Description and characteristics of orange stones. Types, names and colors of precious stones for jewelry and jewelry: list, short description with photos

/ Orange stone

Bright, juicy and warm orange can be liberating and liberating. This color affects a person and makes him more tolerant towards others. That is why orange stones are in demand and are widely used in both construction and jewelry.

Today the group of orange minerals is quite large. These minerals can have a variety of shades, rich, deep and light - this is the traditional orange color, and colors with red or brown shades. Some specimens also have honey tints.

Like any other colored minerals, oranges are divided into categories: they can be precious, semi-precious and decorative.

Precious stones, which can also be called the concentration of the sun in the mineral, give optimism and joy, endow their owner with the power of life. These gems fill you with energy, inspiration, improve mood and make your thinking more flexible. The ability of this mineral can hardly be overestimated, because it also contributes to the good rest of a person. Orange is bright, juicy and positive. In an interior decorated using this shade, no blues are scary.

Topaz

Cornelian

Garnet

opal

Orange stones will be very useful for people who spend a lot of time at work, because the contemplation of the orange color is perfectly relaxing. If we talk about jewelry, then orange topaz will perfectly cope with the above task. One look at jewelry with such a mineral will soothe and energize.

Many fiery minerals of this color are mined today in South America, there are deposits of orange stones in Europe, Asia, Africa, and in North America.

Orange stones in jewelry

Jewelry with orange precious and semi-precious stones is very beautiful. Combines these minerals with different metals, both white and yellow flowers... These stones can easily coexist with other natural materials.

These minerals are very often used to create bracelets, pendants, earrings, and beads. These gems are also used to decorate rings and rings. Both a woman and a man can choose a product with such a mineral. It will be appropriate for everyone. As a young girl, so an elderly woman can safely wear jewelry made of these stones.

The most popular stones are the well-known topaz, opal, garnet and carnelian. You can also find an orange diamond. In the category of semi-precious stones, amber and tiger's eye, jasper and agate hit records in popularity.

Orange tourmaline and sapphire are at a very high price. There is a variety of grossular in orange. Corundum, spessartine, sadonix can also be attributed to honey-colored stones.

These minerals have been sung in songs more than once, they are also remembered in poetry, they are depicted in paintings. They also create the most real premises using these precious and semi-precious stones. What is only the amber room in the Hermitage - this is the most a real masterpiece, which is worth seeing once!

A lot of good words it is also said about such an orange stone as jasper. In Japan, this mineral is held in high esteem. There, in everyday speech, they often use such an epithet as "jasper", which means beautiful and wondrous. This stone belongs to three things that are called sacred relics for the Japanese, like a mirror and a sword.

Orange stones can be very different, there are some that shine very beautifully. Particularly original is the padparadscha stone, which is most often found in Sri Lanka.

Many stones of this color are a type of some kind of mineral that is painted in a different base color. But there are some natural materials, which are exceptionally orange. These include carnelian, in which, in addition to orange, there are also streaks of gray and white, black.

Minerals of this color are used to make not only decorations, but also a lot of interior items and various crafts. Amber is very often used in arts and crafts. Pictures, figurines, beads and earrings will not only decorate their owner and his home, but also have a bactericidal effect.

Orange stones and construction

Natural orange stones will help to add warmth and coziness to the house. Nature has generously endowed man with such practical and beautiful materials that can be used for interior decoration both outside and inside. Sun-colored stones, such as shell rock, are widely used not only during the construction and renovation of a house. It can be safely used to decorate the landscape, because it has a very bright and rich color.

From such a mineral as the Emelyanovsk rubble stone, it is possible to erect both supporting walls and building fences.

All products made from it are not only practical, but also environmentally friendly.

In the jewelry industry, orange stones are often used - precious and semi-precious, and in the production of jewelry - ornamental. Color palette fire gems are varied: from light orange to bright and deep honey with a red or brown tint. Orange stone is associated with sunlight, warmth and also gold. Some of them have been known since ancient times, while others became popular only in the 20th century.

Orange-colored stones are bright, invigorating, as if the energy of the Sun is embodied in them. They lift your spirits, energize, optimism and help develop flexibility in thinking. This color symbolizes fun, joy and bright emotions.

People who prefer orange stones are positive, creative and outgoing personalities.

Gems

Among the precious gems of solar color, the most popular are orange sapphire or padparadscha, heliodor, opal and diamond.

Sapphire

The pink-orange variety is called Corundum Padparadsha (Padparadsha). In Sinhalese it means “lotus color”, as the stone has an original combination of shades. It is a very rare and expensive mineral.

