Alexandrite
This mineral tends to change its color in different lighting conditions. The value of alexandrite is very high, for example, diamonds and sapphires are valued just as highly.
Why is alexandrite called the “widow’s stone”? Since the time of the Great Patriotic War, it began to be considered a “widow’s,” since the jewelry was worn by women who lost their husbands at the front. But wartime did not spare many. The Stone of Loneliness is unreasonably named as such: only prejudice became the basis for the reputation of the “widow’s stone.” also important to take into account that in the post-war period, women wore only an artificial imitation of alexandrite, since the natural mineral was a luxury.
Magical properties of the gem
Natural alexandrite has quite strong energy. It is a stone of passion and jealousy, luck and disappointment. The duality of the properties of the gem also preserves a certain parity, i.e. the positive and negative qualities of the stone are in balance. Synthetic alexandrite has no magical properties. This is a crystal that looks like a natural mineral and nothing more.
Widow's stone alexandrite (video)
In other countries, alexandrite brings good luck and helps to improve relationships with the opposite sex. If a girl was unable to get married for a long time, she wore alexandrite as an amulet around her neck. And within a few months the cherished dream became a reality.
The jewelry should be worn by people prone to frequent mood changes. The mineral normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system. They say that it is sensitive to changes in a person’s health status, turning red. It can be worn in conjunction with other stones. And it doesn’t matter at all what your preferences are. The most important thing is your inner positive attitude.
How to distinguish natural alexandrite from artificial
Natural alexandrite costs a lot, and therefore manufacturers are trying in every possible way to deceive buyers. To increase profits, they not only sell artificial alexandrite, but also replace the widow's stone with a cheap material like glass.
Feel free to leave decorations on the counter if they do not show signs of a chameleon.
To distinguish a natural mineral from a fake, it is important to know what alexandrite stone looks like and understand its features:
- Artificial minerals, like glass, do not change color when lighting changes. Feel free to leave decorations on the counter if they do not show signs of a chameleon.
- Previously, the original was replaced with corundum. This is due to the fact that its price is much cheaper. It is not difficult to recognize a fake - under artificial light, corundum acquires a bright yellow tint.
- In addition to corundum, the imperial gem was often replaced with artificially grown spinel. A distinctive feature of spinel is the appearance of a violet tone under artificial lighting conditions.
- There are also fakes made of andalusite on the market. This mineral is not capable of changing color, but it can produce rainbow shades when the viewing angle changes.
The cost of alexandrite is not a guarantee of its quality. Therefore, you should not choose the most expensive sample on the market, hoping that it will not turn out to be a fake. If you doubt that you can correctly determine the authenticity of a mineral, call a specialist with you. A mineralogist will help you choose a real stone, avoiding unnecessary expenses and disappointment.
Amethyst is a semi-precious stone
is believed to have a widow's color - violet . Although in Greece they believe that this mineral protects against alcoholism, it has a sobering effect.
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The history and curse of the Kohinoor stone The marvelous ametrine stone Characteristics of larimar and its main properties Selection of stones by date of birth
In India, amethyst is considered a powerful amulet. Yogis use it to unlock personal potential and achieve a sense of harmony and peace.
Amethyst set in silver is worn by women who have lost a husband whom they loved very much. This is a sign of fidelity and devotion to feelings even after the death of a life partner. Therefore, a young lady who plans to get married should not wear amethyst, as it is a symbol of conscious celibacy.
But in many countries, this mineral promotes mutual sympathy and awakens passion. It is given when they want to attract attention. Therefore, amethyst should not be perceived unambiguously.
Who is suitable for alexandrite according to the horoscope?
Well, now let's go through the signs of the Zodiac.
It may sound crazy, but the strongest symbiosis of the imperial stone is with Gemini, as fickle as spring weather. It’s truly a minus for a minus that gives a plus. It is this stone that gives the sign calmness and prudence.
