Transparent gemstones: photos, names and descriptions

Diamond

India is considered the birthplace of this stone. The stone was brought to Europe by Alexander the Great, who, having learned about the stone of incredible beauty, specially went to India to get it.

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The uniqueness of a diamond lies in its structure. Thanks to its special crystal lattice, the mineral has high hardness and thermal conductivity. Contrary to popular belief, most diamonds are not colorless. Nature generously took care of the color palette of this transparent gemstone.

The most common diamond color is yellow. It is followed by brown, pink and orange. The rarest and most expensive specimens are green, blue and red. The black diamond stands apart from everyone else. Due to the large number of inclusions, it is not always possible to achieve the frequency of its cutting.

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The favorite countries for diamond mining are Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa, Angola.

It is believed that a diamond has a great influence on its owner. It gives courage, confidence and protects from any negative influence.

Origin story

They knew about chrysolite 4,000 BC.
e. The roots of the mineral go back to Ancient Greece. More often it is found in diamond-bearing rocks. He is mentioned in the Bible. The breastplate of the High Priest of Jerusalem is made of chrysolite. The most famous stone was the Emerald of Nero, kept in the Vatican. The stone was little studied and was confused with emeralds. The source of the mineral was its deposits on the island. Zabargad (Red Sea). They were developed 3500 BC. e. From early records it is known that in Egypt chrysolite was mined from it, affectionately calling it “the stone of the sun.”

It is also known as “evening emerald” because it turns bright green in the evening. Researchers believe that part of Cleopatra’s “emeralds” are cabochon-cut peridots (the only known method of cutting during antiquity and the early Middle Ages, after which it acquires a smooth convex polished surface without edges).

It was brought to Europe in the Middle Ages by European knights who participated in the Crusades. They were used to decorate the chasubles covering the icon board on top of the paint layer. It gained particular popularity during the Baroque period. In Paris in the mid-19th century. it was fashionable because of the rumor that it gave strength to men and relieved male impotence.

Alexandrite

This imperial stone has the property of changing its color depending on the consecration, from pale green to dark burgundy. This transparent gemstone was first found in 1833 in the Ural mines. It was presented to the general public in April 1834 on the name day of the Russian sovereign Alexander II, which is why it got its name.

Alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl. Its chemical composition is quite complex. It includes iron, titanium and chromium. It is thanks to the latter that this transparent gemstone is capable of a unique color reverse.

Alexandrite is rarely colorless. It is most common in bluish-green color. There are also specimens in olive and brown shades.

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Today, the largest suppliers of alexandrite to the world market are Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania and Madagascar.

Alexandrite has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and psyche of its owner. There is an opinion that with its help you can recover from alcoholism.

Aquamarine

A transparent, blue-colored gemstone that is a variety of beryl. The most valuable minerals are those that have the color of clean and transparent sea water.

The peak of aquamarine's popularity came at the beginning of the twentieth century and the Art Deco style. Its icy transparency has made aquamarine one of the favorite materials of jewelers, along with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. It looked great in the rectangular cut that was popular at that time, which only emphasized its laconic severity.

The most significant deposits of the gem are located in Brazil, Russia and Madagascar.

The stone is able to protect its owner from lies and negative influences. He knows how to support the feelings of lovers and resolve disputes.

How to care for peridot

Caring for the jewelry is standard. It should be taken into account that the mineral is sensitive to shock. It quickly breaks under physical influence, and it cannot be repaired. It is also recommended to follow several rules for caring for the product:

1. Avoid contact with aggressive detergents and acids. This may negatively affect the color of the stone.
2. Limit exposure to sunlight. Light can dull the color of the jewelry and cause cracks.
3. When cleaning, the product must be wiped dry. Excess moisture can also deteriorate the appearance of the material.

The stone is washed with a gentle soap solution, and then dried with a napkin or towel. Dust can be removed with a soft cloth or brush.

Product care

Before cleaning or washing the jewelry, check the method of attaching the stone to the base. It is important to ensure that no glue is involved. If it is difficult to understand, they turn to jewelers.

