Almandine: where is it mined and what properties does it have?

Among semiprecious stones, a special place is occupied by almandine, famous for its deep rich color. This stone, which is a kind of pomegranate, in addition to its external attractiveness impresses people with its magical and even healing abilities. Before buying jewelry and talismans from such a material, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the specific purposes for which it is most often used, to whom it suits, how to properly care for the stone.

Almandine is a semiprecious stone. He, unlike other minerals known to the world, has one of the darkest shades of red. This type of pomegranate is considered noble. He is incredibly popular among jewelers and is known to the world under many names:

• Albanian ruby;
• becket;
• carbuncle;
• Ceylon garnet;
• adelaide - ruby;
• anthrax;
• noble Vinnitsa;
• Siberian pomegranate.

A unique characteristic of almandine is asterism. This is an optical phenomenon in which starlight can be seen in the gem under the rays of light.

Almandine can become transparent after undergoing special treatment. And also it acquires a beautiful shine.

There is not one version about the origin of this mineral.

The most popular options include a few.

• The stone, according to the Greeks, originally belonged to two goddesses: Hestia and Demeter, who ruled over fire and earth.As a sign of worship to these goddesses, the inhabitants of Ancient Greece began to use gems as ornaments, and also decorated clothes and hats with their help.
• Another legend relates the story of a woman-snake, instead of eyes that had almandine crystals. Going into the water, she left them on the shore, and people tried in vain to capture them.
• The most true version is not a legend. The deposit of this stone was found near the city of Alabanda on the coast of the Aegean Sea.

And its name reflects the distorted name of the area. Initially, this stone was very expensive, and it could be seen only among representatives of the nobility.

Almandine has no cardinal differences from pomegranate. However, it is worth noting that this particular stone is the hardest of all representatives of the group of garnets. Both almandine and garnet symbolize passion, but each of the stones is responsible for its different components. If pomegranate protects unbridled and riotous feelings, then almandine symbolizes passion at a deeper level. It is also worth noting that the brilliance of almandine is more bright than that of pomegranate. In addition, grenade is not inherent in asterism.

The main criterion by which a number of varieties of this semiprecious stone can be distinguished is color.

The most common shades are red, purple, cherry. The last two tones are not a pure color, but rather an ebb inherent in this mineral.

Some colors can be seen quite rarely. Black belongs to them. And also transparent stones rarely come across. They are classified as jewelry. The most valuable are the red gems.

Red almandine with a purple hue is very common. In some products made of minerals, one can observe not intense red, but a slightly approximate orange tone. Among the most famous varieties of this stone are the following:

• star garnet;
• pyrope;
• spessartine;
• demantoid;
• Malaya;
• rhodolite;
• Tsavorite.

There are also more rare types of almandine:

• hydrogrossular;
• melanitis;
• hessonite;
• grossular;
• topazolite.

Almandine reserves on the planet are quite large; it is mined in various territories. Deposits are literally scattered around the world, but among them it is worth highlighting individual areas.

• Myanmar is the site of the main stone deposit.
• Territory of Karelia and Siberia.
• Finland.
• Island of sri lanka. It is characterized by the extraction of almandine in a rich red hue, which is called the “Ruby of Ceylon”.
• Sweden is famous for quarrying brown stones.
• Other locations where fishing is carried out are Alaska, Antarctica, Africa and Greenland.

Like many semiprecious stones, almandine has a set of unique properties that can be divided into 3 groups: physical, healing and magical.

This group of properties includes scientifically confirmed physical indicators characterizing the main signs of a stone from the point of view of the expediency of its use for the manufacture of jewelry and other products. Key features include:

• hardness indicator - 7.5;
• cubic syngony;
• imperfect cleavage;
• transparency indicators from transparent to opaque;
• density indicator - 4.3 g / cm 3;
• conchoid or uneven fracture;
• glossy resinous or glass type;
• the refractive index of light is 1.8.