Things are no less interesting with Aquarius. If any of them complained about intuition, then with a changeable amulet they will be completely cured of this shortcoming. The vast majority of those born from January 21 to February 19 with alexandrite simply discover extrasensory abilities, and along the way, their creative component also improves.
And of course, the mineral is suitable for Leo. The stone, in general, loves strong and self-confident individuals, the real masters of their destiny.
And the last of alexandrite’s favorites is Scorpio. A vengeful, arrogant, but strong and confident fighter who is used to overcoming any obstacles. These are the ones the imperial stone respects the most.
But for Cancer, Taurus and Virgo, proximity to alexandrite is strictly contraindicated. You can, of course, try to ignore this recommendation, but we are not responsible for the consequences.
Properties of amethyst stone (video)
White pearls are a symbol of purity and purity. But black pearls were always worn by widows as a sign of grief for their loved ones.
But in eastern countries, pearls are a symbol of wisdom and financial well-being, and also have mystical properties. For example, pearls help get rid of negative thoughts: to do this, they need to be set in gold. Therefore, the names of stones do not always correspond to someone’s logical conclusions. Feel free to accept pearl jewelry as a gift and wear it with pleasure.
Products made from “imperial stone”
The most ancient decoration with the “Imperial Stone”, found during archaeological excavations in Zaporozhye, dates back to the 12th century. This is a gold ring with a large gem. The largest unprocessed gem is kept in Moscow, in the A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum. Its weight is about 5 kg, size - 15 by 25 cm. The largest cut gem is considered to be 66 carats, it is located in the Smithsonian Institution (USA). In terms of value, alexandrite is in fifth place after diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire.
History of discovery
French mineralist Niels Gustav Nordenskiöld discovered it in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1834. However, according to some sources, it was found back in the late 1700s.
When a scientist first discovered it in Russia, he thought it was an emerald.
The precious mineral was named after Russian Tsar Alexander II, who was assassinated in 1881.
Alexandrite stone can be found in antique Russian jewelry from this period. Some Victorian jewelery sets from England were also decorated with it.
Master gemologist George Kunz of Tiffany was a fan of the colored mineral, and in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the company produced rings with beautiful changeable minerals, including platinum.
The magic of the royal mineral
The versatility of the magical properties of alexandrite is noted by all astrologers and esotericists. The stone is capable of:
- lead to inner harmony;
- strengthen vital energy;
- help in overcoming difficulties;
- develop natural talents;
- bring good luck in business and gambling;
- give confidence in your abilities;
- increase performance;
- charge with vigor.
This is interesting! A prophet stone, alexandrite warns the owner of danger in a unique way: during the day it turns purple, and in the evening it turns green.
An abundance of artificial jewelry
The industrial production of synthetic minerals, which is carried out in the USA, Japan and Russia, makes it possible to satisfy the demand for this gem and jewelry made from it. Affordable price and absolute external similarity with natural stone keep the popularity of alexandrite at a high level.
Jewelry stores sell earrings, rings, pendants and other items made only from the synthetic version of the stone.
About stone in literature
Alexandrite was discovered only 150 years ago. Despite its short history, many magical and mystical properties are attributed to it.
The first person to endow chrysoberyl with magical powers was the Russian writer Nikolai Semenovich Leskov (1831-1895), who wrote a short novel “Alexandrite, a natural fact in mystical light,” which described the magical properties of the alexandrite stone. He plays an important role in the novel and is presented as prophetic.
Almost at the same time, Eliphas Levi, a French author and magician (1810-1875), connects the duality of the colors of the mineral with the duality of human blood - venous and arterial. In his book "La Clef des Grandes Mysteres" ("The Key to the Great Mysteries") he writes about the stone as "the favorite charm of our time, which cleanses and strengthens the blood vessels."
Place of Birth
For a long time, Russia was the largest miner of alexandrite. The mineral was supplied from the Ural Mountains near the village of Malysheva. At the end of the last century, the deposit was depleted.
