Crocoite stone - one type of this mineral improves mood. Crocoite stone will not get tired of contemplating for hours.
What does the stone look like
A typical crocoite looks charming:
- It is a transparent or translucent crystal with a bright, almost diamond-like luster.
- Small specimens are like needles, large specimens are like prisms with longitudinal striations along the edges.
- The base color is yellow-orange. Shades vary from soft orange to crimson with brownish through rich orange and deep burgundy.
The dimensions of most intergrowths are up to 3 cm. In the Urals, samples are found twice as long, Tasmanian ones reach 15-40 cm.
History of discovery
The famous German chemist Johann Lehmann was the first to discover the mineral. Becoming a Russian academician in 1761, he received an offer to explore the potential of the Urals (specifically, the Berezovsky mine). And five years later revealed a massive red stone saturated with lead.
The term crocoite is a modern, slightly modified name for the mineral "crocois", which was given to the stone by the French mineralogist François Sulpice Beudan. He based on the characteristic bright orange color of the mineral, which reminded the scientist of the seasoning saffron. The Latin name of this flower is written as "crocus". Crocoite also had other names. For example, when it was first discovered in 1766, mining advisor Johann Gottlob Lehmann recorded crocoite under the name Siberian red lead.
Then Leman ground the stone to a powder and mixed it with oil, obtaining an unusually bright (and cheap) red paint.
The story did not end there, since a third of the composition of the stone remained a mystery to scientists.
The Frenchman Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin undertook to resolve it. The result of a multi-stage procedure was the production of brightly shiny needles of a metal unknown to science. They called it chrome.
No less interesting is the origin of the name of the mineral. The professional community dubbed him a "Lemanite". Since 1823, due to its resemblance to a crocus flower (or saffron), it became a crocosite, in order to be renamed into a more harmonious crocoite in a couple of years.
In German lands it is poetically called "dawn».
Physico-chemical characteristics
According to the chemical classification, the mineral crocoite is lead chromate.
Formula | PbCrO4 |
---|---|
Color | Orange red |
Line color | Orange |
Brilliance | diamond, bold |
Transparency | Shines through |
Hardness | 2,5-3 |
Cleavage | Clear |
Kink | Shelly, uneven; fragile |
Density | 5,9-6,1 g / cm³ |
Syngonia | Monoclinic |
The basic composition and formula are diversified by impurities of zinc (this kind of crocoite is called iossaite), silver and others.
Mining sites
Crocoites are mined in many parts of the Earth: the Philippines, the Americas, Germany, Austria, France, England, Australia (Tasmania). Russian deposits of stone are concentrated in the Urals.
The raw materials of each deposit can be distinguished by color.
Where to use
The properties of crocoite determined the scope of its application:
- Jewelers almost never use the stone: cutting destroys it, the cabochon is also fragile. Therefore, the assortment is scarce - pendants, pendants, brooches, earrings.
- Master stone cutters create interior products: small plastic, tableware, pyramids.
- Raw materials of ordinary standards are important as a source of chromium.
The main scope of crocoite is mineralogical collections.
The crocoite segment can be picked up for years, which is what fans do. Their goal is a complete set of samples from all deposits. Plus a variety of shapes. For example, crocoite in aragonite or druze from Tasmania.
How to wear and care
The stone is soft, fragile, fades in the bright sun. You need to take care of him delicately:
- Select a separate, opaque, tightly closed box.
- Avoid falls, bumps, contact with aggressive environments.
- Remove dirt with warm water without detergents.
The properties of crocoite force the owner to use jewelry with caution. They are not put on the beach, a summer walk in the sun. Remove before washing dishes, housework.
How to distinguish from fakes
A rare stone is forged. Almost always glass. It is distinguished by a bright, but without "acidity" color and a chaotic-harmonious texture.
Magical properties
Crocoites have a very positive effect on the mood of their owner, give him optimism and wit. Thanks to the magical properties of the gem, a person receives the attention of others, charm and eloquence.
Women should use the mystical powers of crocoite with caution, as it gives them an extremely high sex appeal, and there can be many overly obsessive and annoying admirers around. In this regard, the gem is useful for women who do not have chic external data, but want to be popular among the opposite sex.
Earrings with crocoites reveal their owner's oratorical abilities and acting talents. A ring with this mineral helps develop musical inclinations, sharpens the ear, and softens the voice. Crocoite pendants have the most powerful and powerful effect; it is believed that they stimulate the development of a person in all available directions.
Talismans and amulets with the mineral are actively used by creative people who are closely associated with art. Crocoite protects them from envy and gossip, develops talent, attracts attention and success.
Crocoite according to the zodiac
Crocoite is suitable for all signs, except for Aries: their sense of self-importance will go off scale.
The rest will find inner harmony and self-confidence with the talisman. The stone is especially suitable for shy people: it will be easier for them to establish new contacts and communicate with strangers.