Chrysolite: what is it and who is it suitable for?

The natural mineral chrysolite, which has an unusual green or yellow-green color, is very popular both as a basis for creating various accessories, jewelry, and as an element of decor, and even as a talisman against adversity. In English-speaking countries, the stone is often referred to as a peridot. The natural mineral is highly valued in the Middle East, where its unique colors are considered noble. And the first mentions of chrysolite can be found in biblical sources, not to mention literature, where this stone has been found from antiquity to the present day.

Natural chrysolite stone has a hypnotic golden-green color, due to which it is often confused with emerald. Despite some similarities, these transparent crystals are still very different from each other. The color of the stone depends on the conditions in which it was formed. In most cases, it is yellow-green or emerald green, but it can acquire a brown tint due to the presence of metal impurities - iron, chromium, nickel.

Chrysolite looks very decorative due to its main characteristic - the coefficient of light refraction, it is quite high. An ornamental mineral, the description of which always makes you want to see it with your own eyes, when properly cut, turns out to be a very effective addition to items made of precious metals.

Chrysolite nuggets are quite rare in nature. They are natural companions to diamonds and can form in kimberlites, where ultra-strong crystals form. In addition, they are often found in rock massifs called olivine.

The extraction of chrysolite, carried out in volcanic rocks, suggests the influence of magmatic processes on its formation. Surprisingly, this mineral can be found outside the Earth. Its traces have been repeatedly found in lunar rock samples and on meteorite debris. But the size of the nuggets, even in earthly terms, is not too large.

The largest known faceted mineral weighs 310 carats. And the most common stone size is less than 3 carats. The very first historically significant product made of chrysolite can be called the lens of the emperor Nero, through which, according to legend, he surveyed the Eternal City - Rome, which he had burned to the ground. Today this relic is kept on the territory of the Vatican.

The cost of chrysolite largely depends on its cut. The cheapest - "pear", allows you to buy jewelry with this mineral for several thousand rubles. The most expensive option - more than 12,000 rubles per carat, refers to stones cut in the form of a perfectly even circle. Also, the final price of a stone is influenced by its purity.

The answer to this question is more difficult than it seems. According to the current classification, it belongs to the category of second-class precious stones (III order). To obtain this status, the mineral has everything it needs - a sufficiently high hardness, brilliance, optical effects created.

But at the same time, chrysolite is an ornamental stone. That is, in large quantities, it can be used for the manufacture of interior decor items, as well as for combination with silver as a frame. Chrysolite crystals are not highly valuable, but are popular due to the variety of optical effects observed in them.

Due to the inclusion of additional components - mica, spinel, magnetite, chromite, the transparency of the mineral varies greatly. But it is precisely this factor that makes it possible to observe the "cat's eye" effect, iridescence - shine under artificial lighting, opalescence and other interesting and unusual phenomena characteristic of chrysolite.

The very concept of "chrysolite" is inextricably linked with the stone known as olivine. It is he who, in its composition, is as close as possible to the precious analogue. The English-language name peridot is also commonly used. But what should be considered more correct - chrysolite and its varieties olivine and peridot, or is it a general group of minerals?

Untreated olivine is difficult to distinguish from other minerals in this group. But since 1968, gemologists have approved and have been using the following classification: chrysolite refers to only a transparent stone that has a green or golden hue.

As for the confusion, it is added by the fact that collectors and popular literature often classify minerals with completely different chemical composition in this category. The so-called "Ural emerald", which is actually a green garnet, is also called chrysolite. Gemologists are against such an extension of the classification, but such incidents are not at all rare in history. So, Saxon chrysolite was called topaz, Brazilian - chrysoberyl.

The mineral received its original name in ancient Greek. Canonically, the color of the stone is olive green, dull, interspersed with yellow, brown, brown and golden. The most valuable varieties of chrysolite are only two:

• the mass, mined on the reserves of the Apache Indians by hand, has a diameter of up to 15 mm;
• with the effect of asterism - the star-shaped internal structure allows it to create an unusual play of light with a completely smooth surface.

Natural chrysolite is quite popular among fraudsters trying to counterfeit it. Sometimes it is possible to recognize deception exclusively through laboratory analysis, especially when it comes to fraud with cheaper types of natural minerals. Possible errors can be prevented by requiring a special certificate. In addition, you should pay attention to the following points.

