Demantoid - the iridescent glow of a stone for the eyes of a connoisseur

Story

The name of the stone is translated as “diamond-like” (from the German word “Diamant” - diamond and the Greek “eidos” - appearance, appearance). It was invented by a Finnish mining engineer who worked in Russia, Nils Gustav Nordenskiöld. Demantoid was previously sometimes mistakenly called chrysolite: Russian, Siberian, Ural or commercial. There are other names for this mineral:

• Marvelite;
• towsonite;
• olivine;
• Ural emerald;
• Bobrovsky garnet.

The history of the stone began in Russia. It was discovered by Vasily Kalugin in 1874 in the Middle Urals, near the Bobrovka River. Later, in the vicinity of the neighboring village of Poldnevoye, entire placers of gemstones were found. The son of the discoverer of the stone, A.V. Kalugin, who was an employee of the Mining Institute of Yekaterinburg, determined the value of this mineral. He handed the stone to the famous lapidary Kuznetsov. The master’s magnificent work showed the unusual beauty of a brightly shining green gem.

It began to be used in the manufacture of exquisite jewelry. Among the Russian nobility, a fashion for jewelry with “Ural emerald” appeared.

At first, the stone was considered chrysolite, classified as an olivine rock, but upon in-depth study it turned out that it was a subspecies of andradite of the garnet group.

The demantoid gained worldwide fame in 1889 after the Paris World Exhibition.

In 1913, a crystal of this mineral weighing 104 kg .

general characteristics

Where do the names come from?

Literally, the term “demantoid” is interpreted as “diamond-like.” Like it, the mineral has high refractive indices of light. Therefore, this stone can be processed using the same processing techniques as diamond.

This contributes to the formation of flowing rainbow highlights, which are given the name "ponytail". Minerologists note that this effect of play of colors is unique to this stone.

Other names: tausonite, marvelite, “Bobrovsky garnet”, “Russian emerald” and “Ural chrysolite”.

Description

Demantoid is a transparent variety of andradite from the garnet group.

The main color scheme is all shades of green. There is a green color with a yellowish tint. The color is affected by the iron contained in the mineral, as well as by admixtures of chromium and titanium (the latter gives a yellowish tint).

There are rare colors of the gem: red-violet specimens, as well as with delicate lilac or yellowish-peach shades.

Distinctive characteristics of the demantoid:

• Strong light refraction , due to which the stone shines very beautifully in artificial light. This bright shine is similar to the shine of diamonds.
• “Ponytail” is the name given to byssolite inclusions in the form of bundles of bright yellowish-green fibers. These original inclusions are often found only in Ural demantoids. Such specimens are valued higher than others.

Stones with the “cat's eye” effect are very expensive. They are very popular among collectors.

History and deposits

Garnet is a common gemstone, which since ancient times the Persians called royal and carved the profile of the ruler on its surface. It was worn as an amulet to protect against harm, attributing supernatural properties to it, and jaundice and fever were also treated with pomegranate.

Demantoid in the Urals was found near the Nizhne Tagil plant in gold placers in 1868 by Nordenskiöld. Then in 1874 the famous Sysertskoye deposit was discovered. Until the 1920s, this gem was mined by artisanal teams in the Urals. It was exported in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Physicochemical characteristics

In terms of its chemical composition, demantoid is a silicate that contains calcium, iron and impurities of chromium and sometimes titanium.

• The chemical formula is Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3 .
• Impurities - titanium, chromium.
• Color: green, sometimes yellow.
• Glitter - glassy, ​​diamond.
• Transparency - transparent.
• Hardness - 6,5–7.
• Density - 3.84 g / cm3 .

The green color of demantoid appears due to the admixture of chromium. Some samples are yellowish due to titanium impurities.

Demantoid grains have an oval or round shape. Their size is usually no more than 10 mm .

The stone has high hardness and density, so it lends itself well to jewelry processing.

The processed gem has clear and shining edges, like a diamond.

Light dispersion is higher than other garnets.

Origin story

The stone found in the Urals has a special feature. It was first discovered in the mid-19th century in Russia. Children found the mineral while frolicking on the banks of the Bobrovka River. The find was initially mistaken for a type of chrysolite. The Ural demantoids began to be mined by prospectors mining platinum and gold nuggets in the valley of this river. It was only in 1849 that the minerals fell into the hands of the Finnish explorer Nils Nordenskiöld.

He examined the gem and discovered that it was a chromium-containing variety of andradite garnet, which had an unusual coloration that varied from emerald to peridot, and not peridot itself. Five years later, Nordenskiöld spoke about the results of his research, speaking at a meeting of the Mineralogical Society. There, he proposed calling the stone “demantoid”, since it was distinguished by a strong “game” of color, like a diamond.