Chrysolite products are washed with ammonia solution (4–6 ml per 200 ml of water). If the frame is made of silver, dry clean with baking soda and then rinse with water.

Peridot stone is durable, however:

• does not tolerate household chemicals;
• cracks from strong heat;
• breaks on impact.

Rings or bracelets require increased vigilance - the stone in them fades faster and there is a greater risk of scratching it.

Hyacinth

This stone of wisdom and good luck is shrouded in mystery and magic. The mineral is a transparent jewelry variety of zirconium with a diamond luster. It contains manganese, which is why it has a red-brown color palette.

Hyacinth is a rare and prized stone by jewelers. Due to its high hardness, it can be processed with step or brilliant cuts. The density and refractive index of this mineral depends on the deposit.

It is mined in Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Russia.

According to ancient symbolism, hyacinth is a stone of success and constancy. It can improve vision, preserve youth and protect against nightmares. He gives prosperity, helps to get rich and recognize lies.

Stones and zodiac signs

• Sapphire is recommended for everyone except Capricorn.
• Topaz suits everyone, but harmonizes best with Scorpios.
• Aquamarine is a godsend for Pisces.
• Spinel can be worn by everyone, but this stone truly belongs to Virgos.
• Zirconium is a stone belonging to Sagittarius. Contraindicated for Cancers and Pisces.
• Chalcedony - there are no contraindications, but it is most suitable for Gemini, Capricorn and Leo.
• Moonstone - suitable for water signs: Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio.
• Turquoise goes perfectly with all signs.
• Amazonite is considered the patron saint of Taurus.
• Apatite suits everyone except Pisces.

Rhinestone

This mysterious white and transparent gem has been surrounded by an aura of mysteries and legends since ancient times. Ancient philosophers believed that rock crystal was water frozen and turned into ice by the power of magic.

If we turn to science, this mineral is a type of quartz. Pure crystals without any defects are rare and highly valued. Specimens of 3 cm and more are of practical importance.

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In ancient times, various vessels and decorations were carved from it. And now, when you go to a jewelry store, you can see earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets with rock crystal on the counter.

Many people associate products made from this stone with witchcraft. Suffice it to recall the indispensable attribute of all fortune tellers - the crystal magic ball. The main property of the mineral is the ability to grant a person clairvoyance.

But the disinfectant properties of rock crystal have been scientifically confirmed. It is applied to wounds and bruises for quick healing. The mineral, placed under the pillow, can relieve insomnia.

Medicinal properties

Clear Rhinestone

From time immemorial, people have used rock crystal for healing. Tibetan monks applied the crystal to open wounds and allowed the sun's rays to penetrate through it. This procedure disinfected the wound and contributed to its rapid healing.

Today, lithotherapists use the transparent gem for the same and other purposes:

• They also disinfect wounds and massage problem areas to relieve pain, eliminate bruises and activate the process of tissue regeneration.
• A full body massage helps the body recover from illnesses and also returns lost strength to a person.
• To relieve fever, chills and aching bones, a pebble is placed on the patient’s forehead or chest.
• Wearing a stone protects a person from viruses and infections and helps strengthen his immunity.
• Crystal normalizes blood circulation.
• It relaxes the nervous system, relieving a person of tension, depression, irritability and anxiety.
• Lightly stroking problem areas with a stone reduces varicose veins and also alleviates a person’s condition with radiculitis pain, which is very important for older people.
• Wearing the stone is useful for those who have impaired functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as problems with the liver and pancreas.

Emerald

Natural emerald is a transparent green gemstone and belongs to the beryl group. According to the classification, emerald, together with diamond, alexandrite, sapphire and ruby, belongs to the first-order semiprecious minerals.

An important criterion is its transparency and color. A perfect emerald is a crystal clear and transparent stone with an even color distribution. Specimens over 5 carats are valued higher than diamonds.

