Ulexite stone: properties and who it suits according to zodiac sign

Story

Ulexite is one of the youngest stones in terms of mineralogy: the first specimens were found in northern Chile in the first half of the 19th century.

At first, the mineral was known as boronatrocalcite, that is, the ore of boron. Later renamed in honor of Georg Ludwig Ulex. This German chemist was the first to thoroughly analyze the composition and properties of the mineral.

In literature and at the everyday level, ulexite also appears as:

• franklandite – impure ulexite;
• tincalcite is a type of mineral;
• stiberite – variety;
• cat's eye - iridescent specimens with a stripe in the middle;
• TV stone.

The name “TV stone” is due to the unique property of the mineral. If you put a crystal on an image, it will pass the design through the thickness, reflecting it on the opposite side. Like on a TV screen.

The crystal must be transparent or translucent, polished across the grain.

History and origin

Ulexite is an aqueous calcium and sodium borate (boronatrocalcite). This is a rare mineral of the borate class, which was discovered by the German chemist G. L. Ulex in 1849 in the north of the Republic of Chile, near the town of Iquique. A year later, a young student of G. L. Ulex played a role in getting the scientific community to change the name “boronatrocalcite” to “ulexite” in honor of the discoverer.

Based on the properties of the mineral, its chemical composition and appearance, there are other names for the stone:

• boronatrocalcite - a name reflecting the chemical nature of the stone;
• tica – that’s how the Chileans called the mineral;
• television stone - in honor of an unsolved optical property;
• tincalcite is one of the names for borax;
• stiberite - reflects the external resemblance of the mineral to ice.

Ulexite, along with other minerals, also received the name “cat’s eye” due to the presence of a characteristic shimmering stripe along the surface, reminiscent of a cat’s pupil.

physical characteristics

The natural mineral ulexite is an aqueous lime salt of boric acid.

The unique “trick” of the mineral is its light-guide qualities. Each needle crystal is an optical fiber created by nature. Thanks to this, he is valued in the high-tech industry.

Medicinal properties

Every mineral mined in nature has powerful energy that can be used by humans to improve health, and ulexite is no exception to this rule. In lithotherapy, only natural gems are used, since artificial stones do not have any energy. First of all, ulexite has a healing effect on the nervous system, relieving a person of emotional exhaustion, depression, insomnia and obsessive states.

Shades of natural mineral

This mineral is traditionally considered a gem for improving vision. Lithotherapists recommend that every person suffering from a decrease in its severity should contemplate the crystals of this stone at least once a day in order to get rid of the problem.

The energy of ulexite has a beneficial effect on metabolism, which is manifested in accelerating metabolism, reducing body weight and improving well-being. The stone also helps to cope with excessive appetite, which provokes weight gain.

Place of Birth

Despite its sedimentary origin, there are few deposits of the mineral. To form a mineral deposit, dryness plus the presence of salt are required.

These are regions with an arid climate, salt lakes, salt marshes:

• America – Peru, Argentina, Chile; southwest and western USA;
• Africa - Atlantic coast;
• Asia - China (Tibet), Kazakhstan (caspian region).

Industrial ulexite is mined in South America.

Russia joined the list of miners later than others, but destroyed the standard.

The microclimate of the Kungur cave (Perm region) does not fit into the canon: temperature maximum +5°C, relative humidity 100%. This is a national nature reserve, an object of pilgrimage for tourists.

Ulexite deposits

The mineral is found in places where a dry and hot climate prevails, representing a replacement product in salt rocks - in sediments of lakes and salt marshes. Massive deposits of ulexite are located in the deserts of the American states of California and Nevada - Mojave and Death Valley. The “freshest” discovery of deposits is the Kungur Ice Cave in Russia (Ural).

This is interesting: On the territory of Russia, despite its size of hundreds of thousands of kilometers, there was not a single mention of ulexite. Kungur Ice Cave is an amazing discovery. This is the first and only mineral deposit, uncharacteristic in terms of climatic and chemical characteristics.

The remaining deposits were discovered in the states of Oregon, Utah, Texas, as well as in Canada, Argentina (Saltanskoye field), Peru (Salinas), in the Chilean Atacama Desert, Italy, Kazakhstan (Inderskoye field).

