One of the most popular and sought-after gems - spessartine - attracts attention with its aesthetic color and unusual brilliance, it seems to glow from the inside. These outstanding properties make the mineral very valuable among jewelers and collectors.
Facts from the story
From ancient times on the alpine ridge Spessart, along the river Main, one could find unusual stones. They belonged to a large family of precious stones and were called garnets. These stones were painted in warm tangerine shades and created a feeling of glow. They began to call them - tangerine grenades. In 1832, the French mineralogist F. Bédant studied the found mineral and gave it the name spessartine in honor of the ridge, where it was first discovered.
At the end of the twentieth century, pomegranate cutting and its use in jewelry were started. However, Alpine spessartine did not find widespread use in jewelry practice due to its physical properties.
Chemical composition and classification
Spessartine garnet belongs to complex aluminosilicates, in its composition, in addition to silicon oxide, there are aluminum and manganese. Its chemical formula is Mn3Al2 (SiO4) 3, but in the crystal lattice of the stone, manganese and aluminum ions are often replaced by iron impurities. In this regard, most alpine minerals are dark in color and almost opaque, and this eliminates the possibility of cutting.
Not only iron can change the properties of spessartine, but impurities of oxidized magnesium, yttrium, vanadium, as well as calcium and titanium can make up 3% of the gem mass.
Found crystal samples leave only 94% of spessartine itself.
The specific chemical composition of the stone forms its physical characteristics, such as color and degree of transparency. Low resistance to heat, a predisposition to cracking and the small linear dimensions of minerals of natural origin cause difficulties when processing stone. However, in the spessartine deposits scattered around the world, fortunately, it is possible to find quality specimens. The hardness of the stone on the Mohs scale is 7 units, and the density is 4 g / cm3, these properties allow its grinding and cutting.
Depending on the impurities contained, spessartins are divided into the following subspecies:
- branoosit - contains a small amount of aluminum and iron;
- calcium, icenspessartine - contain a sufficient amount of calcium and iron;
- emildin - has a large amount of yttrium;
- joinstonite - It is calcium spessartine of red color with visible impurities;
- spandit - This is spessartine, which has a large amount of calcium and iron or magnesium and aluminum.
The appearance of spessartine is very attractive, it glows brightly under any lighting options. The color shades of the stone are diverse: orange-red, scarlet, orange, as well as red and cherry shades.
The most expensive spessartine is an orange-red mineral, it is mined in South Africa, and its cost can rise up to $ 1,500 per 1 carat.
The cost for other shades of stone ranges from 50 to 80 dollars per 1 carat.
The main mineral deposits are located in the USA, Brazil, Australia, Sri Lanka and Madagascar. India and Southeast Asia are famous for their pink and cherry stone deposits. In the northern part of America, yellow-orange stones are more common, and garnets mined in the southern part of the country have an alexandrite effect (discoloration in different lighting conditions). In Russia, spessartine deposits are few, but in small quantities it is found in Transbaikalia and the Urals.
Use and care of products
Very often natural varieties of rough stones are found in private exhibitions and in museums. Processed spessartines are considered more exclusive and valuable.
Jewelry made of platinum, gold and silver is very harmoniously combined with various options of spessartine. Rings, brooches, pendants with pomegranate will be excellent accessories to any image and emphasize the status of its owner.
The use of spessartine and its products as talismans and charms is very popular.
Mineral products must be stored on velvet fabric in a casket.
A long stay of products in direct sunlight can lead to dimming of color and the appearance of small cracks in the stone, therefore, going on vacation in hot countries, jewelry should be left at home.
To increase positive energy and restore color, it is periodically recommended to place the mineral under a stream of cold water.
Spessartine jewelry is cleaned with a soft brush dipped in soapy water. Then they are rinsed in clean water and wiped dry with a soft cloth.
Stone magic
The fact that pomegranate has magical properties is evidenced not only by psychics, but also by ordinary lovers of expensive minerals. The mineral is especially popular with fortune tellers and magicians. They say that in the sparkling faces of the stone, one can consider future or past events. It is believed that he possesses the power of some planets: Mars, Venus, Mercury and the Sun.
The main magical properties of spessartine include:
- activation of human vital energy;
- the revival of the will to live and the increase of self-confidence;
- increasing sexual energy and attractiveness;
- amulet against accidents and injuries.
Of the healing properties of the mineral, it is worth noting the beneficial effect on human immunity, as well as the ability to get rid of stress.The gem has a positive effect on the circulatory system, stabilizes blood pressure, has an antiviral effect and reduces allergic reactions.
To feel the strength of the mineral, you must always carry it with you.
Astrologers note that the magical properties of spessartine spread to people according to the signs of the zodiac:
- Aquarius can find harmony and meaning of life;
- Sagittarius discover hidden abilities;
- Scorpions will establish relations with colleagues, bosses, acquaintances;
- Libra gain strength to resolve difficult issues;
- Crayfish will find a patron and become successful;
- Fishes gain self-confidence;
- Lions the amulet will help to strengthen mental health and find peace;
- Taurus gain faith in success;
- Aries find their soulmate;
- Capricorns can defeat laziness and be inspired to achieve their goals;
- Virgin become more confident and persistent in solving complex problems.
Experts in the field of astrology and esotericism advise men to wear spessartine jewelry, since the stone radiates precisely male energy. The mascot helps its owner to increase income, accelerate business development, strengthen willpower, get rid of bad habits, increase positive energy and protect oneself from the evil eye.
The predominance of male energy in stone does not mean that it should not be worn by women. On the contrary, owners of jewelry with Spessartine will be able to solve problems in their personal lives, meet their fiancée.
In ancient times, it was believed that spessartine helps women in labor, helps to cure skin diseases, and restores the body's metabolic processes. The ancient healers noted that the action of the orange-red crystal helps to relieve anxiety, relieve depression and stabilize the emotional background.
Semi-precious spessartine attracts the admiring glances of collectors, mineralogists, jewelers. Thanks to the rare colors of natural shades, the mineral looks great in jewelry and gives the owner an elegant look. For people interested in astrology, numerology and magic, this stone will come to the rescue with its fantastic magical properties.
See the following video for details on the jewelry varieties of pomegranate.