Emeralds from Colombia are considered especially expensive. They have a lush grassy green hue. But Zambian emeralds are distinguished by their special transparency and purity of shine. They are much darker than Colombian and can even have blue tones. High-quality emeralds are also mined in Brazil, Russia, Afghanistan and Egypt.

If we talk about the magical properties of this transparent gem, then its task is to rid its owner of bad habits - infidelity, deceit, fraud. If its owner does not have bad inclinations, then the emerald will grant him health and good luck.

Colors and varieties

The color range is narrow. They are invariably green. The young green mineral has an amazing sunny hue, which is determined by the presence and different proportions of iron ions Fe2+ and Fe3+. The stone contains up to 10%.

There are many possible shades of green: emerald, yellow, olive, brown, golden, tobacco, herbal. The most traditional is light green. It is considered a semi-precious gem. It's inexpensive. The yellower and lighter the stone, the cheaper it is.

Basically, it is what jewelers use. It is transparent, turning green in dunites due to serpentine appearing along cracks in the peridot. Glassy shine, greasy.

The golden gem (green garnet) is especially rare. This mineral gives the impression of a cat's eye or asterism (star formation), which is explained by the scattering of light on its surface. Such samples are golden-green. Contains magnesium silicic acid and iron.

They have a high refractive index of light, which explains their extraordinary brilliance. Their large specimens are cut. They are expensive, so they are considered category II precious stones.

These are transparent minerals with a rich color and without cracks. Richly colored green peridots are very expensive. The price per carat of a 10-carat cut gem with good clarity and color reaches up to a thousand dollars. They are used for exclusive decorations.

The untreated crystal can be colored evenly or unevenly. Minerals extracted from the ground have a more intense color than those found in surface deposits. Among them you rarely find crystals; grains of irregular shape from 2 to 15 mm are more common. But there are also large specimens.

Ruby

Ruby is a variety of corundum and belongs to the oxide class of minerals. A transparent gemstone second only to diamond in hardness. It is found on all continents of the earth except Antarctica. The most significant ruby ​​exporting countries are Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Ruby has a special fiery red color that other transparent gems do not have (photo). This occurs due to the presence of chromium impurities in the mineral.

This stone was mined in Burma during the Bronze Age. Rubies were also highly valued in Ancient India. There they were used to make talismans.

This stone is considered a symbol of passion, energy and power. It gives a person strength and protects against black magic. There is also an opinion that by changing its color, a ruby ​​warns its owner from danger.

Building a civilization

This stone has been with man from the very beginning. First there were scrapers, spearheads, and axes. Then priests and shamans began to use obsidian. Beads, pendants, amulets, and ritual objects helped to beg the gods for benefits for the tribe. Later it was time to decorate people and homes.

At the dawn of human culture, the building of civilization was built using flint, jade and obsidian.

Archaeologists say that obsidian items have been found that are about a million years old. Mentions of the stone are found in Assyrian mineralogical texts and in ancient lapidariums.

There are already iron tools, but obsidian knives cut better and more accurately.

In ancient Egypt, incense and medicine were stored in obsidian vessels.

The stone is mined, processed, and exported.

Expert opinion

Semenishcheva Polina

Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.

Interesting : the famous biblical Jericho, whose walls (according to the Bible) destroyed the pipes of the Israelites, rose through the obsidian trade.

All over the planet

Theophrastus calls obsidian a Liparian stone and classifies it as a combustible stone.

Guy Pliny the Elder has his own version. A certain Obsius (or maybe Obsidium) brought a piece of unusual stone from Africa. The pebble amazed Obsidia's many acquaintances, and the mineral was named obsidian.

The Greeks in Antiquity did without Obsidia, and called the mineral obsis (spectacle). After all, mirrors were made from polished obsidian (there were no real ones then).