Application

Jewelry making is the main area of ​​use of this stone. Substandard jewelry and interesting specimens of the rock are purchased by mineral collectors.

Jewelry made from “Ural emerald” was previously produced and used only in Russia. Then the area of ​​use of this mineral expanded. In the 20th century, Carl Faberge tried it. The demantoid ring was included in the Tiffany collection.

Such characteristics of demantoid as strong light refraction, sparkle, and bright shine place it in the category of expensive gems.

Most often, demantoid is used to make inserts into rings, brooches, and earrings. The frame is white metals: platinum, white gold, silver. This is luxury jewelry.

Specimens with the “cat’s eye” effect and with the so-called “pony tail” (inclusions of bissolite in the form of a bunch of bright fibers) are highly prized.

Demantoid sparkles like a diamond, so it is suitable for a brilliant cut or step cut.

Demantoid deposits

Demantoid is a rare mineral and at one time was mined only in Russia in the Urals and then Kamchatka. But after some time, the stone was discovered in other parts of the world. Now it is mined in Kenya, Namibia, Iran, Madagascar, Pakistan, Italy and other countries. But the Ural demantoid is still considered the highest quality mineral.

Demantoid Crystal Ore

Medicinal properties

Demantoid as a healing agent has only an auxiliary effect in drug treatment. Medicines and medical procedures prescribed by the doctor should not be neglected.

The healing properties of demantoid help improve the emotional, mental and physical state of a person:

• The green color of the stone calms the nerves, helps cope with depression, insomnia, and fatigue.
• Contemplating the mineral for a few minutes a day is useful for myopia and farsightedness.
• A pebble in contact with the skin makes it healthier.

The amazing properties of demantoid have a tonic effect on the body, but the opposite effect is also possible - peace comes. Therefore, when choosing jewelry, you need to listen to your feelings.

Different types of jewelry can selectively affect the systems and organs of the body:

• A brooch, pendant, or beads help normalize blood pressure and heart function.
• The pendant will also help resist respiratory diseases.

Not only jewelry with demantoid, but also raw crystals are suitable for medicinal purposes.

How to store and care

Emerald garnet should be stored separately from other jewelry. If it becomes dirty, it must be washed carefully with a small amount of soap under warm water, then wipe the stone dry with a napkin or cloth.

The sun's rays negatively affect the condition of the stone, so there is no need to keep it in the sun for a very long time.

Avoiding interaction with synthetic elements, it should be removed from your hand during cleaning. Natural demantoid should not be worn constantly, as it can quickly become damaged. It is better to wear it on certain important days when its healing and magical effects are required.

So, summarizing all of the above, it can be noted that demantoid is suitable for people of completely different ages. It can be worn by both mature women and very young girls for health and well-being, and of course, to emphasize their attractiveness and beauty.

Magic properties

Demantoid, according to esotericists, is capable of exerting a magical effect on its owner:

• The main mission of this gem is to bring happiness in love and help create a strong family.
• A demantoid amulet protects the family hearth from internal troubles and external negativity.
• The mineral brings peace of mind and tranquility to the owner.
• Helps him find a purpose in life, reveals his abilities and talents.
• Will contribute to the development of intelligence and spiritual growth. Helps you apply your knowledge.
• This is an ally for solving problems that are vital for its owner. But you need to try to be more organized, mentally clearly formulate the essence of the problem and ask the stone for help.
• Attracts success in financial matters. Demantoid is of particular importance for a person who is used to making impulsive purchases and for a businessman who is about to make deals.
• It will help in career growth, as the owner of the talisman will become hardworking, punctual, and responsible.

Light stones will help those who want to move forward, while dark stones will help people who value stability.

Healing properties

“It is useful to observe stones, you can reflect on them, but more valuable than anything else is the desire to understand the laws of life” [V. Sletov]. The healing power of stones to this day causes a lot of controversy, guesses and assumptions. It is known that the healing stone emits vibrations that definitely affect the physical and mental state of a person.

Also read: Carnelian - the meaning of the stone for a person

Litho therapists, who practice using the healing properties of stones, study in detail the healing properties of minerals. The purpose of the study is to know who vibrations may be suitable for a certain disease, and who will benefit from a general strengthening effect when using a crystal.

In mineral treatment, color is of no small importance. In chromotherapy there is a definition for the color green, as if it has a double meaning, since it combines blue and yellow. If the stone looks green, therefore, the healing effect will spread in several directions at once.

For example, the vibrations of a gem cause an energy surge, awakening enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards the implementation of plans. Also, the influence of the stone can provoke the effect of a sedative, balance emotions and relieve nervous tension.

The main healing property of demantoid is that it has a beneficial effect on the human psyche, encouraging him to personal growth, development, harmony with nature and the people around him.

