All about taaffeite

Taaffeite (another name for magnesiotaaffeite-2N2S) is a mineral belonging to the class of oxides. Most of them are located in the upper layer of the Earth's crust, 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 is engaged in the study of gems, examined a cut spinel. Among the placer of these minerals, he unexpectedly discovered the original specimen with birefringence. For a more detailed study, the count sent the stone to the mineralogical laboratory of the British Museum.

There, it was confirmed that this mineral has unique properties that have not been recorded anywhere before. In 1951, the stone was named taaffeite in honor of its discoverer, but only in 1982 it was officially registered by the international mineralogical association IMA.

In the literal sense of the word, there are no taaffeite deposits. It is found in small crystals along with chrysoberyl and spinel. Therefore, there can be no question of purposeful extraction of this mineral. This stone is not mined, it can only be found by chance, carefully checking the spinel for the double refraction effect.

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

This mineral, depending on the varieties, can be colorless, greenish or have a mauve shade. The latter indicates traces of iron in the stone. Taaffeite is characterized by a glassy luster and translucency, as well as double refraction. It is brittle, but has a high hardness - 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale of minerals.

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

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

Taaffeite belongs to semiprecious stones. Due to the fact that it has a high hardness index, it can be used for jewelry processing. This stone is well polished and has an attractive appearance. But there are very few faceted crystals that are offered for sale in the form of jewelry and, of course, they have a very high value. The setting for this mineral is very carefully selected, most often gold or platinum is used.

Taaffeite has numerous beneficial properties for the human body. For example, he:

• helps with diabetes by normalizing blood sugar levels;
• 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 tissue healing in case of injuries.

According to existing beliefs, taaffeite relieves its owner of unreasonable anxiety and fears, sharpens intuition and creativity. But wearing it constantly is not recommended, as negative aspects of character can be activated. You cannot 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 taaffeite.

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

Taaffeite gives the hardworking Taurus an understanding of the secret laws of life and helps to get rid of excessive fussiness. Lions, who are ready for any sacrifice for the sake of their loved ones, this mineral charges with its powerful energy, gives financial well-being. Sensual Libra uses this mineral to support their inspiration and ability to focus on solving life's pressing problems.

You should be aware that frequent wearing of taaffeite can lose its brightness. Therefore, for energetic relaxation, the stone must be stored in a place inaccessible to sunlight. For this purpose, it is best to purchase a box with a velvet surface inside.

It should be remembered that this mineral is very fragile, which is why it must be protected from mechanical damage. Remove dirt from the stone by rinsing it with running water using a mild soap solution. The decoration with the mineral is dried using soft delicate fabrics.

Many interesting facts are known about taaffeite:

• Taaffeite is found in nature a million times less often than diamond;
• the price for one gram of this mineral ranges from $ 2.5 to $ 20,000 ($ 500 to $ 4,000 per carat);
• musgravite, which is a type of taaffeite, an even rarer stone - there are only 18 found specimens in the world;
• colorless taaffeites, iridescent with bluish or greenish shades (the property of double refraction creates several shades of the same color in a mineral) are considered to be extremely rare.

Taaffeite is a unique, highly valuable mineral. It is difficult to present it as a presentation because of its inaccessibility. However, the donated stone will tell you that the person who gives it is ready for everything for the sake of the object of his love, and these are not empty words.

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