The mineral variscite was named after the place of discovery in 1837 of the first specimens - the Saxon province of Variscia. This is a translucent stone of hydrothermal origin. Forms in caves with rivers or other sources of moisture. The external similarity led to another name for the stone - "California turquoise". According to the jewelry classification, variscite is a semi-precious or ornamental stone. To know and get a way to gain comprehensive happiness, many still dream of. Variscite is a gift of nature that helps to improve the quality of life.
History and origin
Despite the fact that the age of crystalline formations is hundreds of centuries old, the description and name of the mineral was given only in the first half of the XNUMXth century. Johan Breithaupt, a scientist, mineralogist, conducted a study of a green with a blue tint of a gem discovered in a Saxon deposit.
The analysis showed that the natural stone is hydrous aluminum phosphate from the variscite group, which received its name from the location.
The mineral in bluish-greenish tones has been known to mankind for a long time. Judging by the jewelry found by archaeologists, they were made in the Neolithic, as soon as people learned how to process stone.
Prehistoric fragments of products were found in Catalonia, in the vicinity of Gava. Even Pliny the Elder described how the locals adorned themselves with green beads found in local mines.
The ancient mines in Barcelona are a complex structure of mines in which the mineral was actively mined during the Neolithic era. Approximately 500 BC stones similar to Turquoise, were considered a kind of currency. Variscite necklaces were used for trading in southern European markets.
Variscite deposits
Once the mines of America, in the states of Utah and Nevada, were world famous due to the high productivity of gems. Now the development is suspended, as the stock of natural resources is almost exhausted.
Today, production is carried out in Queensland, in Australia. Variscite is actively mined in the adits of South Saxony (Germany), in mines located in Poland and Barcelona. High quality mineral is produced in Kazakhstan. Brazil is also famous for its rich deposits.
physical properties
A rare natural stone that does not reach large sizes has a glassy or waxy luster. It can be translucent or transparent, translucent at the edges. Low values indicate that the gem is soft, not cut, but is most often used in the form of beads and cabochons.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Formula | AlPO4x2H2O |
| Impurity | Fe, As |
| Hardness | 4 - 5 |
| Density | 2,4 - 2,6 g / cm³ |
| Refractive index | 1,55 - 1,59 |
| Cleavage | Perfect. |
| Kink | Uneven, even. |
| Brilliance | Glassy to waxy. |
| Syngonia | Rhombic. |
| Transparency | Transparent, translucent, translucent at the edges. |
| Color | Yellowish, bluish-green, very rare red and purple stone. |
Varieties of variscite
Of the several varieties of the mineral, the most popular are the following:
- Amatrix. Symbiosis (usually green shades) of a stone with quartz or chalcedony. Popular collectible.
- Sferit. Rounded turquoise agglomerates with a hint of azure.
- Chloryutalite. Intense green, but not "noisy" specimens.
- California turquoise. Thick green stone.
- Utalit. The green mineral comes from Utah (USA).
- Strengite. Rarely found pink variscite.
- Bolivarite. An archaic name for green stones with a yellow tint.
Pale blue stones are also distinguished by color, the shade of which changes in different lighting conditions, and red or purple variscite. Both types are taken by jewelers and collectors, but the red range is considered the rarest and more valuable.
Healing properties
Variscite is a rare stone whose healing power is not yet fully understood. According to lithotherapists, the healing stone has a high positive energy charge, which gives an amazing effect. The use of a gem in the treatment of ailments gives the following results:
- beneficial effect on the nervous system, gives a sedative effect;
- helps to control emotions, relieves mental instability, eliminates irritability and tearfulness;
- reduces the risk of depression, the appearance of apathy;
- strengthens the mental state, helps to get rid of fears, anxieties, worries and restless sleep;
- helps in the fight against chronic fatigue, which most city dwellers are exposed to;
- promotes recovery from severe nervous and mental diseases;
- improves the functioning of the genitourinary system, restores potency in men;
- contributes to the rapid recovery of the body after illnesses and injuries;
- accelerates the healing process of open wounds;
- helps to restore lost strength after physical and mental stress;
- improves the functioning of the respiratory system, helps to cope with asthma attacks and bronchial diseases;
- stabilizes the work of the musculoskeletal system.
Important! The mineral has a strengthening effect on the children's body. Its use is favorable in the treatment of colds, prevents the occurrence of complications.
Magical properties
If a person's spiritual development matters, then the vibrations of the stone help in this process. Carrying jewelry with a stone during meditation, you can easily plunge into a trance state.
If we consider what a stone looks like, what pattern or shade it has, we can judge the strength of its impact. It is known that the influence of green color on the psyche and consciousness helps to relax and immerse yourself in a meditative state, to achieve a hormonal state.
