherine the Great in 1762. From that time until 1917, she was crowned with the reign 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 holds another magnificent specimen of the mineral with an amazing history of 600 years. In the east "Hiraj-i-Alam" ("Tribute to Peace"), and in the West "Rubin of Timur" Queen Victoria received from the leaders of the East India Company in 1851.

The mineral weighs 352 carats. The stone is fixed in a necklace along with other gems. Although the definition of "chest chain" is more appropriate for this royal jewelry. It is surprising that the original Indian cut has been preserved over the centuries.

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

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

The stone was inherited by the English king Henry V, who never parted with it. Legend has it that in one of the battles the enemy cut the helmet on the king's head, but, having stumbled upon the "ruby" with his sword, he could not kill the supreme commander. So the talisman saved the life of his monarch.

For the features of the stone, see below.