Mesoamerica treated the gem with superstitious respect. It was called “ devil’s claw ”, “ tears of the Apaches ”. And the Mayan and Aztec priests used obsidian knives in ritual murders. By the way, people were not killed out of special bloodthirstiness. The Indians firmly believed that future harvests, prosperity, and the very existence of the tribe depended on the will of the gods. Therefore, they had to be cajoled, “treated” and shown all respect. It was not only prisoners who were sacrificed. Free Indians voluntarily agreed to become victims.

Expert opinion

Semenishcheva Polina

Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.

By the way : the Indians did not know the wheel and did not know how to smelt iron...

Let's return to Europe.

Every country has its own name for the ancient stone:

• Hungary - Tokaj luxury sapphire.
• Transcaucasia - “claws of the devil”, “nail of Satan”.
• Roman Empire - obsidianus lapis (Obsidia stone).

• Egypt is the stone of the dead.
• And also wasser peridot, bottle stone, Iceland spar.

Sapphire

A blue, transparent gemstone from the corundum variety. Its shades can vary from pinkish to black, but mineralogists consider dark blue sapphires to be true. Its characteristic is a high degree of hardness and a strong glass luster.

The most valuable sapphire deposits are located in Asia, India and the USA. The most famous sapphires are Kashmir sapphires. They got their name from the place of their production - Kashmir (a region in the north of Hindustan).

Sapphire is considered a heavenly stone and has cosmic energy. It is often used during meditation. It pacifies passions, strengthens the spirit, and brings loyalty and love to the family.

Interesting facts about chrysolite

Peridot has always attracted human attention, which has led to the creation of many legends. In addition, the stone has many names and was often used for a variety of purposes. Therefore, during the existence of chrysolite, many interesting facts about it have appeared. The most popular are:

1. The mineral was previously often confused with topaz. Moreover, the name “topaz” supposedly comes from the name of the island of Topazios, where, as it turned out, chrysolites were mined.
2. Although the stone has a list of names, only 3 options are considered official - peridot, peridot and olivine.
3. It was believed that “Ural chrysolites” were mined in Russia. However, it later turned out that this is a much more valuable stone - demantoid garnet.
4. During a volcanic eruption, this mineral can fall to the ground, remaining on the surface. This phenomenon is called chrysolite rain.
5. In Hawaii you can see green beaches. It is olivine that gives sand this color.

It should also be noted that, despite the popularity of the material, it has still not been able to be grown, i.e., synthetic chrysolites do not exist.

Topaz

The precious transparent stone received its name from the place where it was first discovered on the island of Topazios in the Red Sea. Its color range is very diverse: from brown to blue, yellow and pink. Colorless minerals are also often found.

As history indicates, it was this stone that in ancient times adorned the crowns of kings and sultans of many countries. In Russia in the 19th century it was called the “Siberian diamond”. Currently, the world's topaz suppliers are Germany, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Brazil.

Untreated topaz has virtually no shine. Only after cutting does it develop an amazing glass shine, which allows you to admire the extraordinary radiance of the gem in jewelry.

It is believed that topaz protects against damage and witchcraft and gives the body the strength to cope with depression. You can call upon him for help when you need to concentrate or calm down.

Famous white minerals

There are many varieties of white stones. This allows each person to choose the best option depending on their preferences and financial capabilities.

Diamond - an expensive white stone

This crystal has powerful energy. After cutting, its magical properties are significantly enhanced. Diamonds can remember their owners. It is desirable that they come from happy people.

White Topaz

The stone is found quite rarely in natural conditions. This mineral symbolizes prudence and protects its owner from the evil eye and damage. With the help of a gem you can achieve success in any endeavor.

Beryl

This stone is less brilliant than diamond. It is characterized by a matte structure without noticeable glare. The mineral is popular with people who love mysterious and cold stones. Beryl is often used in jewelry.

Pearl

This natural stone is formed inside the shell and is made of calcium. The mineral can remain attractive for at least 300 years. In natural conditions, milky or white-pink pearls are found. They are highly valued. Those who cannot afford natural pearls can choose an artificial counterpart.

Tourmaline achroite

This is the name of a very rare gem that is difficult to find in ordinary jewelry. Typically, this mineral is used for exclusive products that are produced in limited quantities.

