There are not many gems on Earth that can boast a noble brown color, these are: agate, onyx, rare brown tourmaline and valuable brown diamond.
That is why rauchtopaz, distinguished by its richness of elegant shades, enjoys deserved popularity among jewelers, as well as connoisseurs of spectacular and stylish jewelry.
History and origin
Rauchtopaz, despite its name, has nothing to do with topazes. However, in the distant past it was precisely this that allowed unscrupulous traders to inflate the price of products, albeit beautiful ones, but incomparable in value with natural topaz and quartz.
The Tibetans and Hindus called the gem “Buddha Stone”, the Scots called it “Kengorm” and generously decorated their national clothes with it, and the ladies of the court under Catherine II wore jewelry with striped brown-yellow rauchtopazes, called “Hair of Venus”.
The stone has earned its popularity thanks to its spectacular colors and a number of healing properties used by ancient healers to get rid of various ailments, including quite serious ones.
Great attention was paid to the mineral in the old days and is paid today by practicing magicians who were able to reveal the magical power of rauchtopaz and learned to use it delicately to predict the future, love spells, communicate with the spirits of the dead and other occult practices.
Who is not suitable for rauchtopaz?
As noted, rauchtopaz is a stone with properties suitable for the zodiac sign Libra, Scorpio and Capricorn. But it is categorically contraindicated for representatives of crayfish. The fact is that this sign has an overly sensitive mental organization; they are perhaps the calmest among the rest. Therefore, they do not need to balance or pacify anything. It follows that rauchtopaz will only undermine the stability of cancer and destroy its inner peace. Daredevils who dared to use smoky topaz reported increased stress and nervous strain. Therefore, even if a Cancer really likes a product made from rauchtopaz, he should refrain from purchasing and wearing it.
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Place of Birth
Smoky quartz is found on all continents, but the most noteworthy deposits of the mineral are located in Brazil. More than half of all gems with jewelry value are mined here.
Stones with excellent characteristics are mined in Madagascar and Namibia, in the USA and Germany, in the Alps (Switzerland) and in Spain. The minerals that are found in the Urals, the famous homeland of gems, are also famous.
Physical properties
A spectacular natural stone has nothing to do with its chemical and physical properties, despite its eloquent name. The mineral belongs to the quartz family and has all the qualities inherent in any quartz.
| Property | Description |
| Formula | SiO2 is a type of quartz. |
| Impurity | Sometimes Al, Fe |
| Hardness | 7 |
| Density | 2.52-2.65 g/cm³ |
| Fragility | Very fragile. |
| singonia | Trigonal, trigonal-trapezohedral type of symmetry. |
| Shine | From glassy to greasy on the fracture. |
| Kink | Conchoidal, uneven. |
| Cleavage | Unclear by rhombohedron. |
| Transparency | Transparent. |
| Color | Various shades of brown. |
The healing properties of the gem
If you are choosing jewelry with a stone for your own jewelry collection or want to please a loved one with not only a beautiful, but also a useful gift, then it is worth finding out in more detail what healing properties the mesmerizing smoky quartz has. Lithotherapists recommend the use of the gem:
- harmonization of the pancreas and kidneys;
- improving adrenal function;
- increasing libido and potency;
- normalization of reproductive functions;
- relieving pain (headaches, menstrual pain, joint pain) and spasms of various types;
- cures for mental disorders, including suicidal tendencies;
- reducing feelings of anxiety;
- cleansing the body of accumulated waste and toxins;
- getting rid of negative energy.
Even the ancient Hindus practiced treatment with rauchtopaz bowls carved from gemstones. They infused water and regularly gave it to a sick person to drink. A simplified version of therapy that you can use today is to take a piece of jewelry with a mineral or a raw stone in your hand and hold it there until you feel better.
The healing stone helps to get rid of addictions - alcohol, nicotine, drugs.
It is necessary to seek help from this unique mineral more often, wearing jewelry with it regularly or simply periodically clutching rauchtopaz in your hand and enjoying the healing warmth emanating from the gem.
Also read: Syenite is a quartz-free volcanic rock
Healing properties of rauchtopaz stone
People knew back in ancient times that smoky quartz has amazing powers.
For example, in some tribes, surgical interventions were performed using sharp pieces of rauchtopaz. They believed that if a wound was inflicted with a crystal, it would heal faster than if other objects were used.
Fortunately, these days there is no longer a need for such executions, but still the mysterious gem is held in high esteem by traditional physicians and lithotherapists.
The latter never tire of talking about his healing abilities:
- eliminate addiction to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs;
- treat obsession with gambling.
The effectiveness of rauchtopazes for getting rid of the problems listed above has been repeatedly tested by specialists in alternative medicine.