The composition of this mineral includes elements such as silicon, iron and aluminum. Also, magnesium and calcium ions may be present.

Even ancient Indian yogis believed that almandine has a very strong positive energy, which can often change a person’s emotional state for the better and have a beneficial effect on certain situations. At this level, a mineral can provide the following types of help to those who believe in its properties:

• creating emotional balance;
• gaining self-confidence;
• assistance in self-awareness as a harmonious personality and in the acquisition of qualities inherent in a versatile person;
• getting rid of fears;
• protection from trouble;
• control over negative emotions, such as anger;
• empowerment to remain faithful;
• general improvement in mood;
• protection from evil and negativity;
• reduction in anxiety;
• protection from unpleasant and dangerous encounters on the road.

The value is also attributed to the shades of stone, which, according to the assumptions of the Indians, affect the product of a particular effect.

• If the color of almandine is scarlet or bright orange, then such a stone protects from adverse physical influences, and is also able to bring victory.
• If the color of the stone is between red and brown, then his influence is more focused on the spiritual state of man. Mineral promotes harmony.
• To increase self-confidence and relieve fears, it is better to use a mineral with raspberry or violet tones.

Although officially medicine does not confirm the healing properties of almandine, it also does not reject them.

Almandine is able to exhibit the following healing effects:

• improved metabolism;
• increased visual acuity;
• normalization of blood circulation;
• acceleration of regeneration during wound healing;
• mitigation of allergic reactions;
• improvement of the thyroid gland;
• weakening of such ailments as radiculitis and arthritis;
• enhancement of sexual abilities;
• strengthening the nervous system;
• analgesic effect;
• improving the effectiveness of the treatment of diseases of the intestines and kidneys, as well as the liver.

If we consider the compatibility of people with this stone from an astrological point of view, we can see that almandine is not combined with all zodiac signs equally. Patronizes this mineral Aries, helping them gain more energy, as well as promoting career development and personal life. The stone has an equally pleasant effect on Lviv and Capricorn. The first he gives courage and tone, and the second adds charm and charm to help with communication.

Sagittarius mineral helps to become decisive, as well as improve the general condition of the body. Almandine is able to help Aquarius realize his plans for a career and personal life. He is also a good ally of Taurus, Libra and Scorpio. But representatives of such zodiac signs as Cancer and Pisces should not use this stone. They are better off choosing grenades or other green stones. Almandine can, on the contrary, unbalance these signs.

Some consider a stone in terms of compatibility with names. Among Russians, the most successful female option is Alla. The mineral helps the owners of this name gain indulgence and softens their character, and also gives them inner strength. Among male names, the stone protects Vasily, bringing him success in love affairs and giving him courage and vitality.

Even though the cost of almandine is not very high, some scammers still fake this mineral. In order not to fall for their tricks, one should take into account several signs when choosing a stone and independently check the product in accordance with them.

• Bring the stone to the light. If, with its direct effect, the effect of asterism is not observed, then this is a fake.
• Pay attention to how saturated the color of the stone looks. Natural mineral has a very deep tone. And you can also check the product for the presence of glass shine: it is usually absent in fakes.
• Before buying, swipe the stone over the glass surface. On a real almandine, because of its strength, there will be no trace left, and the glass will be damaged. If you do not observe such a result, then you have a fake stone in front of you.

In order for almandine to remain your talisman for a long time, you should not forget to properly care for this stone. It involves the observance of certain conditions.

• Mineral should be protected from temperature changes. After them, cracks can form on the surface of the gem.
• To clean almandine, you need to use a soft cloth and a soap solution prepared in room temperature water. After processing with soapy water, wipe the stone with a damp cloth, and then wipe it dry. This procedure should be carried out at least once every 30 days or store the mineral in a place where dust does not penetrate.
• Do not leave the stone for a long time in the open sun: it does not tolerate the long exposure to bright rays very well.

About how a stone affects a person, see below.