Small deposits of the gem were discovered in Brazil (80s of the 20th century), however, they were completely depleted in 3 months.
Today there are no large deposits of this unique mineral. The bulk of gems are mined in Africa, India, Tasmania and the USA. They are found there in the form of placers.
How to use it correctly
Magicians believe that a person must decide for himself whether to trust stories about the negative impact of stones on his personal life or not. If you believe in the magical power of stones and are afraid of negative influences, be sure to find out about their properties before purchasing. Perhaps the pebble you like really doesn’t suit you.
However, suspicious people themselves can attract a series of troubles into their lives. Therefore, in most cases, psychosomatic illnesses and problems in the personal sphere begin due to prejudice. If you are in a positive mood, jewelry with widow's stones will not do any harm.
There are cases where women believed in the magical power of topaz or black pearls, but did not want to get rid of the stones. They became irritable and suspicious. Due to constant nerves, frequent quarrels with spouses began. The couple was divorcing, and the woman blamed the decoration for everything.
There is no scientifically proven fact that under the influence of widow's stones a woman will lose her lover and remain alone forever.
Do not refuse stones if they were given by a loved one. Such a gift will bring positive emotions and can become a talisman.
Origin and name
Alexandrite is one of the varieties of chrysoberyl with a non-standard biochemical composition. What is interesting, first of all, is what the stone looks like. The crystal lattice of the mineral contains impurities of iron, vanadium and chromium, which allows the gem to change color when the light intensity changes. This color reversal led to alexandrite being called a chameleon stone.
By its origin, the crystal can be considered Russian, since it was first discovered in the emerald mines near Yekaterinburg. This happened in the 30s of the 19th century. The find was presented to Emperor Alexander II for his 16th birthday. It was in honor of the Russian monarch that the stone received its name “Alexandrite”. The second unofficial name of the mineral was “emperor stone”.
This unusual type of chrysoberyl quickly gained great popularity among the nobility at court. Alexandrite jewelry could only be worn by representatives of the most noble families and families. Jewelry made from this precious stone became heirlooms and was passed down from generation to generation. Even wealthy merchants were prohibited from purchasing such jewelry, since they were not representatives of the upper class.
The mineral received its last name “widow’s stone” during the First World War. Most of the officers of the Russian army, of noble origin, did not return from the battlefield, and their wives, who owned jewelry with alexandrite, became widows.
Be sure to check out: What does a diamond look like in nature and how is a gemstone mined?
Emperor Alexander II considered the alexandrite given to him as his talisman. On March 13, 1881, he forgot the amulet ring at home, and the seventh attempt ended in the death of the Russian emperor.
What affects the cost of a crystal?
The best natural specimens of the gem sell for 6–20 thousand per carat. It all depends on transparency and color saturation. Minerals with the “cat’s eye” effect (cymophanes) are cheaper, but they sometimes cost several thousand per carat. Synthetic analogs go for $500 per carat.
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The influence of the degree of pleochroism on the price
Experts have different approaches to the influence of the severity of pleochroism on the cost of alexandrite. Some evaluate it by the saturation of the red, evening spectrum of the mineral. For others, its depth and transparency in a green, daytime version are more important.
Interesting! Stones that retain the depth and brightness of color only at one time of day are very inexpensive.
Prices on the Russian market
In Russia, prices for Ural alexandrite vary from 5 to 37 thousand rubles. So, in 2014, a 21.41-carat mineral put up at Christie’s was purchased for $70,000. Please note that we are not talking about jewelry, but about a separate crystal.
Topaz
Topaz is rightly called the stone of loneliness. The blue gem deprives you of feelings and feelings of happiness, instills a feeling of detachment. Constant contact with him can turn a person into a hermit who enjoys solitude.
In ancient times, black magicians used blue topaz to attract people who had lost their desire for life due to the loss of a loved one. They completely deprived their victims of any desires and faith in the future in order to subjugate their will to themselves.
Blue topaz, like garnet, is usually worn during mourning.