In addition, smoky quartz crystals have other healing properties, helping to improve the condition of the nervous system and eliminate psychological disorders.
In particular, they have the following beneficial effects on the human body:
- calm down;
- neutralize stress, reduce high moral stress;
- eliminate phobias, panic attacks;
- help overly emotional people control their feelings;
- develop faith in themselves and their capabilities;
- eliminate depression;
- get rid of hatred towards other people.
Lithotherapists recommend wearing a Buddha stone in a gold frame, saying that it will:
- increase the body's defenses;
- cleanse blood from pathologies and viruses;
- relieve some adrenal diseases;
- increase male strength;
- eliminate infertility;
- cleanse veins of excess cholesterol and blood clots;
- relieve swelling.
Magic properties
Fascinating smoky quartz has always attracted the attention of not only jewelers, but also magicians, who attribute magical properties to the stone. Eastern sages, Buddhists and ancient Hindus used the power of the stone in their practices. It is believed that the magic stone rauchtopaz:
- helps to see prophetic dreams if you put it under the pillow;
- allows you to achieve nirvana (the pinnacle of superconsciousness) through meditation;
- can be used to communicate with the souls of dead people;
- popular among magicians and sorcerers who practice love spells and spells.
Dark-colored gems have special magical powers. The lighter the gem, the weaker its energy and the degree of influence on a person. The magical and astrological properties of jewelry are enhanced if the gems are set in silver. Gold somewhat reduces the energy potential of rauchtopaz.
You can understand the secrets of the universe or bewitch a loved one only by using a large and unprocessed crystal. Jewelry processing significantly reduces the energy potential of the stone and makes it ineffective for magical practices.
Jewelry with mineral
Jewelers use rauchtopaz quite widely, as the stone looks impressive and is relatively inexpensive. Natural stones decorate pendants and brooches, necklaces and bracelets, earrings and rings.
Brown minerals are used to decorate figurines and other decorative items. Balls or eggs carved from gemstones look impressive and stylish, worthy of decorating the most sophisticated interior or becoming an integral part of a practicing magician’s office.
The cost of jewelry with stone is low and largely depends on what kind of metal the rauchtopaz is framed in. For example, today you can buy elegant gold earrings with noble gems for 0 rubles, and a silver ring that can become an effective talisman for 2,000 rubles.
What stones does it go with?
The mineral goes well with stones such as rose quartz and rock crystal. Framing a large stone with gold or silver will also be successful.
Gold and silver items
- Gold earrings. The shine of metal and gem is surprisingly harmonious. Crystals for earrings are prepared in the form of various geometric figures of unknown shapes and curves. The more original the shape, the more amazing the glow. Earrings can be symmetrical or completely different. This combination into one set allows you to look unusual, bold and stylish. Earrings with rauchtopaz can stand out in a crowd.
- Silver earrings. Rauchtopaz of dark and light tones in silver begins to stand out like a dark gem placer among the snow. Silver is more strict and precise in its forms, the beauty here comes from the cuts and shapes of the carvings and patterns of the metal.
- Silver ring with a smoky gem. Such jewelry is chosen by men with a pure, devoted soul, smart and practical. A ring with a square crystal will decorate the hand of a reliable companion. Women buy such products, hoping that the ring will become a talisman for family relationships and sexual feelings.
Among the original proposals of the masters there are amazing products. A hedgehog brooch will highlight the character traits of girls: prickly, open, sincere and charmingly brave. Stud earrings are small and delicate with multi-colored crystals and are bought for children.
Combination with other stones
Rauchtopaz can be combined with various semi-precious jewelry. Black, green, brownish stone is harmonious, making strong friends with peas of mother-of-pearl pearls. The contrast color will be bright red crystals. Brownish-red jewelry will enhance attractiveness and emphasize individuality. A product with black gems will add something new to a man's look. With what stones will rauchtopaz become a sign of prosperity? The answer is simple, of course, with diamonds.
Varieties of rauchtopaz
In nature, rauchtopases occur in several shades, the intensity of which depends on the factors of natural irradiation of the mineral or the method of its subsequent processing. This:
- A light gray gem that can be turned into citrine by thermal exposure (up to 300 ° C).
- A mineral whose shade varies from purple to green. With certain processing, it has the effect of pleochroism, in which the color of the stone changes when rotated when rays of light fall on its faces at different angles.
- Dark brown rauchtopaz. This shade is most often found in nature and is used by jewelers to create elegant jewelry at a low price. The correct cut allows you to turn smoky quartz into transparent or golden, giving it the properties of pleochroism.