Padparadscha is widely used for medical purposes. He is credited with the ability to improve immunity and prevent development viral diseases... In addition, orange sapphire works well for heart disease and skin problems.

Padparaji has a lot magical properties... As an amulet, he actively acts against love spells and at the same time is able to attract the necessary person. This gem helps to strengthen family relationships and bring back understanding.

Opal

Fire opal is called "Mexican" because of its wide distribution in Mexico. He is an excellent assistant in the fight against nervous breakdowns and depression. Able to instill confidence and optimism in its owner. In addition, the gem helps the development of mental activity and fights infectious diseases.

Diamond

The orange variety of diamond is extremely rare. This color is called fantasy. The deep rich color is reminiscent of the glow of autumn leaves. Crystals with yellow, brown and pink shades.

The owner of an orange diamond jewelry will certainly feel the vitality and power of this fiery gem. It is perfect for people who want to refresh their senses and get a boost of vivacity.

Heliodor

The discovery of the stone dates back to the early 20th century. The name of the gem is not given by chance, it is translated from Greek as "gift of the sun". The color range of heliodor is extensive and includes radiant shades: from light golden to dark honey. The stone is recommended for people with heart problems.

Heliodor is able to calm and relieve stress. Also, an orange crystal can attract good luck and love, improve mood and drive away negative thoughts.

Semi-precious minerals

This group includes agate, topaz, pomegranate and carnelian. Famous orange minerals are zircon, citrine and spinel.

Topaz

The stone has many useful healing properties. For example, it is able to normalize sleep, relieve depression and eliminate bouts of aggression. Orange topaz affects the vigorous activity of the right hemisphere of the brain, thereby showing a person's creative abilities. Due to its rich golden color, it adds positive and brings to life bright colors.

Garnet

This is the most popular stone in jewelry making. It has many colors, and the bright orange variety is called spessartine.

The gem is able to cope with lung diseases. To do this, you must wear a pendant around your neck with it. If you are worried about throat problems, put on a bracelet with this mineral on your right hand. Also, the gem helps to strengthen the immune system and improves heart function. Orange garnet is considered to be a symbol of fidelity, so it is ideal for couples in love.

Another type of stone is grossular, which contains calcium. Has a rich palette of shades: from olive to pink-red. The amber species is called suckinite. It owes its name to the Latin version of the word "gooseberry", as it looks like this berry.

Agate

Has impressive appearance: it seems to glow from the inside. Its color is varied, but most often with stripes. There is an opinion that the name of the mineral comes from the name of the Achates River, where it was mined.

There is a legend that the fire gem was reputed among the favorites of the goddess of the harvest. It has a number of amazing magical and medicinal properties. For example, it is an excellent protective barrier against evil spirits... The owner of the orange agate is bound to become an optimist. As for the healing side, the stone helps to eliminate toothache, irritability, improves nighttime sleep and relieves stress.

Cornelian

Carnelian has a very rich, centuries-old history. It has been known since primitive times. In antiquity, this honey-colored stone was widely used for medicinal purposes. The ancient Greeks appreciated carnelian as much as diamond.

Mineral with orange color is characterized by color veins: black, white and gray. The fiery copper shade is so bright and spectacular that it is often called the "sun stone".

It has a beneficial effect on memory, promotes the manifestation of a person's oratorical gift. In addition, it strengthens the body's defenses and brings love and prosperity to its owner.

Citrine

It is a fiery red variety of quartz, also called Madeira. The semiprecious mineral got its interesting and unusual name from French where it stands for "lemon yellow".

Its medicinal properties have been known since time immemorial. IN Ancient rome the stone was actively used as a decoration and a talisman against snake bites. Madeira's bright sunny color charges with positive energy.

It will be very useful to wear citrine in the form of a pendant for those who are afraid to speak in public. He will give them more confidence and make them liberated. If a person is worried about a bad dream, then a ring with this orange stone will help to cope with the problem.

Decorative and ornamental

The main characteristics by which ornamental gems differ from precious ones are the lack of transparency and glassy luster. This group includes jasper, tiger's eye and amber.

Jasper

It is an opaque stone with a variety of shades. Orange jasper helps to rejuvenate the body and fill it with energy. It is also known to help restore vision and improve digestion.

Tiger's Eye

This orange stone is characterized by unusual tints like silk and has yellow, black and brown stripes. The so-called "tiger's eye" effect is especially noticeable in sunlight. Wearing this solar mineral will make its owner wiser, more insightful and add an extra burst of energy. Also, the gem helps to avoid reckless and reckless actions.