Pomegranate
The idea that garnet is a widow's stone is controversial. The red mineral is considered a symbol of love and passion, capable of reviving faded feelings. However, some cultures give the pomegranate a different meaning.
Pomegranate as a fruit is a symbol of the kingdom of the dead. The deep red crystals resemble drops of blood, which is again associated with death. The powerful energy of the pomegranate can only be curbed by self-confident and strong-willed women, who often dominate their men.
Dark colored garnets are considered a symbol of mourning. Jewelry with these gems is usually worn on days of mourning for the deceased.
Despite all opinions and prejudices, pomegranate has many beneficial properties. You can turn to its power, only not constantly, but periodically.
Varieties of mineral
Indicating the types of mineral, experts tie them to the places of extraction:
- Ural, or alexandrite of the Urals , is the standard of beauty and quality. The gem has a pronounced depth of color: during the day it is a joyful emerald green, in the evening it is an alarming violet-red.
- Brazilian. In South American minerals, the color contrast is less pronounced than in their Ural counterparts. During the day they are painted in a calm olive-green shade, in the evening the color changes to red-brown. Olive greens, slightly colored with purple tones, are preserved under artificial lighting.
- Indian. During the daytime, the stone shines with bluish-green colors, and in the evening light it takes on a purple hue.
- Alexandrite of Sri Lanka. During the day it is a delicate blue-green or olive-blue mineral; in the evening it turns brown with a purple tint. Looks faded under artificial light.
- The African gem is poor in contrast, often almost colorless.
Famous specimens
The largest officially recorded cut of 65.08 carats, found in Sri Lanka, was named Smithsonian Alexandrite. It is on display at the Smithsonian Museum and is considered one of the rarest in the world.
In 2011, information appeared that there was a specimen in the world that was larger than the Smithsonian. The 112 carat mineral is called Naleem Alexandrite. But there is no official confirmation of this yet. Whether it is the largest in the world remains unclear.
Later in the press it was written that one rich Japanese man owns a mineral measuring 141.92 carats. A description of the stone, owned by a Japanese private owner, appeared on the Guinness World Records website. There it was called the largest and was valued at more than $100 million if anyone wanted to buy it.
Until these rumors are officially confirmed, the Smithsonian copy will remain the most valuable in the world.
The largest untreated example is the Sauer, weighing 122.5400 carats. It was found in Bahia, Brazil in 1967.
Facts and prejudices
Beliefs and prejudices are so deeply rooted in people’s minds that they become reality. It is believed that a woman who wears jewelry made from the “widow’s” stone for a long time loses her husband early or does not get married at all, remaining single for the rest of her life. Whether this is reality, a myth or self-hypnosis, scientific evidence has not yet been found. Single stones have a violet, dark, abyss-like, burgundy color. Jewelry and accessories with stones of nondescript colors are worn by people who have lost loved ones and people dear to their hearts.
“Widow’s” stones are considered to be:
- alexandrite
- amethyst
- pearl
- topaz
- pomegranate.
Alexandrite
This gemstone has a reputation as a "widow's stone" due to historical coincidences. Emperor Alexander was given a gem for his birthday and the stone was named in honor of the ruler. The gem protected the powerful king for many years and was always with him. One day, without wearing his favorite amulet, the emperor became the victim of an assassination attempt. And how many widows appeared during the Great Patriotic War!
The stone has the unique property of changing color depending on the lighting and reacting to a person’s mood. The neutral biofield of the mineral normalizes the nervous system of its owner and “tests” its strength: if the owner resists problems, troubles and adversities, and shows willpower, then he will help. If not, then, alas. Usually the stone is owned by strong and persistent individuals, preferring to overcome difficulties alone. Therefore, girls do not wear this stone, assuming that the stone will repel and ward off suitors.