1. When warmed up in the palms the natural mineral remains cold. Plastic fake gains heat quickly.
2. When viewed in the sun the effect of a bifurcation of the image is formed through the stone.
3. Surface gloss. In real chrysolite, it is rich, oily.
4. Dimensions and weight. Stones over 3 carats and possessing decent clarity and transparency are extremely rare on the free market.
5. When pressed firmly there should be no traces on the stone. Scratches will inevitably appear on the plastic.
6. Most of the stones from Sri Lanka are just shards of water-rolled bottle glass. The falsification of chrysolite in this country has been put on stream. But with a close visual examination, it is possible to identify a fake due to the uneven color. A natural mineral will not have this effect.

Chrysolite is a natural mineral found in many countries of the world. Its production is successfully carried out in Australia, Tanzania, South Africa, Brazil, Pakistan and Myanmar. There are also deposits in Sri Lanka, but the share of counterfeit products coming from there is very high. During archaeological excavations, the mineral is often found in historically significant places - Alexandria, Jerusalem, in the cities of Greece.

The most popular deposit is located in Egypt. It is based on Zeberged Island in the Red Sea. Also, the stone is mined in the United States in the state of Arizona.

Russian chrysolite deposits are concentrated in places of traditional diamond mining - in Yakutia and the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Also, stone for jewelry is mined in the Murmansk region on the territory of the Kovdor mountain range. The Ural chrysolite mentioned by amateurs is not an island silicate, but belongs to a subspecies of garnets.

All existing properties of chrysolite stone are usually considered in several directions at once. Indeed, in addition to the objective characteristics associated with the density, hardness, composition of a natural mineral, there are also criteria for subjective assessment. For example, medicinal properties, which have been known since ancient times. The stone is also credited with mystical characteristics. They are mainly associated with its unusual properties, mysterious radiance and the ability to transform under bright electric light, like a diamond.

The main physical and chemical characteristics of chrysolite are associated with its composition. The stone is based on iron-magnesium orthosilicate, respectively, the volumes of metal inclusions affect not only the transparency, but also the color gamut. Copper inclusions give rich emerald green, iron is responsible for yellow and brown shades, the inclusion of nickel and chromium is also permissible.

Chrysolite is a rather fragile mineral: its hardness reaches only 7 points on the Mohs scale. The density of the stone is 3.3 g / cm3, which makes it easy to polish and cut. Carefully processed peridot takes on a peculiar glassy luster. The natural structure of the stone makes it vulnerable to the effects of acids, it easily dissolves in them, and can be damaged in contact with an aggressive environment.

It is customary to expose classic pure chrysolites to brilliant, stepped or emerald cut, which exhibits all of its characteristic properties. Star crystals and cat-eye stones are cabochon-cut.

There is no official scientific evidence that chrysolite has any healing properties. But for centuries, its use has been considered beneficial for women with fertility problems and the health of the reproductive system in general. Lithotherapists of the past attributed to the stone the ability to relieve pain and cramps in the abdomen, relieve toxicosis.

Modern healers find much more extensive uses for the mineral. It is assumed that chrysolite can:

• have a beneficial effect on the organs of vision;
• able to relieve pain, eliminate discomfort in muscles and joints;
• regulate the work of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring the normalization of the processes occurring in it;
• have a positive effect on the health of the cardiovascular system;
• cleanse human blood from toxins;
• improve hormonal levels, improve the action of the endocrine system;
• strengthen immunity, protect against viral infections;
• relieve spasms, regulate the work of the nervous system;
• improve psychological well-being, eliminate fears, relieve insomnia;
• accelerate the cure of stuttering, nervous tics;
• help in the regeneration of organs and tissues after surgery;
• facilitate generic activity;
• relieve migraines.

As a rule, lithotherapists advise wearing the mineral closer to the body, choosing a stone according to its energy potential. It is also important to pay attention to the fact that the intake of crushed stone powder or wipes made on its basis, ointments can be hazardous to health.

Chrysolite is one of the minerals traditionally attributed to magical properties. In order for the stone to manifest them, it must be properly used and worn. Before important changes occur, you can make such a talisman, having previously determined its meaning for a person. Energetically, peridot is considered a positively charged mineral; for a long time, clergymen used it in their rituals. Today, chrysolite is more often viewed as a personal talisman capable of guarding, protecting, giving a good mood and tranquility.