Amber

It is one of the most popular orange stones in the decorative arts. It is used to decorate figurines, caskets, decor items. It has unique healing properties... The mineral contains iodine, which makes it a good disinfectant. Excellent fights against diseases of the thyroid gland and even facilitates the course of cancerous tumors.

This stone will help reveal to its owner psychic abilities, will make it more successful and will add optimism.

Products with orange stones

Decorations using fire crystals are distinguished by their genuine beauty. They are best suited for people with dark skin, complementing and highlighting the color.

Orange stones get along well with other minerals, they are suitable for a setting made of any noble metal. They are popular for making jewelry: rings, signet rings, pendants, beads, bracelets, earrings. Moreover, such products with orange gems are not tied to a specific age category, that is, they can be worn by both young ladies and older ladies.

The most sought-after orange gemstones are sapphire and opal. Among the semiprecious ones, agate, jasper, tiger's eye and amber stand out. Orange tourmaline and topaz are also in great demand among jewelers.

However, fire gems are used not only in the jewelry industry, they are also used for interior decoration and for the manufacture of crafts and interior items.

The sun ensures success in business. In our body, the Sun is in charge of the life principle, gives healthy strength, and ensures vital activity. People under the influence of the Sun are healthy, beautiful, have a clear complexion, blue or grey eyes, broad shoulders, straight and proud posture.

The sun is an active element that personifies will, an indicator of an immortal spirit.

The glare of the sun echoes with gold, orange and yellow colors. In ancient times, the pastoralist and farmer depended primarily on the cosmic forces of nature, among which the sun was the main one.

The sun is the very first god of a working person, he gives warmth for the cultivation of herbs, cereals, fruits.

Eastern hymns to the Sun are magnificent examples of philosophy, poetry, and prose. All the sun gods are dressed in aolot clothes and ride around in golden chariots.

The role of the Sun for people of different levels of consciousness was characterized by ancient astrologers as follows: the Sun for a developed person is the Lord of life, for an underdeveloped person - a Happy star. It determines its influence on the lives of people from 19 to 37 years old.

Orange color is liberating, liberating both physically and mentally, psychologically contributes to a more tolerant attitude towards each other, strengthens the will.

Our second energy chakra, responsible for the genitourinary sphere, our most powerful energy source, located on the spine at the level of the pubis, is colored orange. This chakra is called Svadhisthana. It contains the dormant Kundalini energy. Orange is a rejuvenating color that nourishes.

Orange has the ability to regenerate nerve and muscle tissue. In our aura, orange indicates the strength of the intellect, its shades characterize the level of intellect development, its “earthiness” or an impulse to heights, to perfection, to spirituality - accordingly, enlightenment goes from orange to golden yellow.

Orange helps to move forward on the path of spirituality. At the same time, orange is able to maintain sexuality, heals diseases associated with disorders of the genitourinary system. According to Ayurveda, orange has a healing effect on diseases caused by wind and moisture, improves blood circulation and skin color. An excess of orange causes the body to overheat.

Medicinally, orange is very effective in spleen disease, improves food digestion and distribution throughout the body. A very high therapeutic effect is observed when exposed to orange in all diseases of the pulmonary system / lungs, trachea, bronchi, larynx, pharynx, esophagus / and the use of orange is especially good in patients with bronchial asthma.

As the color of vitality and warmth, this color regulates metabolic processes, influences the work of our endocrine glands. Its effect is curative for the weakened work of the heart. We recommend orange color in complex treatment epilepsy, because it tends to penetrate into the deep structures of tissues, in particular, into the structure of the nervous and muscle tissue.

Jasper. From orange flowers The most accessible and widespread stones are honey-orange jasper and carnelian. You can talk and write about jaspers endlessly. This is a "picture gallery of nature" - a natural hermitage. A date with a jasper is a charge of cheerfulness, it is penetration into the secret treasure of nature, and sometimes it seems that this is a chronicle of the earth and all the events that took place on earth and left their inimitable trace. The author has a piece of jasper, large enough, donated by friends, on which one can very clearly distinguish a drawing similar to N. Roerich's painting "Santana". This Sanskrit word, meaning the endless stream of life, is the name of the Center traditional medicine Santana.

In Japanese poetry, jasper and pearl are constant epithets used in the meaning of "beautiful, wondrous", etc., and in general, beautiful jasper is a metaphor for a beautiful lover, a beauty.

Jasper was treated with special respect in Japan. When a messenger was sent on an errand, or as a sign of greetings, or with special news, jasper was tied to the branch of the adzusa tree.