Amethyst
The mineral is a unique attribute of temple servants who have taken a vow of celibacy. It helps you focus on yourself, your thoughts and knowledge. The stone is considered the main assistant in the ritual of a love spell for the separation of people who love each other. With the help of a bead enchanted by sorcerers, lovers were separated, after which the abandoned woman was forced to bear the crown of celibacy for life. It was used in love spells and lapels to force someone to fall in love with another person. In the old days in Rus', on the wedding day, the bride and groom exchanged amethysts, swearing an oath of fidelity to each other. According to ancient legends, this mineral is capable of preserving the memory of love, and a given ring with it retains an eternal connection. Even after the death of one of the spouses, the other remained faithful to his half until the end of his life. Nowadays, on the contrary, newlyweds are not given this stone as a gift; they believe that it can cause separation. Widows, not wanting a new relationship, wear amethyst rings.
Pearl
This amazing mineral has long been considered the personification of the tears of the wives of sailors who were swallowed into its abysses by the sea. This superstition still lives among the people. But there is also a contradictory belief. Among most nationalities, pearls are considered a symbol of innocence and purity. Grooms in eastern countries entangle their brides with white pearl beads to maintain the strength of the union. Medieval knights gave pearls to their lovers, thereby proving their serious intentions. In Rus', pearls were a mandatory attribute for weddings. Mother and father gave the girls two pearls a year so that a string of pearls would be ready for the wedding. Nowadays, this mineral is recommended for married women to wear, and, in order not to become widowed, to combine two pieces of jewelry: a ring and a brooch, a necklace and a bracelet, earrings and a pendant. Jewelers say that pearls should be worn in a metal frame, and not just strung on a thread. Girls who want to find a loved one should not wear this stone, it will not allow them to discern a person’s feelings, and fate may pass them by.
Topaz
The stone has the cold color of the deep sea. The bewitching darkness of the color and the magic of the stone does not allow a woman who has worn it for a long time to start a family and have children. Blue and cyan topaz turns a person into a hermit even in a crowded society, making him detached and focused on himself. The owner of the stone falls in love with loneliness and enjoys his position. The opportunity to create a happy family is missed. Previously, jewelry with dark-colored stones was worn on days of mourning for the loss of a loved one. Now topaz is worn by strong, powerful people who are unable to obey anyone.
Pomegranate
The rich color of the stone resembles blood. There is a legend that if there are decorations with pomegranate in the house, then by a strange coincidence someone in the family loses a large amount of blood in accidents, death and separation occur. And many consider this stone to be a “widow’s stone”, because it is consonant with the name of the fruit that personifies the other world. But contrary to beliefs, most people personify pomegranate with love and passion, capable of reviving even faded feelings. Garnet has powerful energy and transfers it to its owner. It is unlikely that a strong and self-sufficient woman who has jewelry with garnet will be considered by a man as a candidate for the role of a wife.
To indicate the status of a single woman or widow, it is recommended to wear jewelry in a silver (but not gold) frame.
You cannot use “widow” stones:
- lovers who want to start their own family
- for spouses who have problems in relationships (the stone will increase difficulties)
- impressionable people who are strongly influenced by various kinds of prejudices
- women and men with sick relatives.
If you want to purchase a “widow’s” stone, you need to take into account the zodiac constellation.
Alexandrite is not suitable for representatives of the Virgo, Leo, and Capricorn signs. Amethyst is contraindicated for Libra, Topaz is not recommended for Taurus, Sagittarius, Leo. Pomegranate is not suitable for people born under the signs of Pisces, Capricorn, and Sagittarius.
If you want to wear the listed gems, then you can and should wear them despite all beliefs. In any case, prejudices are powerless against the will of man and have not been scientifically proven. Garnet, for example, improves blood composition, topaz helps awaken energy and strength, pearls help improve the functioning of the thyroid gland and respiratory organs.
If jewelry with a stone has a positive effect on the body, gives positive emotions, reminds of pleasant events and meetings, it should be worn without paying attention to the names and characteristics that are undeservedly attributed to them. Joys and sorrows happen in the life of every person, and it is impossible to change them with the help of stones.
