Actinolite - translated from Greek as "radiant stone" - is a mineral of the amphibole group, a class of silicates. The stone got its name because of the presence of many crystals resembling rays. Other names for the mineral are smaragdite, tremolite or emerald twine. The main components of the mineral are iron and silicon, they give the stone its characteristic green color.
History and origin
Actinolite has been known to people since ancient times, but it was first described in 1794 by Richard Kirwan, after which it got its name.
Stone deposits
The hydrothermal origin ensured the widespread occurrence of actinolite. Each deposit contains a different type of raw material.
The deposits are dispersed across the continents:
- Asia - China, Uzbekistan, India.
- Africa - Algeria, Tanzania.
- America - Canada.
- Europe - Italy, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Switzerland.
New Zealand is doing a lot of mining.
On the territory of Russia, actinolite is mined in the Urals, in Karelia, Primorye.
Physical and chemical properties of the stone
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Formula | Ca2(Mg,Fe)5[Si8O22](OH)2 |
| Hardness | 5 - 6 |
| Density | 2,9 - 3,3 g / cm³ |
| Refractive indices | nα = 1.613 - 1.646 nβ = 1.624 - 1.656 nγ = 1.636 - 1.666 |
| fragility | fragile |
| Syngonia | Monoclinic |
| Kink | Stepped, splintery |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Brilliance | glassy or silky |
| Transparency | Transparent or opaque |
| Color | Greyish green to dark green, brown, gray |
Varieties and colors
The characteristic color of the mineral is green, sometimes giving off a gray or bluish tint. The gloss is strong, closer to glass, the structure is from translucent to transparent.
According to the structure and shades, the stone is divided into:
- Smaragdite is a transparent stone of emerald green color, outwardly very similar to emerald, sometimes has a "cat's eye" overflow. It occurs mainly in ultramafic rocks. The largest deposits are Germany, Austria and the Swiss Alps.
- Nephritis - known for more than one millennium, this stone is especially revered by the Chinese. The ancients believed that white jade has a special energy that protects a person from negativity and dark forces, increases life expectancy and preserves peace and tranquility in the family. Dishes, figurines were made from it, palaces, tombs, etc. were decorated with it. Interestingly, women were strictly forbidden to wear jewelry with jade, since it was considered exclusively royal. Jade deposits are the USA, Canada, China, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Germany, Poland.
Nephritis
- Amianth - occurs in its pure form, mostly has a purple hue without dark impurities.
- Bissolite - has a fine-haired structure and a bright green color, reminiscent of the first spring greens. It is found only in the Alps and belongs to rare actinolites.
By composition, actinolite is divided into:
- Manganese - was first discovered in a manganese deposit in Japan. The most beautiful are specimens of a dark green color with irregularly folded gray-brown veins. With a lower content of manganese, the mineral will be similar to brown garnet and have colorless crystals.
- Asbestos is a parallel fibrous stone with a high iron content. In addition, it contains asbestos, which appears on the mineral with veins. Outwardly, the stone resembles shaggy grass, some specimens have the effect of a "cat's eye". Asbestos actinolite is very fragile, its fibers can disintegrate from a light touch to the stone, and upon contact with water, its crystals begin to stick together. At the same time, it is used in the production of acid-resistant materials. There is a mineral in the cracks of volcanogenic rocks, its deposits are the Urals, Northern Kazakhstan, the North Caucasus, Mongolia and Tuva.
- Byssolite, or actinolite zillerite, is formed during hydrothermal alteration of the main rocks of crystalline schists. Deposits - Canada, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Algeria, Uzbekistan and the Northern Urals (polar region).
Applications
Actinolite is a fairly beautiful mineral, and due to its composition and fairly easy processing, it is widely used in jewelry, as well as making beads for painting icons. In addition, the rarest specimens of the mineral are highly valued by collectors.
Jade and other tangled-fibrous varieties of actinolite, due to their high viscosity and ability to be easily polished, are used as an ornamental stone.
Fine-fiber specimens have good elasticity and are used as an ornamental stone and rubber filler for tires.
Medicinal properties
Actinolite enjoys the greatest success in the treatment of various skin diseases. For the treatment of peeling, lichen, eczema or fungal skin lesions, they practice the simultaneous wearing of silver bracelets with actinolite on both hands. For skin diseases on the head, it is recommended to wear earrings made of silver and stone.
In addition, actinolite has a therapeutic effect on:
- cardiovascular system;
- gastrointestinal tract;
- joints.
In folk medicine, the mineral is used to treat impotence.
Reference! It is believed that green crystals of the mineral lead to peace of mind and help cope with depression, so they are sometimes used in psychotherapy.
Magical properties
Since ancient times, magical properties have been attributed to actinolites. They were used in various rituals by shamans and sorcerers, and in Africa, with the help of a mineral, liars were recognized - it was believed that in their hands the stone began to change color and shimmer differently.
Currently, the power of the stone is associated with fidelity, wisdom and order. Amulets with actinolite are recommended for those who want to change their lives for the better, fill it with goodness and positive.
In addition, the mineral is extremely useful for people whose profession or lifestyle has constant control, decision-making, negotiations and mental work - students, scientists, lawyers, businessmen, etc.
Given its extraordinary characteristics, the stone will be useful to those who, on duty, must constantly make serious decisions and engage in negotiations. This category should include lawyers, businessmen, managers, salespeople, students, scientists.
Jewelry with mineral
Transparent crystals are used in the manufacture of high-quality and expensive jewelry - pendants, rings, rings, brooches and earrings. Dull specimens are decorated with bracelets and beads.
Stone cost
The price of an uncut stone fluctuates between $20-70, while cut minerals are much more expensive - the price of some specimens can reach up to $400.
However, prices for actinolite, mined as an ornamental stone, are much lower, since the scale of its extraction is larger.
Jewelry care
Jewelry with actinolite should be treated very carefully, as the mineral is very sensitive to pressure and shock, especially its transparent specimens.
Store such jewelry in individual fabric bags to avoid contact with surrounding surfaces and other jewelry.
Reference! Actinolite is not sensitive to heat, so it is absolutely not afraid of exposure to high temperatures.
How to wear
In order for the mineral to reveal all its magical properties to the maximum, an amulet or talisman with it should be worn so that the stone is constantly in contact with the skin.
For medicinal purposes, jewelry with actinolite is worn either on one or simultaneously on both hands, as well as on the head (earrings) and on the chest (pendants, brooches). It is desirable that the jewelry be made of silver - this noble metal enhances the healing properties of the mineral.
How to distinguish from fakes
As noted above, the mineral is not sensitive to high temperatures and acids, so you can check its authenticity with fire or acid. The fake stone will begin to melt, while the original remains unchanged.
Compatibility by zodiac signs
("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Gemini | + |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpio | + |
| Sagittarius | + + + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + + + |
| Pisces | + |
Actinolite is a universal stone suitable for all zodiac signs, but especially for Sagittarius and Aquarius. The mineral is considered a symbol of courage, courage and kindness, it is able to soften the character and disposition of its owner, make him softer, wiser and more rational.
For the correct and most powerful impact, a person must independently purchase a stone and in no case give it to anyone. Otherwise, the donated stone can take the positive energy of the previous owner and transfer it to the new one.