Jasper symbolized human life, jasper thread is a metaphor for human life, and its “torn thread” is the fragility of human existence.

In Japan, there are three sacred relics - Mirror, Jasper and Sword, symbols of the sun goddess Ama-terasu - all revered, valuable and secret.

In Ayurveda, heliotrope (blood jasper), in addition to its blood-purifying and hemostatic properties, was attributed to the ability of spiritual education of children, a transforming influence on the qualities of the soul, their ennobling and love. According to the ancient sages, this green jasper with red blotches carries Fire and Water, which allows it to have a healing effect in diseases of the liver, spleen, as well as in anemia (anemia). Rishis recommend wearing a heliotrope necklace or pendants near the heart. Jasper not only amazes with the beauty and uniqueness of landscape sketches, it protects a person from diseases, helps to align relations between people, to reconcile them. This beautiful stone strengthens a person's sense of duty and honor, which is very important today, when duty is forgotten, and the concept of "honor" is completely lost. Jasper orange shades are day stones, high-energy universal healers.

Padparadscha. Of the transparent orange stones, there is a unique stone of the brilliant korund family - this is padparadscha, "morning dawn". If we assume the Senegalese origin of this word, then the name of this stone comes from the words "padma rajan" - the color of the lotus. Rare orange corundums are very beautiful and spectacular, they are found mainly in Sri Lanka.

Classification of precious stones. Varieties of precious stones by color. How to identify a real stone among the many forgeries, imitations and hacks?

Today, jewelry professionals have a much harder time than their predecessors. If a few decades ago a genuine gem could be easily distinguished from a fake even visually, in the world of modern technology and progress it is almost impossible to do this by eye.

In addition to the well-known glass hacks, imitators of expensive stones from cheaper minerals, today appeared on the jewelry market New Product- a stone grown in laboratory conditions. Such a creation by human hands visually looks no worse than a mineral created by nature for many decades, but it costs several times cheaper. How to distinguish a genuine natural stone from a fake or unnatural stone? What precious minerals are there?

What stones, gems and minerals belong to precious precious stones: classification of precious stones

• It will be quite difficult for a beginner to understand the complex classifications of gemstones. The fact is that today there are quite a few of them: Sobolevsky, Kluge, Kievlenko, Gurich, Bauer-Fersman, etc.
• In order not to dwell specifically on each of the classifications, we will try to make one, generalizing, excluding facing stones from it:
• The first category of stones is precious stones (the most expensive, valuable stones). This category of minerals includes diamond (brilliant), ruby, emerald, sapphire, alexandrite, etc.
• The second category of stones is semiprecious stones (more common, but no less valuable). A similar category of minerals includes: amethyst, aquamarine, almadine, apatite, garnet, rock crystal, opal, quartz, topaz, tourmaline, zircon, chrysolite, etc.
• The third category is jewelry and ornamental stones. These include: agate, turquoise, amber, cat's eye, Moonstone, lapis lazuli, malachite, jasper, tiger's eye.
• Some classifications group stones into similar categories, however, they also subdivide minerals into classes. The class testifies to the strength of the stone, its high value and beauty.

Black gems: name, description, photo

In nature, there are so many minerals that stand out for their black color. Some of them are so rare that it is almost impossible to find any information about them. In many cases, the name "black" stone can be considered relative, since in fact the mineral has a lighter or not uniform color. Here are the most common black stones in the jewelry industry:

Gems

Black diamond or carbonado

Black Diamond is the greatest rarity and value in jewelry. However, it is worth noting that he never reaches the jewelry, since its cutting and processing is very difficult - it can only be done with the help of the same stone. Only a handful of such stones are listed in the jewelry annals, the most expensive of which was estimated at $ 1.7 million. The other two became known under the names "Black Star of Africa" ​​and "Korloff Noir".

Real black sapphire does not exist in nature. Almost all black sapphires are the work of scientists. They are obtained by processing blue sapphires. The very few black sapphires that are of natural origin, in fact, can hardly be called black, since their color is closer to the color of the sky at night. The most famous black sapphire is the "Black Star of Queensland" worth $ 100 million.

This kind of pearl is also difficult to consider as truly black, since its darkness is softened by the pearl's mother-of-pearl. However, the cost of such a curiosity remains quite high to this day. The rarest examples of black pearls are collected in Tahiti in the corresponding museum.

This type of opal is considered one of the most expensive and valuable species. Most often, this mineral is found in deposits located in the least developed countries of the world, which causes numerous human losses during its extraction.