Artificial ulexite

The rarity and fragility of the natural mineral necessitated the creation of an artificial analogue. It was received at the end of the 20th century.

The technology is not particularly complicated, but the result is magnificent:

1. Disadvantages such as fragility, density, and narrow color range have been eliminated.
2. Physical properties and aesthetic conditions can be set in advance.
3. The output is multi-colored crystals that are less vulnerable to external influences.

It is easy to care for artificial stones; no sanding is required.

Where else is it used?

The jewelry industry is a small percentage of the total use of natural ulexite.
The mineral is quite widely used in the fiber optic industry. Due to the presence of light-guide properties, products made from ulexite are used in medicine - elements for modern endoscopes.

Also, stone is widely used in the production of fiber optic cables, which are used for wiring Internet and TV lines.

There are few natural deposits of boronatrocalcite. Industrial mining of the mineral is carried out specifically for the needs of high-tech industries. Also, ulexite is mined and used as boron ore for the chemical industry.

Synthetically grown stone has been used in jewelry since the end of the 20th century. Its manufacturing technology is simple, the growth and physical properties of the samples can be controlled.

The external attractiveness of artificial samples is higher due to the possibility of coloring them in any shade.

The degree of transparency and the presence of the “cat’s eye” effect are also adjustable; the hardness indicators of synthetics are much higher than those of natural samples. This is why jewelers prefer to work with artificial stones.

The products are more durable, easy to maintain and more attractive from a design point of view. However, it is not easy for a non-professional to detect a fake - except for bright colors, nothing betrays the artificial nature of the gem.

Borosilicate glass is used to make synthetic stones. The composition and manufacturing method must be indicated on the jewelry label.

Artificial stones are mainly inserted into frames made of metal alloys, less often and mostly to order - using precious metals.

Accordingly, the pricing policy for souvenirs and jewelry products is very competitive; customers like the variety of colors and the low price of “cat’s” eyes.

In addition, artificial stone does not lose its attractiveness after a long time and does not require preventive polishing or special storage conditions.

Areas of use

The properties of ulexite were appreciated by industrialists and jewelers. Everyone takes raw materials of suitable quality.

Industry

Manufacturing, including high technology, is the main area of ​​application of ulexite raw materials:

• elements of endoscopes are made from it;
• the mineral is of particular importance for fiber optic cable manufacturers (Internet, TV, more serious areas);
• Boron ore is a valuable component in the chemical industry.

Without ulexite it is difficult to imagine the functioning of the World Wide Web and other means of communication, including space ones.

Jewelry

The best part (very small in volume) and artificial material goes to jewelers.

Artificial stone is durable, so the range of jewelry is complete:

• These are inserts of rings, earrings, brooches, beads, bracelets, pendants in silver or simpler metal.
• Almost always the mineral is combined with cubic zirconia and zirconium. Color diversity is created by agates, tiger's eye, and jasper.
• On individual orders, gold jewelry is made from ulexite and precious stones - tourmalines, chrysoprase, opals. For this segment, specimens with the “cat’s eye” effect are reserved. Earrings with this type of ulexite are especially impressive.

Ulexite jewelry
Artificially created stones are more elegant than natural ones, but not flashy.

Collecting

The limited range of colors and deposits of natural ulexite, plus an affordable price, allows you to quickly assemble a complete home collection of the mineral.

Varieties of ulexite

The natural mineral is not endowed with a varied palette of colors, like some other cat-eye stones. In nature, there are samples of gray, white or greenish tint. Science also knows the rarest specimens of ulexite with a bright color - sapphire or ruby, as well as samples similar in color to opal, jade or topaz.

Artificial stones differ from natural stones in a variety of shades. They are painted in the brightest colors, against which the bright glare of the “cat’s pupil” becomes more noticeable. Pink synthetic ulexite, which is most often used for making jewelry, looks softer and more natural than other colors.

Therapeutic effect

Lithotherapists have identified the healing properties of ulexite:

1. Comprehensive mental health . The stone improves mood and self-confidence. Restores the body after nervous shocks, relieves depression.
2. Improved vision . To do this, they carefully contemplate the raw stone every day. The fine-fibrous structure of the mineral helps the eye “catch on.”