Rhinestone

This transparent semi-precious stone can be called the “tear of the gods”. It is used to create jewelry or decorative items that serve to decorate the interior. To preserve the original appearance, the crystal fragments are only slightly polished.

Agate

This mineral is distinguished by its milky white color and patterns inside. That's why they gave it the name frost gem. Agate jewelry is perfect for women who want to improve their relationship with their significant other and conceive a healthy baby. This amulet is recommended for use by people who are forced to constantly take risks.

Opal

This stone belongs to the chalcedony category. It is also called cacholong. In natural conditions, opals have black or dark gray veins. When cutting a mineral, a cabochon technique without corners or edges is used. Rings, earrings, and pendants are made from opals.

Note! This mineral has pronounced magical properties. It helps sharpen intuition, develop supernatural abilities and clarify the mind.

White amber

This mineral is very rare. This mineral is the fossilized elements of tree resin and can include different elements. For the amber character, the structure is translucent.

These white stones are characterized by magical properties. They saturate cheerful people with energy and protect them from negativity. With the help of amber it is possible to cope with acute pain and muscle spasms.

Moon rock

This stone is considered mystical and mysterious. It is characterized by a translucent structure and holographic tints of pink and blue tones. When exposed to sunlight, the stone acquires a transparent structure. In a dimly lit room it becomes milky.

Jasper

This is an ornamental stone with an opaque structure. It is characterized by different colors. In this case, most often the mineral has black, blue, blue or blue veins.

Jasper is commonly used to make decorative objects, talismans or jewelry. Gem amulets help normalize sleep and improve your psycho-emotional state.

Coral

This is one of the most popular ornamental stones. In fact, it represents the fossilized skeletons of sea inhabitants. Corals are characterized by an opaque structure and colored inclusions. They are used to make various jewelry using cabochon cuts. Corals are also suitable for creating decorative items and souvenirs.

These minerals can be used as a talisman. With their help, it is possible to get rid of unreasonable anxiety and cope with nervous disorders. Jewelers value polished coral the most.

Nephritis

In China and New Zealand, jade is considered sacred. There is practically no carbonate in the structure of gems. In terms of hardness, jade can be compared to diamond. It is used to create various jewelry - beads, rings, pendants. The mineral is also used to make decorative items and boxes. In addition, it is often used in spiritual practices.

Selenite

In appearance, the mineral resembles moonstone. It is characterized by a white color with iridescence. However, in essence, it is a completely different stone. It is a type of gypsum.

Selenite is considered a fairly soft mineral that can be easily scratched even with a fingernail. The structure contains sand, clay and other impurities. The material is easy to polish. However, due to its softness, it quickly loses its decorative properties. That’s why it is used to make the simplest interior items.

There are a large number of white stones. They differ in shades, degree of transparency, hardness and other parameters. Such minerals are usually used in jewelry and various interior items.

Demantoid

This transparent green gemstone is considered the most expensive variety of garnet. It has been known since ancient times and before, by mistake, it was often called chrysolite. It was this gem that was a favorite in the jewelry collections of the noble class at the end of the 19th century.

Due to the fact that demantoids are quite rare, they represent considerable jewelry value. The color play of this mineral is even stronger than that of diamond.

This gem helps its owner become more collected and concentrated. Beads made from this stone improve the functioning of the heart, and the bracelet eliminates infertility.

Questions/Answers

The ancient stone has a long history. If you know something interesting, write it down. We will add information to the article.

How to distinguish a fake?

Such a time. Everything is counterfeited - from food to stones, not only precious ones. Pliny also warned about selling glass instead of obsidian.

Let's examine the stone:

1. Temperature test. Obsidian is cold in the hand and will remain so for quite a long time (unlike plastic).
2. The color of the stone is rarely monochromatic. Usually there are inclusions of other rocks and minerals, and of different colors.

