All About Taaffeite

Taaffeite (another name for magnesiotaaffeite-2N2S) is a mineral belonging to the class of oxides. Most of them are located in the upper layer of the Earth’s crust, on the border with the atmosphere, since there is free oxygen there. Oxides are also found in swamps, lakes and seas.

In the fall of 1945, Earl Richard Taaffe, who lives in Dublin and is engaged in the study of gems, examined faceted spinel. Among the placers of these minerals, he unexpectedly discovered an original specimen with birefringence. For a more detailed study, the count sent a stone to the mineralogical laboratory of the British Museum.

It was confirmed there that this mineral has unique properties that have never been fixed before. In 1951, the stone was called taffeite in honor of its discoverer, but only in 1982, it was officially registered by the international mineralogical association IMA.

In the literal sense of the word, taaffeite deposits do not exist. It occurs in the form of small crystals along with chrysoberyl and spinel. Therefore, the targeted mining of this mineral is out of the question. This stone is not mined, it can only be found by chance, carefully checking the spinel for the effect of double refraction.

After the first case of the unusual discovery of this mineral, which supposedly came to Europe from the island of Ceylon, the second taffeite was found in 1949 on the island of Sri Lanka. The third stone was discovered in 1957 in the African state of Tanzania, and there 10 years later they found the fourth taffeite among spinel.

This mineral, depending on the variety, can be colorless, greenish or have a pink-purple hue. The latter indicates traces of iron in the stone. Taaffeite is characterized by glass luster and translucency, as well as double refraction. It is fragile, but has great hardness - 8-8.5 on the Mohs mineral scale.

It has a specific gravity of 3.6-3.614. The chemical formula of taaffeite is Mg3Al8BeO16. It has a difficult structure, it includes magnesium, aluminum, beryllium, iron, chromium, zinc. The chemical composition of this mineral is similar to that of spinel and chrysoberyl. The crystals are formed during metamorphism, in the process of changing the structure of the rock along with mica, tourmaline, spinel as a result of exposure to temperatures and high pressure.

Only an expert with extensive experience can distinguish an original from a fake. Special equipment is required for this purpose. Therefore, the main thing when buying is to find a qualified professional with a good reputation. Outwardly, it is extremely difficult to distinguish taffeite from spinel similar to it.

Taaffeite refers to semiprecious stones. Due to its high hardness, it can be used for jewelry processing. This stone is well polished and has an attractive appearance. But the faceted crystals that are put up for sale in the form of jewelry are very few and, of course, they have a very high cost. The rim is carefully selected for this mineral, most often gold or platinum is used.

Taaffeite has many beneficial properties for the human body. For example, he:

• helps with diabetes by normalizing blood sugar;
• has a positive effect on the circulatory system, lowers blood pressure with hypertension;
• improves sleep, relieves insomnia;
• has a calming effect on the central nervous system;
• promotes faster healing of tissues in case of injuries.

According to existing beliefs, taffeite relieves its owner of causeless anxiety and fears, sharpening intuition and creative abilities. But wearing it constantly is not recommended, as negative aspects of character can be activated. You can not wear this stone at a young age, because bad habits and apathy can develop.

This mineral is considered a symbol of well-being and family harmony, it enhances the female charm. Women are advised to wear a bracelet with a stone on their left hand, and men on the middle finger of their right hand. There is an opinion that the best amulets are made of pink taffeite.

The mineral is most suitable for Pisces, Taurus, Lions and Libra, since it itself belongs to the elements of Fire and Earth. Emotional Pisces, which can bring themselves to a nervous strain, this stone helps to find inner harmony and peace.

For hardworking Taurus, taffeite gives an understanding of the secret laws of life and helps to get rid of excessive fussiness. Lviv, who are ready for any sacrifices for the sake of their loved ones, this mineral charges with its powerful energy, gives financial well-being. Sensual Libra with the help of this mineral supports its inspiration and ability to concentrate on solving vital problems of life.

You should know that from frequent wearing, taffeite can lose brightness. Therefore, for energy recreation, the stone must be put in storage in a place inaccessible to sunlight. For this purpose, it is best to purchase a box with a velvet surface inside.

It should be remembered that This mineral is very fragile, which is why it must be protected from mechanical damage. Contaminants from the stone must be removed by washing it with running water, using a mild soap solution. The decoration with the mineral is dried using soft, delicate fabrics.

There are many interesting facts about taffeite:

• taffeite in nature is a million times less common than diamond;
• the price per gram of this mineral varies from 2.5 to 20,000 dollars (from 500 to 4,000 dollars per carat);
• musgravite, which is a kind of taffeite, is an even rarer stone - there are only 18 found specimens in the world;
• colorless taffeites iridescent with bluish or greenish shades are considered a rarity (the double refraction property creates several shades of the same color in a mineral).

Taaffeite is a unique, high-value mineral. Presenting it as a presentation is difficult due to inaccessibility. However, the donated stone will tell that the person giving it is ready for the sake of the object of his love for everything, and these are not empty words.

In the next video, you can take a look at the taffetite weighing 1 80 Ct.