Black spinel is one of the most inexpensive types of black gemstones. Its cheapness is easily explained by the fragility of the stone and the complexity of its processing. Most often, spinel is used in handicrafts or jewelry in the form of cabochons.

Semiprecious stones

Black quartz or morion is the only representative of black semi-precious stones. This mineral is most often used in jewelry today. Outwardly, it has an opaque or barely transparent surface.

Jewelry and semi-precious stones

In fact, black agate does not exist in nature. You can only find minerals of a dark coal color. A rich black color can be achieved only with the help of technological processing of this stone.

Other representatives of jewelry ornamental stones black colors are: black onyx, obsidian, black jasper or jet, hematite, mudstone and hypersthene.

White gems: name, description, photo

Naturally white or naturally transparent minerals are considered the most expensive and valuable stones in jewelry. White gemstones include:

Diamond or brilliant

It is a transparent diamond or an already cut part of it (a diamond) that first comes to mind of any person (especially women) when they mention white gemstones. Indeed, this mineral is considered one of the most sought after. Its high cost is easily explained by the few deposits of this mineral in the ground. At the same time, only a small fraction of all mined diamonds are suitable for cutting.

Transparent spinel

Unlike its black sister, white spinel is a rather expensive stone with a high strength. Impeccable purity and the fact that this mineral does not contain any impurities makes it even more valuable. White spinel is most often used in luxury jewelry.

Colorless topaz

With the naked eye, this mineral is easily confused with a diamond. However, upon close examination, differences can be found. In jewelry, it is customary to frame colorless topaz in noble white metals - gold, platinum.

Goshenite or colorless beryl

Goshenite is also very similar in appearance to a diamond, but its shine can rather be called more chilling, restrained.

Pearl

White pearls have always managed to captivate women with their warmth and tenderness. Oddly enough, but in nature, pearls rarely have a round shape (such representatives are highly valued) - more often they are oblong, uneven. Pearls also have one more feature - their lifespan. If ordinary minerals will delight the eye with their beauty forever, then the pearl can "go out" at any moment. The life span of this mineral does not exceed 300 years.

Achroite or white tourmaline

This kind of rock is very rare, since its deposits are located only at one point on the map. Achroite is rarely found in the form of jewelry. Such pleasure can be ordered only in a few jewelry workshops in the world.

Semiprecious white stones include white agate, rock crystal and white opal.

Jewelry and ornamental stones can boast the presence in their list of such white minerals as milk coral, white jasper, moonstone, white-green jade.

Blue gems: name, description, photo

Blue or cornflower blue sapphire

Only an experienced specialist will be able to distinguish between these two types of mineral by eye. Blue sapphire is valued somewhat less than cornflower blue, but it is still considered a gem. As for the cornflower-blue sapphire, in ancient times it was used only for the incrustation of royal dresses and jewelry.

Topaz

Topaz is most often found in a blue color, but in nature it can also be found in other colors - yellow, green, orange, etc. Topaz is not a very expensive mineral. Most often it is framed in white precious metals - platinum, White gold... Such metals, as it were, accentuate its delicate radiance.

Already from the very name of the mineral, its origin and associations associated with it becomes clear. The sea color of this stone helps jewelers create blue masterpiece jewelry. Fans of aquamarine should pay attention to the fact that this mineral is quite fragile - exposure to chemicals, mechanical damage and heat treatment negatively affect its condition.

This color of the stone is extremely rare, which leads to a rather high price for it. Framed, it can be found only in the exclusive creations of jewelers, which are often kept in private collections and cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Semiprecious blue stones include: zircon, chalcedony.
Ornamental blue stones are considered turquoise, apatite, bezoar, amazonite.

Blue gems: name, description, photo

Sapphire

Topaz

Lapis lazuli is a gemstone that is most often framed in yellow gold. This mineral is believed to have strong medicinal and protective properties.

Semiprecious blue stones include turquoise, which has dozens of shades of blue, green and light blue.

Red gems: name, description, photo

Perhaps, every person at the mention of red gemstones immediately comes to mind a ruby. This stunningly beautiful mineral is widely used in jewelry. It is framed in various kinds of precious metals - gold, platinum, silver. A jewel encrusted with ruby ​​can be quite expensive - everything will depend on the metal, as well as the amount and size of the minerals. Since ancient times, many magical and healing qualities have been attributed to the ruby. This stone has always been associated with love, passion and desire.

Semiprecious red stones include garnet, zircon, carnelian, coral.

Pomegranate, carbuncle or pyrope

In the myths of various ancient states, mentions of this mineral were very often found. It was believed that the pomegranate is able to heal from many ailments, block the action of poison and poison.