The gem has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, has a tonic effect on the body, increases its resistance, and helps fight colds. Visualization of the stone has a healing effect on the human body and helps to function:

• nervous system;
• visual apparatus;
• respiratory system;
• musculoskeletal system;
• endocrine system;
• normalizes heart function;
• improves the condition of the skin;
• relieves infertility;
• helps restore male strength
• The power of the stone promotes the growth and development of muscle mass.

The compatibility of the mineral with the metal in healing activities gives a positive result. For example, the effect of silver favors the cleansing of energy and the body, but gold has magical properties. The use of jewelry with one or another setting in treatment is favorable if it corresponds to its intended purpose.

The amazing properties of the stone make the body invigorate, receiving a dose of life-giving energy, but on the other hand, the opposite effect is possible, giving an all-consuming peace. When choosing jewelry that will not only decorate, but also have an impact on a person, it is better to listen to your own feelings and state of health.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Demantoid is an ideal talisman for the zodiac signs of the Air element - Gemini, Libra, Volodya . He has ideal compatibility with people born under these constellations and can help:

• find love;
• become lucky;
• gain success in business life, career, project implementation.

The demantoid talisman will also be very useful for two “fiery” signs of the zodiac - Sagittarius and Leo . It will have a positive impact on career growth and will bring not only success into their lives, but also a joyful attitude.

Pisces , as it can bring adversity and unnecessary problems. It is better for representatives of this zodiac sign to choose a talisman from other stones. The energy of Pisces goes well with the energy of the following gems:

• amethyst;
• opal;
• Moonstone;
• jasper;
• alexandrite;
• belomorite;
• Labrador;
• rose quartz;
• spinel;
• malachite;
• euclase;
• blue agate;
• orthoclase;
• aragonite;
• ammolite;
• anhydrite (angelite).

In relation to other zodiac signs, the demantoid behaves neutrally; for them it is simply a prestigious decoration.

Jewelry with mineral

The crystal can be combined with any precious metal, but products with yellow gold are, of course, more beautiful. Jewelry with demantoid will not leave anyone indifferent. Ladies and gentlemen, dressed in luxurious outfits, can flaunt such jewelry at social events, at evenings where noble society gathers.

It is known that the price of a faceted crystal is considerable, but to buy a product the cost increases significantly. In order to evaluate what is desirable and possible, a list of prices for some products is offered.

• a gold necklace with demantoid and diamonds, length 42.5, costs $28,000;
• gold earrings with large and small crystals, weighing 6.7, cost $1,500;
• men's gold ring made of gold with a 0.12 carat gem costs $405;
• an exquisite gold and demantoid engagement ring weighing just over 8 grams costs $870.

Jewelry delights, such as a demantoid necklace or bracelet, emphasize status, wealth, and belonging to the elite. And if this is of great importance to a person, of course, the decoration will demonstrate this.

How to wear

Jewelry with demantoid is suitable for people of any age, including children.

It is believed that a personal stone cannot be given to other people, even loved ones: it can lose its magical properties and even lose its shine.

Products made from demantoid go well with green and white outfits.

They also look interesting with brown and yellow clothes.

It is better to wear jewelry only to important events where the magic of the stone will be needed. If you wear them daily, it may become damaged, as this gem is fragile.

The magic of green pomegranate

Demantoids are good amulets. Stones will not allow scammers to fool you. The magic of the gem will help the owner to be collected and not get scattered over trifles. As a result, the owner of jewelry with a demantoid stone takes a more responsible approach to his life and its planning.

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Wear a ring with a demantoid, and the stone will gradually force you to grow professionally and intellectually.

Ring with demantoid

The magical properties of demantoid will help the owner overcome laziness and irresponsibility.

For women, a demantoid talisman, as esotericists say, will be a guarantee of happy love and a good family. Earrings with demantoids will ward off the evil eye and damage, and will attract the admiring glances of men to you.

In Kuprin’s story “The Garnet Bracelet,” a telegraph operator who unrequitedly loves a high-society lady writes to her:

“According to an old legend that has been preserved in our family, it (the green pomegranate) has the ability to impart the gift of foresight to the women who wear it and drives away heavy thoughts from them. It protects men from violent death.”

Warning: a stolen pomegranate is “dangerous and brings misfortune, loss of mind, money and health.”

How to care

Demantoid is an expensive, beautiful stone, you need to take care of it carefully:

• Store in a separate durable box or upholstered box.
• Clean with warm soapy water. After rinsing, wipe with a soft cloth.
• Jewelry should not be worn when going to the sauna, swimming pool, or beach.
• They should not come into contact with cosmetics, perfumes, or household chemicals.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight leads to fading of the mineral.

Taking care of the gem

If you want to always have shiny, eye-catching jewelry, you need to take care of it.