- Almost black rauchtopaz, often called morion. It is a favorite of witches, magicians and warlocks, since the darker the mineral, the stronger its mystical properties. The use of a black gem helps to communicate with spirits, see the past and correct the future.
Also read: Variscite – Saxon amulet of happiness
Colors and varieties
Smoky quartz rauchtopaz
The main part of rauchtopaz has a light brown tint. But there are also:
- The stones are light gray in color. When the temperature rises to 300 degrees Celsius, citrines are made from them.
- Minerals are green or purple (pleochrome). Crystals change shade depending on the angle of light.
- Dark brown gems. They are not in particular demand among jewelers; they are mainly used for making figurines and beads. After firing, they begin to change shade in the light, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow.
- Smoky almost black crystals. A rare shade of rauchtopaz, due to which it can easily be confused with morion.
The magical and healing properties of stones do not depend on color. The exception is smoky topaz, the black hue of which is associated with the crystal’s ability to establish a connection with the other world. The color is affected by the presence of aluminum impurities in it. Some stones are able to retain their natural color when heated to 450 degrees Celsius.
How to distinguish a fake?
It is extremely easy to distinguish original rauchtopaz from a fake. Firstly, the stone is inexpensive and there is no point in creating its artificial analogues. And secondly, there is a simple method that you can use when buying jewelry. You will need a magnifying glass and a minute of time.
It is necessary to examine the stone, or rather, the bubbles inside it. In a banal piece of glass, air inclusions will have a standard round shape. In a real gem, you can see small droplets of unusual shapes and different sizes. It is best to purchase jewelry with minerals from official manufacturers rather than trust unknown jewelry companies.
Caring for stone products
Smoky quartz is not picky. Due to its hardness, it is almost impossible to damage it mechanically. The only thing that can deprive a stone of its natural beauty is the scorching sun.
It is necessary to keep jewelry with rauchtopaz in a special bag that prevents direct sunlight from hitting the mineral and protects it from contact with other stones in the jewelry box.
Clean the gem with a soft brush dipped in soapy water or water in which a few drops of ammonia are dissolved. After the water procedure, the mineral must be completely dried indoors, avoiding direct sunlight.
It is especially important to cleanse the mineral after its participation in magical rituals. To do this, it is enough to hold it under cold running water each time after a session and let it rest for several days before the next use. This neutralizes the negative energy accumulated by the gem.
How to care for stone
Smoky Quartz Rauchtopaz
As for care, jewelry with rauchtopaz is unpretentious. It is enough to regularly wipe the crystal with a soft cloth so that it does not get dirty and dust does not settle on it. The stone is quite durable, although you still shouldn’t drop it. Even a diamond can crack if struck in a vulnerable spot.
If the contamination is very strong, you should not try to wash your talisman using household chemicals. It is better to take rauchtopaz to a jeweler. You can wash it with soapy water and then rinse it in plenty of running water. Unlike many gems, smoky quartz is not afraid of the sun. It does not fade, but on the contrary, begins to sparkle with new colors. So it is better to dry the mineral in the sun.
Caring for your mineral is especially important if you are using it for more than just decoration. The properties of the rauchtopaz stone as a talisman or healing talisman will become stronger when it sees the caring attitude of the owner. Treat the crystal like your friend, the jewelry will definitely pay you back in spades.
Sources and literature
- Grigoriev D.P. Genesis of quartz in Alpine-type veins on the territory of the USSR. Proceedings of VNIIP. Volume IV issue. 1. 1960.
- Evstropov A.A., Buryan Yu.I., Kuhar N.S., Serykh N.M., Tsyutsky S.S. Vein quartz of the Urals in science and technology. Geology of the main deposits of quartz raw materials, M., Nedra, 1995.
- V.Petrov. "Gems". - M.: magazine “Chemistry and Life”, No. 10 for 1965.
- Korago A.A., Kozlov A.V. Textures and structures of vein quartz in crystal-bearing areas. Leningrad, Nedra. 1988.
- Kuznetsov S.K. Vein quartz of the Subpolar Urals. S.-P., Science. 1998. Minerageny of metamorphogenic deposits of rock crystal and vein quartz.
- Rauchtopaz on Wikipedia.
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Compatibility with zodiac signs
When choosing jewelry with gems, many of us pay attention to the compatibility of the mineral with the zodiac sign. Jewelry rauchtopaz is no exception. Not everyone is shown the stone. It is important to consider who is suitable and who is not suitable for a spectacular gem covered in mystical legends.
(“++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | — |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | — |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | ++ |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | — |
| Capricorn | ++ |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | + |
- The mineral is most suitable for Capricorn. For representatives of this zodiac sign, the stone will demonstrate all its best sides - healing and magical, will help cope with stress, protect them from negative energy, and will become an excellent talisman that allows them to make the right decisions.