The mission of specimens with the “cat’s eye” effect is to stabilize vision.

1. Treatment of obesity caused by overeating . The stone stimulates metabolism, suppresses appetite, dulling the feeling of hunger. Weight loss is helped by the ability of ulexite to calm the psyche (item 1): many people “eat up” stress with sweets and other high-calorie delicacies.

The strongest is considered to be the unprocessed natural mineral.

Healing power

Lithotherapists and traditional healers attribute a number of medicinal properties to ulexite. The mineral has a particular effect on diseases associated with the respiratory system - pharyngitis, asthma, bronchitis, and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Also, the healing power of the stone has a beneficial effect on other important systems of the human body:

• Psychological, emotional state. It is believed that the stone helps fight depression, stress, nervous exhaustion, improves mood, balance of the soul, and increases vitality. When wearing the stone, insomnia and panic attacks disappear.
• Vision. With the help of daily sessions of examining the stone, visual acuity is restored, healers say. Only a natural, unprocessed piece of rock is suitable for this method. Healers believe that the mineral is capable of curing vision pathologies by penetrating its essence inside the human eye.
• Metabolism. Ulexite is recommended to speed up the body's metabolic processes. It helps control appetite, which is useful for people prone to obesity and trying to lose excess weight.

Also read: Brucite is an amazingly useful mineral

In addition to these amazing healing powers, there are others that have a mystical nature.

Magic properties

Ulexite is not particularly involved in magical rituals; its study continues.

Ring with ulexite

But the main magical properties have been revealed:

• Charms create a barrier to external negativity (evil eye, envy, hatred).
• The stone makes the owner an intuitive, clairvoyant, able to see the development and result of significant events.
• Helps coordinate actions in extreme or dangerous situations.
• Ulexite is more suitable for public figures than others. The talisman imparts eloquence, charisma, and helps to express thoughts clearly and accessible.
• This is the keeper of family ties and home. Particularly useful if feelings begin to cool down.

However, the uniqueness of the stone lies elsewhere.

Ulexite “remembers” and enhances the personal qualities of the owner. And any, positive and problematic.

Therefore, there is no need to wear jewelry or a stone all the time. Especially if there is a showdown or another situation that involves negativity.

For the same reason, it is not recommended to make ulexite a family treasure: it is unknown how the new owner will perceive the emotions of the previous owners “written” on the stone.

Jewelry with mineral

In jewelry, a synthetic analogue of ulexite is more often used, which is stronger and more resistant to mechanical stress. Such substitutes are painted in bright, vibrant colors. Due to these properties, various jewelry is made from artificial stone - bracelets, beads, earrings, pendants. This includes both inexpensive jewelry and jewelry made from precious metals.

Natural ulexite is used extremely rarely by jewelers, exclusively in the form of inserts. It is impossible to make beads and bracelets entirely from genuine stone, as it is too fragile.

Also read: Aragonite – guardians of family ties and a miraculous healer

Delicate, natural shades add sophistication and charm to finished products. Prices for jewelry vary widely, taking into account the value of the metal from which the product is made, as well as the naturalness of the stone used:

• earrings – from 250 rubles for alloy products; for jewelry - from 3,000 rubles;
• rings - from 200 to 1200 rubles for jewelry alloy; starting from 2000 rubles for precious metals;
• pendants - from 350 rubles for jewelry, over 4000 rubles for silver with natural stone;
• bracelets and beads are made from synthetic cabochons, their prices start at 400 and 600 rubles, respectively; a silver bracelet with natural ulexite inserts will cost from 3,000 rubles.

If the jewelry is purchased to replenish the collection of beautiful jewelry or to diversify your looks, then inexpensive alloy products with bright synthetic analogues of stone are perfect. They are affordable, durable, and will be an appropriate addition to any look.

When a product is purchased as an amulet or amulet, it is better to consider jewelry with a natural mineral. You should not expect any healing or magical properties from an artificial cabochon.

Ulexite and Zodiac

Astrologers say: the stone is suitable for everyone, since it is able to tune in to the wave of any person. Especially favors active people: social activists, politicians, volunteers.

According to the horoscope, it is ideal for Gemini, Aquarius, Virgo, Sagittarius.