As for ornamental stones, their most famous representative in red is jasper.

Pink gems: name, description, photo

Until recently, this soft pink gemstone was not singled out as a separate subgroup - it was simply considered one of the varieties of amethyst. However, thanks to the works of the American Kunz (whose name he was named), this mineral, on the basis of its composition, which differs from amethyst, was nevertheless recognized as a completely different stone.

In the early 90s, the attention of the entire public was riveted to kunzite. He owed such popularity to the Kennedy family. The fact is that the American president, on the eve of his tragic death, acquired Jacqueline a ring inlaid with kunzite. But John was never destined to give a present to his beloved wife - a month before the celebration he was shot.

Morganite or pink beryl

Morganite (vorobyevite in Russia) is a rather rare mineral. Most often, they are adorned with products in a company with diamonds.

Rubellite or pink tourmaline

Rubellite is a fairly inexpensive, but no less beautiful gem. Its resemblance to a ruby ​​in ancient times played into the hands of fraudsters. It was with this mineral that more expensive rubies were forged.

Semi-precious stones of pink color include quartz, agate, corundum.
As for ornamental stones, nature often colors jasper, coral, rhodochrosite and rhodonite pink.

Green gems: name, description, photo

Naturally, the most famous green gem is the emerald. Few people know that in its original appearance this mineral can hardly be called beautiful - only after high-quality cutting it is possible to recognize the king of green stones in it. Emeralds are most often framed in yellow metals. In a white version, they can only be found in a company with white gold and platinum. The price of emeralds is sometimes simply fabulous - from $ 300 per carat.

Demantoid or green garnet

The high refractive index of the sun's rays of demantoid raises it to the level of the most regal stone - diamond. Most often, green garnet is confused with emerald, although its color, unlike the latter, is closer to the color of the grass. For one carat of this gem, you will have to pay from $ 100 to $ 1000.

Burgundy gemstones How to distinguish a real gem from a fake?

It will not be difficult for a jeweler or high-class appraiser to identify the authenticity of a stone with the help of special tools and devices. As for the inexperienced man in the street, it will be very difficult for him to distinguish a real stone from a fake. In such cases, professionals recommend using the following techniques:

1. Natural stone is usually much stronger than glass or plastic counterfeits. If you hold it with a sharp object, then no trace should remain on it. In this case, a scratch may form on a fake. But this method is relevant only when it is necessary to distinguish hack from a real stone - if in the product instead of a precious stone top level Since a natural, but less expensive mineral is involved, there is no point in conducting such an experiment.
2. Natural stones have a cold touch. If you put a stone on your tongue or put it on your cheek, it will remain cold for a long time. If glass or plastic is used in the product, the stone will heat up quickly enough.
3. Natural stones grown in the bowels of the earth are rarely large, but artificial minerals created in laboratories can reach more impressive sizes.
4. The colors of natural stone are rarely very rich and bright. At the same time, creating a hack of any color and shade is quite simple.
5. Do not count on the fact that a natural stone will cost a penny - the price per carat of a precious mineral can reach thousands and hundreds of dollars.
6. When buying a product with natural stones you can ask the seller to provide a certificate for the authenticity of the stones.

In fact, all precious minerals have completely different chemical and physical properties... Therefore, the identification of each of them must be approached individually.

Gems: Video

How to distinguish a gem from a natural one: Video

Precious stones play a big role in people's lives.

Sometimes it is not at all easy to figure out which of them are considered precious and which are semiprecious. Moreover, in different historical epochs, different stones were evaluated differently and the evaluation criteria are also very different. Sometimes it means the hardness or rarity of the stone, sometimes - its beauty.

Precious natural stones

A kind of beryl. The name itself is translated as sea water, and was given for its blue color. The color depends on the amount of iron ions (there are green, blue, yellow, golden and even pink). From bright sunlight they lose their color, which is best seen under artificial lighting.

One of the hardest minerals (Ural chrysoberyl), it has an amazing ability to change color under different lighting conditions. Color - from dark blue to emerald, which becomes red and purple under artificial light.

The king of stones, the diamond is the most expensive gem. Has a very high strength and light refractive index. It can be either colorless or other colors. Usually transparent is used in jewelry (about 20% of the total, the remaining 80% in industry). It becomes a diamond after cutting. Its most effective ability is crushing light into bright sparks that fan out around the faceted middle.