Those who are confident in the magical properties of pomegranate can be advised to carry out energy cleansing under running water once every two weeks. To clear away negativity, the sounds of “singing bowls” and ringing bells are also used.

Earrings with demantoid

If you don’t believe in the magic of stones, you still need to clean your jewelry from household dirt.

Wash the jewelry with soapy water, rinse, dry with a napkin. Give your jewelry a separate case, box, or simply store it in a bag of thick, soft fabric (it can be fleece, velvet). We recommend: AMETHYST - stone of widows and bishops

How to distinguish from a fake

Demantoid is a rare and expensive stone, so it is counterfeited. The imitation is glass or quartz.

To find out whether a mineral is genuine, its properties will help:

• Demantoid has a high refractive index, so the processed crystals sparkle like diamonds.

It is better to check the shine during the day, but in artificial light: the edges will cast wonderful reflections.

• In many specimens from the Urals, under a magnifying glass you can see a “pony tail” - bunches of yellowish-green fibers.
• If there is a “cat’s eye” effect, this is a sign of natural stone. Such specimens are very rare and valuable.
• A mineral larger than 1 cm is most likely a fake.
• In your hands, the demantoid will not heat up immediately, unlike glass.
• Natural gems are supplied with a certificate of conformity or other document that confirms their quality and natural origin.

History of demantoid

Demantoid is the finest green garnet.
Literally translated, the name of the stone means “diamond-like.” As soon as he became famous, he became a favorite of the Russian tsars and an indicator of status among the court nobility. Advertising - Continued below

This rare and expensive stone was valued and loved by Carl Faberge, and throughout the world the demantoid was associated with the magnificent decoration of Russian palaces. Its rich green color still wins the hearts of the wealthiest people on the planet and connoisseurs of jewelry.

For the first time, a stone resembling an emerald was found in 1874 in the Urals, and almost 20 years after a large jewelry exhibition in the capital of France, it received universal recognition and adoration.

Price

Demantoid stone is considered precious.

You can buy it at this price:

• demantoid, crystals on rock (6 x 3.7 x 3.2 cm) - RUB 16,500. ;
• brooch (gold 585) — RUB 17,952. ;
• pendant (gold 585) — RUB 42,315. ;
• earrings (gold 585) — RUB 49,820. ;
• ring (gold 585) — RUB 92,255. ;
• bracelet (gold 585) — RUB 103,443. ;
• necklace (gold 585) — RUB 265,375.

Place of Birth

Over time, deposits of “diamond-like stones” were found in Switzerland, Italy, Sri Lanka, Zaire, and the USA (in Arizona). But the quality of these stones is lower than Russian ones. In individual specimens, demantoids were found more than once in the Congo and Korea (in 1975), but they could not be used in jewelry.

Photo: Kohichiro Yoshida, flickr.com

Crystals on the rock, photo: David Darricau, foter.com

Photo: Gerald Armstrong, flickr.com

At the end of the last century, a mineral deposit was discovered in Namibia. The stones mined there are light green or blue-green in color, but without the main distinctive feature, the “horse tail”. There is also no other, conspicuous effect of stones from Russia - the “cat's eye”, which also increases their cost, like the radial inclusions of bissolite.

In 1991, the Karkodinskoye deposit of demantoid and topazolite was discovered, located in the Chelyabinsk region. The palette of Karkodin garnets consists of a smooth transition from yellow to green, and a variety of shades. Moreover, slightly less than half of the stones are purely green, more precisely 45.4%.

Compatibility with names and zodiac signs

The astrological properties of the gem suggest who should use it as a battery charged with vital energy, and who should find a more suitable talisman.

(“++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):

• Children of the Air element are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Nature has given the demantoid an important mission: to protect from adversity and help everyone develop as a professional and as a person.
• Leos and Sagittarius are no less fortunate, since the stone is also favorable to them and protects them in the professional field.
• As for Pisces, demantoid does not assist them, so you should not rely on its strength; it is better to look for a more suitable mineral.

The compatibility of an amazing stone with your own name will help significantly increase the power of its impact.

• Svetlana, wearing jewelry with demantoid, can count on help and support from men; she will boldly cope with any tasks assigned.
• Olga, showing her business qualities, forgets about her creative abilities; the influence of the gem will not allow her talent to fade away.
• Julia shows ability in the household, surrounding her family with boundless care, the amulet will remind her that she needs to pay maximum attention to herself.
• Angela does not believe in herself, she lacks confidence in her creative potential, the talisman will reveal inexhaustible possibilities where she realizes herself as a creative person.
• Sergey, with the help of the stone, will tame jealousy, thereby maintaining a wonderful relationship with his soul mate for life.

Demantoid is a noble stone, it has a gentle effect, but the vibrations force something to change in a person’s consciousness, thus changing his life.