- For Libras, especially women, rauchtopaz will give a sense of balance and calm, allow them to find answers to the most important questions, and charge them with a positive mood.
- Astrologers do not recommend wearing jewelry with gems for Cancers. Representatives of this zodiac sign are sensitive and emotional. A stone with strong energy can disrupt a person’s mental state and introduce disharmony into it. The zodiac sign comes into such an imbalance with rauchtopaz that Cancers cannot even store products with rauchtopaz at home.
- Aries, Sagittarius and Leo should not choose talismans with rauchtopazes either. People born under these zodiac signs are distinguished by impulsiveness, with which the pacifying energy of the stone is not combined.
- Other zodiac signs can wear jewelry with rauchtopazes, but in doses. If Virgo or Taurus occasionally wear a pendant with a spectacular gem, this will not bring any significant changes to their lives.
Also read: Pyrope or Bohemian ruby - a stone for a happy family
When choosing “your” stone, you can focus not only on your date of birth. Much more important for a person are his own feelings from communicating with the mineral. If, holding a gem in your hand, you feel warmth and peace, it will benefit you regardless of your zodiac sign.
Compatibility of rauchtopaz with other stones
The compatibility of cairngorm with other minerals is affected by its color. Light smoky, gray and golden crystals harmonize on an energetic level with rock crystal, citrine, garnet, pyrite, amethyst, and amazonite. The combination of light rauchtopaz with lapis lazuli, turquoise, jasper, jade, malachite and labradorite is considered neutral. Do not wear it with items containing alexandrite, aquamarine, pearls, emerald, opal and moonstone.
Rauchtopaz harmonizes with rock crystal.
It is better to keep dark quartz as far as possible from zircon, ruby, diamond and garnet, since due to different elements these gems will enter into constant confrontation. The best neighbors for it are emerald, pearl, opal, jadeite, agate, chalcedony, jade and other representatives of the earth and water elements.
Combination of stones with names
The stones should be in harmony not only with the zodiac sign, but also with the person’s name. This allows you to choose a gem that will demonstrate all its best properties.
The compatibility of a mineral with a name should be taken into account when purchasing jewelry for yourself or a loved one. A stone that matches the energy of the name can become a reliable talisman, will protect you from rash actions and protect others from the negative energy.
- Catherine (Greek - immaculate). The gem reveals its qualities best if worn by Catherine. The name rewards its owners with sociability, intemperance and ambition. Jewelry with stones “quenches” excessive nervousness, makes Katya more restrained and balanced, and develops fantasy and imagination.
- Nina (Greek - royal). Rauchtopaz will give the independent and at the same time very feminine Nina peace of mind, relieve the mood swings typical of girls bearing this name, and help cope with depression.
- Tatiana (Greek - lady). Smart, conservative, obliging and fearless, Tatyana often suffers from misunderstanding by others and excessive irritability. Smoky quartz will bring harmony to the soul, help curb nervousness and bring luck into life.
- Victor (lat. - winner). A man bearing this name is distinguished by integrity, unbending will and determination. However, Victor is subject to harmful passions, conflict-prone and incapable of compromise. Smoky quartz helps to soften Viti’s iron temperament, takes her away from bad habits, and makes her attractive in the eyes of female representatives.
- Peter (Greek - stone). Boundless will, a brilliant, sharp mind, hard work and a desire for self-improvement - these qualities distinguish men with this name. As a talisman, a ring or pendant with rauchtopaz is suitable for them, absorbing external negativity, eliminating the pride and jealousy inherent in Peters. The stone bestows wisdom, drives out bad thoughts and pacifies explosive tempers.
In addition to the zodiac sign and name, minerals are also chosen according to the person’s type of activity. Rauchtopaz is best suited for representatives of creative professions, as it develops the imagination and allows the muse to be close to the artist or poet more often.
Cost of rauchtopaz
Smoky quartz is much cheaper than topaz. All fans of semi-precious stones can afford to buy jewelry with them. The cost of a mineral is based on several factors:
- carats;
- type of cut.
If this is a finished product, then the type of metal for the frame is taken into account. In Russia, for one rauchtopaz outside of decoration you need to pay from 1 to 8 thousand rubles. If these are ready-made jewelry, then minerals without a frame made of precious metals, for example, beads or bracelets made of stones, which can be bought on average for 1000 - 2000 rubles, will be cheaper.
Jewelers often inlay silver items with rauchtopazes. Earrings with 925 stones will cost an average of 3-5 thousand rubles, a ring - up to 5 thousand.