Table of compatibility of ulexite with zodiac signs (“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated).

But even representatives of these zodiac signs will need time to establish contact with the mineral.

The difference between natural and synthetic Ulexite

The main difference between natural stone and synthetic stone is that it has light-guide properties. The crystals contained within are often used to make medical endoscopes and cables used for intercontinental communications.

Natural Ulexite is often used to create souvenirs. It is also practiced to make various jewelry from it. You can often find earrings in gold or silver frames using this stone. The mineral is fragile and therefore beads are not made from it as they can simply crumble. Ulexite has the property of being covered with plaque; you can get rid of it using regular grinding.

Synthetic Ulexite has the same properties, shape and color as the original; it is also called cat's eye. The only thing is that in the fake stone, scientists tried to remove all the shortcomings that the natural one has. In the process of developing a synthetic mineral, specialists were able to achieve the fact that it can be painted in any other color. Cat's eye is now often used in industry. The stone is used to make excellent jewelry that has a bright color.

Cat's eye has such a good feature as high hardness, and this is not inherent in the natural sample. But its main advantage is that the stone can be painted in any color and shade.

How to care

In terms of fragility and softness, ulexite is comparable to graphite in a pencil - it breaks and crumbles just as easily. It can be easily scratched even with a fingernail.

Therefore, care means a lot for the preservation of the mineral:

• Jewelry or stones should not be washed with hot water as they will fade or dissolve.
• Jewelry should be worn with care. Especially a ring, bracelet or ring made of ulexite.
• For storage, each piece of jewelry should be allocated a personal bag made of soft fabric or a section in the box. Otherwise, the fragile inserts will be scratched.
• The box or box must be durable, tightly closed, and impenetrable to sunlight. Otherwise the stone will fade.
• Even with careful care and careful wearing, gems fade and a whitish coating forms. It is removed by sanding. It is better to entrust the procedure to a master jeweler.

These rules apply to natural gems. For artificial specimens, special precautions are not necessary. Although it is not worth checking the strength of the product.

Healing properties

Traditional healers endow the stone with healing properties and use it in alternative medicine.

The stone helps with diseases of the respiratory system. It is recommended to wear ulexite beads for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, laryngitis, rhinitis and other pathologies.

The gem helps with myopia. But only an unprocessed sample will do.

It is used as a simulator. Every day, carefully examine the mineral in bright light.

The stone has a fine-fiber structure. Therefore, you need to strain your eyes to see it. 5-10 minutes is enough. If your eyes start to hurt or feel painful, stop training.

The mineral is also used to prevent eye diseases.

Traditional healers advise wearing ulexite if you are obese due to constant overeating. The stone helps reduce appetite and improves metabolism.

Ulexite helps with constant stress, depression and nervous exhaustion.

It improves the tone of the body, calms the nerves and helps to cope with a difficult period in life - divorce, problems at work.

Price

Jewelry and collection material are sold in Russia at affordable prices (RUB):

• earrings – 2,800 – 3,500;
• brooch – 1 350 – 2 450;
• ring – 2 100 – 3 400;
• bracelet – 2 800 – 3 200;
• pendant (925° silver) – 3,900.

The cost is affected by the number and dimensions of the inserts, the massiveness and material of the frame (silver 875°, 925°, gold 375°, jewelry alloy with rhodium plated surface).

Agglomerates (USA, California, 10–12 g) can be purchased for 350–420 rubles.

Stone care

Rules for caring for ulexite depend on the origin of the stone. If it is a natural mineral, then it requires careful handling, which is due to its fragility. A real copy will deteriorate with the slightest drop, friction, heat or squeezing. Mechanical impact leads to hopeless damage to the stone without the possibility of its restoration.

Jewelry with natural ulexites cannot be subjected to ultrasonic cleaning or exposure to chemicals. Products must be stored separately from others, using special bags and boxes. There is evidence that real ulexite dissolves in boiling water.

Artificial stones do not require special care. Jewelry with synthetic gems is durable and reliable, but in order to preserve their beauty and shine, it is recommended to follow the following rules:

1. Jewelry must be protected from contact with cosmetics, detergents and acids.
2. Products with stones may become damaged if dropped or scratched on other hard objects.
3. Jewelry with synthetic ulexites can be washed with soapy water and then rinsed with tap water.