The magic stone variscite allows you to look into the depths of the inner world, to understand what mysteries are laid down from birth, it helps to reveal talent and extrasensory abilities.
According to magicians, the stone helps to penetrate into the past, to receive information hidden in the memory, and helps to restore memories of life episodes.
For those who wear jewelry with a stone, magical power contributes in all endeavors and helps to solve the following problems:
- Eliminates negativity, suppresses aggression and irritation, reduces the risk of conflict.
- Protects from the influence of dark forces, from manifestations of malice in the form of damage and curses.
- Helps to get rid of financial troubles, improves material life, well-being.
Long-term wearing of embellishments (decorations) from variscite gives an amazing result. The talisman, influencing the psyche of the owner, helps to tune in to the positive, gives optimism, gives hope for the implementation of plans.
Protecting the owner of the stone from a "bad" mood, protecting from aggressive and pessimistic people, the amulet contributes to the programming of consciousness for success in business, improving well-being, prosperity and family well-being.
The energy charge of variscite is in harmony with the energy of a benevolent person. It is unlikely that a person with malicious intent will receive the help of a magical artifact.
Jewelry with mineral
Variscite is a soft mineral, so beads and cabochons are made from it. Thanks to the healing and magical properties, the popularity of the gem is growing. For those who wish to try on a useful and beautiful decoration, a list of estimated costs for "California turquoise" is provided.
- buy a natural stone pendant for $17,5;
- price for a string of beads - $ 30;
- the cost of beads made of variscite in combination with agate $60;
- an unprocessed mineral weighing 380 grams costs $45.
Jewelry mineral is quite rare, therefore it is of high value. Most of these specimens are found in private collections.
How to distinguish a fake?
Rare, collectible gems are not easy to find on store shelves. Most often, imitation is used in products. It happens that the mineral is confused with turquoise. To avoid confusion, it is better to know their main differences - this is the transparency and color of the veins.
Variscite is characterized by pale veins, while turquoise, on the contrary, has a pronounced dark pattern. In addition, turquoise is less transparent than variscite.
The mineral has a low density and hardness, if you press with a sharp object, a trace will remain. Bright, unnatural shades of stone also indicate imitation.
By coloring cheap minerals, often of synthetic origin, they pass them off as "California turquoise". In this case, it is possible to distinguish a natural gem from a fake using chemical analysis.
Care of stone products
"Soft" gems are best kept in isolation from other minerals. For this, cases with a soft inner surface, covers made of fleecy fabric and caskets upholstered with velvet are used. And it is also desirable to protect the gem from falls and impacts, since any mechanical impact on it will damage the stone, in the form of dents, cracks and chips.
The structure of the mineral "does not tolerate" overheating, which can lead to destruction. It is not advisable to dry stone products with a hot air stream, for example, with a hair dryer, and near heating appliances. It is better to dry the jewelry in natural conditions, at room temperature or by wiping dry with a soft cloth.
Due to chemical components, the gem may lose color and luster. Gemstone jewelry can be cleaned with soapy water and running water. It is not recommended to use abrasive products and brushes with hard bristles, which are likely to leave a mark on the surface.
Important! Try to protect stone products from prolonged exposure to sunlight. Gems react to sunlight, which affects the brightness of the shade.
Compatibility with zodiac signs
The astrological properties of variscite are aimed at assisting a person on the path of his spiritual development. The compatibility of the mineral with the vibrations of cosmic bodies helps to establish harmony between a person and the outside world.
Each sign of the zodiac contains a certain baggage of knowledge, and the patronage of certain planets is fixed. These representatives of the zodiac circle have the right to count on cosmic support through the mineral.
("++" - 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 | — |
- Aries with the help of a talisman will establish harmonious relationships in the family and at work.
- The amulet will tell Sagittarius the way to improve well-being, save from unfavorable investment of money.
- Lions artifact helps in spiritual development, bestows positive energy.
- "Water" signs of the zodiac, which are distinguished by emotional stability, are not recommended to use a talisman with a stone, since the calming vibrations of the gem have a depressing effect on them.
Notes
The use of a mineral as a talisman for the purpose of protection or for spiritual maturation leads to the fact that the variscite is filled with alien energies, which affects the properties of the magical artifact. You can eliminate unwanted stock in the amulet in a simple and effective way, using salted water.
- first, the gem is washed under running water;
- then lowered into a glass with a salted solution;
- finally rinsed with clean tap water;
- dry in the shade at room temperature.
Regular cleaning will prolong the life of the stone and preserve its beauty.