For your information: in England, on the sea coasts, you can find “obsidian” for sale, made by the sea from bottle glass. Don't be fooled! Glass is transparent, obsidian is not (except in thin chips).

How to care?

Store in a box (case) with hard walls. A soft cloth bag is not enough here.

It is not recommended to drop jewelry with obsidian or subject the gem to rough mechanical influences. The stone is fragile.

Contaminated jewelry is washed with cool soapy water, rinsed and dried with a napkin.

Obsidian does not like: long stays in water, in the sun, at high temperatures.

Who should wear it?

Scientists, researchers.

For travelers.

For those who like to look at life through rose-colored glasses. The stone will make you see life as it is. Although you are unlikely to enjoy it...

How to wear?

Eliminate gold and platinum. The magic of the stone does not work with these metals. Or it works distorted.

It is good to add rock crystal to obsidian jewelry.

Important : It is not recommended to wear the gem constantly.

What is the price?

Let's see what individual masters offer.

Beads for handmade from 3.5 to 19 rubles per piece. Moreover, they offer all varieties and different shapes of beads.

I admired the wonderful elephant made of golden obsidian, and it costs only 343 rubles. Size 34x26x6; It will make a cute pendant.

For decorating the apartment of a brutal man, it’s amazing how good obsidian knives are. Price from 19,000 to 60,500 rubles.

What colors are there?

Black, brown, reddish-brown, gray, yellowish.

The color is not always uniform; the color may be spotty or banded.

The streaks usually show which direction the lava was moving.

Where can I buy?

There are quite a lot of obsidian jewelry on sale. Online stores, handmaker sites and jewelry salons. You can easily find this gem in them.

When is the best time to buy?

On the flawed Moon - the 21st, 24th, 29th day of the lunar cycle.

Gift obsidian works best. But the one you buy for yourself will also work.

What stones does it go with?

Friend stones for obsidian: rock crystal (ideal), jade, onyx, aventurine.

Obsidian and ruby ​​have complete rejection of each other.

How did we live in antediluvian times?

Hard. There were no supermarkets, and no home delivery of food either. The rule was the iron principle “as you trample, so shall you burst.” Therefore, men hunted everything that runs and flies. But the future steak had to not only be found, but also killed. It is difficult to do this with bare hands. So we spent our evenings not watching TV, but preparing stone axes, spear and arrow tips, and other weapons.

However! Women did not go hunting, but collected roots, berries and other gifts of nature. And they did the right thing. Hunting is an unreliable business, and after running after a deer all day, the husband came home angry, tired and hungry.

Women (the smartest and most observant) began to collect seeds and plant them, so as not to have to run far for tasty grains. This is how we moved from patriarchy to matriarchy. The tribe's food supply began to depend on agricultural products. It was done by women. Well, whoever pays calls the tune. It's time for decorations. Women's hearts were drawn to beauty. Surely the first proud owner of a bead or pendant was a woman.

Noble spinel

This beautiful semi-precious stone comes in a variety of shades. Its individual copies are comparable to the cost of rubies and sapphires. Noble spinel contains various mineral impurities that color it in all sorts of shades: blue, yellow, green, brown, red and even black.

The richest deposits of spinel are in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Brazil and India.

The stone is perfect for people whose work involves business trips. He is able to create favorable conditions for the life of his owner, attracting finances and good luck.

Scope of application

Colored olivine (peridot) is actively used in jewelry. Gold and silver jewelry is made with it: earrings, pendants, bracelets, pendants, brooches and rings.

Silver ring with chrysolite

They are also used without a frame, for example, to make beads and necklaces. Large stones with some effect, for example with a “cat’s eye” or iridescence, are used for inlaying luxury items - goblets, tiaras, figurines and other things. Large stones that have no jewelry value serve as raw materials for stone cutters. For example, they are often used to make small animal figurines.

The standard cutting methods for this semi-precious stone are diamond (57 facets), step, and emerald. For specimens with the cat's eye effect, a cabochon cut is used. The raw crystal also looks quite beautiful.