Any jewelry with stones should be protected from direct sunlight.

How to spot a fake

Instead of ulexite, synthetic gems or plastic are often offered. But the origin of the stone is not always indicated.

It’s easy to spot a fake:

• Natural ulexite is only white, grayish or gray-greenish.

All colored jewelry inserts (blue, purple, yellow, red or any other color stone) are artificial.

• Artificial stones are commonly sold.
• Natural stone, unlike plastic, heats up gradually in your hands.

Virgin or tumbled stones are offered by mineral stores.

Talisman power

Talismans with ulexite are common - stone figurines or decorations. It protects against the negative energy of surrounding people. Protects from envy and slander.

Ulexite is placed in the pocket of small children's clothes to protect against the evil eye. The stone is also given to teenagers entering adulthood. It helps to cope with maximalism and curb forbidden desires.

The talisman develops intuition and teaches the owner to understand people.

The stone will help you gather strength during difficult situations. Will prevent you from rash, short-sighted actions.

Ulexit is a family talisman. Its magical properties preserve calm, love and an atmosphere of happiness in relationships.

This stone is a peacemaker. It smooths out conflicts and prevents major scandals.

A talisman with ulexite is suitable for people in creative fields, speakers, PR people and journalists. It helps to build partnerships at work and attracts the attention of others.

The stone gives the owner self-confidence and increases self-esteem. Enhances charm and inner charisma.

The talisman will bring problems into the lives of adventurers and scammers. The stone favors only kind and honest people.

Areas of application

Jewelry making is far from the only area of ​​application for ulexite. Moreover, it is far from the main one. Stone is much more in demand in the field of high technology. Based on what was written above, it is not difficult to guess that it is from this material that optical fiber is produced. In addition, some parts of endoscopes and other medical equipment are made from it.

Products and decorations made of ulexite

Ulexite ring
Products are produced from both natural and synthetic ulexite. The natural mineral is used very little in the jewelry industry.

In the production of jewelry, it is used for inserts, which avoids damage, the risk of which is extremely high due to the high fragility of this stone.

Thanks to the exquisite subtle shades of natural ulexite, pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings acquire a delicate, sophisticated look.

Balls and cabochons made of natural stone serve as original souvenirs. They often look like a cat's eye. Polished transparent stones also have a rather original appearance.

Synthetic crystals of this mineral are much more popular in the production of cheap jewelry.

Thanks to their brightness, imparted by artificial coloring, and excellent hardness, you can create unique beads, necklaces, pendants, etc.

There is a high demand for products made from several stones of different colors.

Artificial ulexite, after appropriate processing, has a unique appearance in a gold or silver frame.

"Cat's eye" for zodiac signs

Astrologers cannot decide who is most suitable for ulexite. This stone can tame almost any zodiac sign. To do this, it is enough to show positive emotions towards the jewelry and wear it regularly. This allows the stone to adapt to the owner, to tune in to the same wavelength as him. The stone is able to preserve the memory of its owner.

However, ulexite is best suited for signs of the water element:

• Fish;
• Scorpios;
• Cancers.

For these people, the properties of the stone will be revealed most fully. For Cancer and Scorpio, it is important not to combine ulexite with other minerals. Other signs can wear it in any combination.

Ulexite helps Cancer to become strong and socially successful, to overcome their weaknesses, shortcomings, and tendency to pessimism. This stone protects the owner - Cancer - from the influence of others, preserves love and mutual understanding in the family, brings success, good luck in business and even in gambling. According to the horoscope, Cancer, who wears jewelry with this gem, is calm, self-confident, not so trusting and naive.

Ulexite also brings good luck to Scorpios, especially to players and those who put themselves at risk, protects them from negative energy influences, and helps them understand their own thoughts and desires. If Scorpio wears a bracelet with ulexites on his right hand, his reserve of physical strength and endurance increases.

For those whose zodiac sign is Pisces, the “cat's eye” is a kind of barrier from the negative influence of others, it improves health and harmonizes the state of mind.

For women who, according to the horoscope, belong to the sign of Libra, ulexite helps to fully reveal their feminine attractiveness, charm, sophistication, and sexuality.