Beryls are a huge class of different stones, some of which have a separate name. In composition, it is a silicate of beryllium and aluminum, it has completely different colors. The color depends on impurities of magnesium, iron, manganese, etc. Varieties of beryl: emerald, aquamarine, heliodor, goshenite and many others. The most expensive variety in the world is red biscuit.

The most ancient gemstone, known for more than 5 thousand years. The name comes from the Persian "firuza" (stone of happiness). It has a variable chemical composition, the color depends on the amount of copper contained. In the process of aging, it has the ability to change color. The most valuable is blue turquoise, other shades (yellow-green or blue, but with black and brown streaks) have a lower gem quality.

This is a green variety of tourmaline, only green in color, which is determined by impurities of compounds of chromium and iron. Due to the uneven distribution of impurities over the stone, a play of light is created. It is also called "Brazilian emerald", because mined in Brazil.

It is called "golden beryl". The most valuable are yellow-green, lemon, golden-yellow heliodors, as well as white and gray beryls. Sometimes they have an impurity of uranium and have a weak radioactivity, therefore they cannot be worn on the body or kept in the house.

One of the most beautiful gems. A transparent red stone, the name of which comes from the fruit of the same name, the grains of the fruit of which resemble the dark red crystals of pomegranate. The name was first used by the alchemist A. Magnus (13th century). This stone also includes many red stones: almandine (red and purple, crimson), andradite (yellow, green, red and brown), pyrope (dark red) and others.

Ural variety of chrysolite (grassy bright green, sparkling), one of the rare varieties of pomegranates. It is considered the most valuable gemstone among garnets of different colors. The play of light on faceted specimens is not inferior to the diamond one, therefore it is also called "diamond-like".

The waste product of mollusks is of two types: sea and river. Natural pearls grow in a shell for 12 years. One of the important properties is a pearlescent shine, one of the most popular gemstones.

Pearl colors: white, yellow, golden, pink, reddish brown, cream, silver, lead gray, blue and black. Pearls have a lifespan, tarnish and dry out over time, therefore, its proper storage, or rather wearing, is of great importance. he has the ability to "prettier" from contact with the human body.

A variety of beryl with a dense green transparent color (chromium color), a very rare and expensive stone. It has been known since the times of Ancient Egypt and Babylon. It got its name from the Persian "zumrundi" (green). Colors from light green to luscious emerald are used in jewelry. The largest emerald found in Brazil weighed 7.5 kg.

Coral is an organogenic stone, the result of the life of marine polyps(live in colonies on coral reefs), consisting of calcite and aragonite, are mined in large quantities. Jewelers usually use 2 types: red and black (akabar), the rarest type is blue (akori). Used for decoration since ancient times among the Sumerians, Greeks, Egyptians.

Golden yellow with a blue tint, the opaque stone has a "cat's eye" effect, which is obtained when processing a cabochon - a silvery band of light appears, cutting the stone in half.

A variety of spodumene, lithium amethyst, owed its name to the mineralogist J. Kunz. The color is transparent, yellow, pink with purple hues. Its disadvantage is the possibility of loss of color when worn and exposed to sunlight.

An opaque mountain mineral of deep blue color (sulfur anions). Soft and easy to handle. Natural is opaque and translucent (unlike its counterfeits). In ancient times it was called sapphire, and the name "lapis lazuli" appeared only in the 18th century.

A kind of quartz, its main advantage is the radiation of various rays under the influence of sunlight, causing a play of colors (opalescence). The most expensive are black opals, and the unusual "harlequins" have a motley mosaic pattern, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow.

Rauchquartz (smoky quartz)

A kind of crystalline quartz, the colors are gray, honey-brown, almost black, but always transparent. It is also called smoky rock crystal for its beauty and value. Most beautiful stones golden brown with the effect of diverging star rays. The crystals found can weigh up to several tons.

Ruby (corundum)

Red stone, the second hardest after diamond, which is why it is now more expensive. It has many names (carbuncle, yahont, corundum). The value of the stones is expressed even in the fact that each stone has its own name, but after the discovery and production of artificial rubies (which almost do not differ in appearance) it lost its fame.

Corundum, which in Russia was called "azure yacht", is a transparent deep blue color. Quite an expensive gem, the most famous and valuable specimens are mined in India (Kashmir sapphires). Sometimes they have the optical effect of asterism.

Topaz (imperial)

There are many colors and shades, the most valuable - yellow, pink, cherry, blue, fade in bright sunlight. There are colorless and multicolored topazes, with transitions between several colors, unevenly colored.

This is a green garnet. In translation it means "golden stone" (Greek), earlier so called Iberils, and tourmalines, and some pomegranates. The color is golden-green or golden-yellow, rarely olive or pistachio-colored.