For women, chrysolite has long been considered a powerful weapon in the struggle for the interest of the opposite sex. A mineral framed with metal - in the form of a ring, brooch, cameo or earrings, increases the sex drive, the attractiveness of its owner.

With his help, they acquired an oratorical gift and self-confidence, drove away doubts. It is believed that the stone helps its owner to avoid erroneous decisions or judgments.

In the trading environment, peridot gained particular popularity in the Middle Ages. It was then that he was considered a talisman that patronized merchants. It was believed that the constant wearing of a stone would increase profits, save from knowingly unprofitable or failed transactions, and prevent loss or theft of goods.

The magical influence of the stone is still considered today in many areas and areas of activity.

1. In love chrysolite promises the acquisition of true feelings, helps to win the attention and love of the desired object.
2. In friendship promises to get rid of deception and betrayal. Peridot can be used to make paired pieces of jewelry that will keep friendships together for years to come.
3. In self-improvement this mineral helps to achieve a lot.Chrysolite is able to relieve its owner of envy and torment, overcomes phobias, helps to find peace of mind. The stone is recommended to be worn constantly during periods of depression, despondency, nervous shock.
4. In solving legal disputes. Since chrysolite is considered a stone of justice, it can help solve some of the most protracted legal cases. The mineral will restore mental health, relieve for a long time from any torment and doubts about the fairness of justice.
5. In career aspirations. The energy of chrysolite is such that it contributes to the manifestation of the best that is already in a person. If the field of activity is chosen correctly, only his own will can stop the owner of the stone from taking off on the career ladder.

People practicing magic rituals recommend peridot as a means of imposing someone else's will. Mineral helps to get rid of love delusions, delusions about the actions of friends and family, clarifies thoughts.

Before you get a natural stone jewelry, you should find out who this mineral is suitable for. It is dangerous to wear amulets and talismans of opposite energy. Indeed, in this case, the confrontation can easily deprive the owner of the jewelry of strength, plunge him into despondency and apathy. Astrological recommendations should also be taken into account. In particular, chrysolite is perfect as a talisman for the representatives of the following zodiac signs.

1. Sagittarius... Its fiery disposition requires taming, and the mineral will perfectly cope with this task. Having curbed anger, it will help to improve the general life positions of its owner, help him win the love of loved ones, and achieve a promotion.
2. scales... The representative of the air element often "soars in the clouds" and does not take marriage bonds too seriously. Changes in life will help bring a talisman that increases responsibility and eliminates doubts about the correctness of decisions made.
3. Fishes... The representatives of the water element, who are always in doubt, simply need an amulet with which you can gain self-confidence. Freeing its owner from melancholy, excessive emotionality, the stone will give peace and peace in the soul to a person who is distinguished by excessive suspiciousness.

Despite the fact that chrysolite jewelry is not suitable for everyone, people close to the world of astrology and magic assure that it is definitely worth buying it if there is a move ahead, a major financial transaction, or a job change. In this case, upon completion of the specified event, the product with the stone will simply go to the storage location - you will not have to wear it all the time.

Chrysolite jewelry is quite popular and widespread. But improper care of them is detrimental to the precious mineral. To comply with all the rules, you should remember the following precautions.

1. Due to the increased fragility of the stone, jewelry - earrings, pendant, brooch, ring, should be protected from mechanical damage. Their cleaning with harsh abrasive compounds is excluded. It is necessary to protect the mineral from falls, blows.
2. Removal of surface dirt from the stone should be done using soapy foam and a soft cloth. Rinsing is done with plain water.
3. The process of drying chrysolite jewelry after processing and removing impurities requires placing the stone away from the sun's rays. Drying with a hair dryer will not work either, since heating can negatively affect the condition of the stone. Use soft, lint-free wipes to remove moisture.
4. If a piece of jewelry - beads, necklaces, diadem, ring, earrings, is not worn all the time, you must take care of observing the rules for its storage. When placed together with other products, an individual velvet cover must be used. But it's best to order a separate case in advance.

If all the rules are followed, chrysolite products will retain their expressive color and impeccable shine for a long time, even after decades remaining a magnificent piece of jewelry.

For more information on chrysolite, see the next video.