Zirconium silicate, a mineral that has a variety of colors: brown shades, white, red, green, etc., which are determined by impurities. Has a strong brilliance, like diamonds, and several names: hyacinth, jargon, stalite, etc. Disadvantage - may have radioactive impurities.

"Stone of the sun", although it can be called a stone only conditionally, since is the resin of conifers hardened in prehistoric times. The Baltic amber is 35 million years old. Especially appreciated by jewelers are transparent pieces without bubbles and water. Color range from white to black, all shades of yellow-red (350 shades in total).

Semi-precious natural stones

A variety of chalcedony and quartz, it has an original patterned or layered color: transitions from yellow, orange to red, brown and black, as well as green shades. The pattern of stripes and layers often creates original paintings: patterns with forest plants are appreciated by the inhabitants of the East, they were given the name "moss agate"; with a tree-like pattern - dendrites, as well as cloudy, landscape, rainbow and fiery, frosty and black.

A kind of quartz, color - from lilac to dark purple shades, colorless specimens are also found in nature. The color is always uneven and can change from light or heat.

This stone is very similar to jade(earlier they were even called by the same name "zhad"). It has a green color, but there are also white, pink, blue and purple stones. It is very popular in China, where vases, jewelry, amulets, etc. have been made from it for many centuries.

One of the most common minerals, it is very hard. The varieties of quartz are subdivided into: rock crystal, smoky quartz, amethyst, chalcedony, citrine, rose quartz, carnelian, heliotrope, agate, onyx, cat's eye, tiger's eye, hairy and many others.

Mineral from the spar group. In jewelry, transparent blue and yellow stones are used, the most valuable are adularia - transparent white with a silver-blue mother-of-pearl overflow. A characteristic sign of naturalness is the phenomenon of adularization (when rotating, it sparkles, a flash when light is reflected in the inner layers). Spars with a pattern of asterisks are rare.

A hard stone of dark green color, sometimes grassy green with an oily and waxy sheen, the color is very persistent. It has been used since ancient times (especially in the East) for the manufacture of religious jewelry and household items. Varieties: red (very rare and expensive), gray-blue, deep green, dark green, etc. In China, it is called the "stone of tranquility."

Extracted from the inner layer of pearl shells of tropical seas(Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Pacific Islands). Colors - from white to black, iridescent tint is characteristic. It has long been used as an inexpensive material for inlaid jewelry, buttons and cufflinks.

Translucent chalcedony of green colors and shades, the deeper the color and more transparency, the more expensive. It is a close relative of agate and carnelian. In bright light, it can fade, then it is wrapped in a wet cloth for a while, and the color is restored.

Colorless highly transparent quartz in the form of crystals, after polishing shines beautifully, which is why it was previously believed that it radiates cosmic energy. Not only decorations were made, but also dishes and cups.

Citrine (golden topaz)

The original variety of transparent quartz, yellow-lemon color(citrine in translation from the Latin "lemon").

Ornamental natural stones

Belongs to the group of feldspars, has necessarily the inclusion of mica flakes, hematite, goethite, native copper. Therefore, it has a golden tint with sparks and shine.

Black stone of organic origin, it is sometimes called "black amber", because its appearance is also associated with conifers. It has long been used for the manufacture of rosaries, beads and amulets (among Buddhists and Muslims).

Dark green opaque chalcedony. Previously called "blood jasper" because of blotches and red spots. According to some beliefs, this is "the blood of Christ", now amulets and charms are made from it.

One of the most beautiful minerals in Russia was mined in the Urals and was previously considered a precious stone. However, now its deposits are almost exhausted. It has shades from turquoise, emerald green to black and green. Many myths and legends are associated with it. Has a different texture: ribbon, concentric, radiant.

Volcanic glass in various shades, usually dark colors(black, gray, green with tints). It is also called a bottle stone or snow stone (gray-white color with black splashes).

Semitransparent cryptocrystalline variety of gray-colored quartz, characteristic are precipitations (veins, crusts, different shapes and etc.). By color, chalcedony was divided into groups: ordinary (gray, bluish-gray); carnelian (yellow, red-orange); sards (red to brown); agates; onyx; jasper, etc.

It is called the "Lilac Miracle of Siberia" - a unique stone, is mined only in Siberia, has a unique color - overflows from lilac to purple shades to black. For its original beauty, it is called the double of the amethyst.

This is a chalcedony with impurities, forming a whole class of stones, each with its own name. There is agate jasper, black, prase (green), bloody (heliotrope), etc.