Blue mineral crossword puzzle with 6 letters. Precious and semi-precious varieties of blue stones

Mineralogists, chemists, mechanical engineers, electronics engineers - they all know the mineral corundum. But among jewelers it did not gain popularity on its own. In jewelry, its valuable varieties are much more important.

Corundum deposits

As a hypogene mineral, corundum is common in igneous rocks that are poor in silica (syenites, nepheline syenites).
Large crystals are also found in pegmatites. Crystals about 10 cm in diameter are found in metamorphic rocks such as gneisses, garnet amphibolites, and granulites. Precious varieties of corundum are found in placers. — Advertising —

Corundum deposits are located in India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Burma, Thailand, Greece, Canada, Norway, the USA and Russia.

Aquamarine - stone of water elements

Aquamarine is a transparent mineral with a blue color base. This stone has long been popular among European aristocrats. The scepter of the last king of Poland, Stanislaw Poniatowski, was made from aquamarine, and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain still often appears in public wearing a ring and earrings decorated with diamonds and aquamarine.

Aquamarine is mined in Brazil, the USA, Colombia, Zambia, Madagascar, and Russia, which makes this stone one of the most popular gems in the world.

Stone healing experts believe that aquamarine has a beneficial effect on vision. This mineral is also recommended to be worn by representatives of the water signs of the zodiac - Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio.

History of corundum

Corundum is an oxide of aluminum and is also known as alumina because it is a constituent of clay.
Depending on the structure of the crystal lattice of the mineral, today many of its subspecies are distinguished. In metal processing and polishing, corundum called emery has been used for several thousand years. In mechanical engineering, so-called corundum-based sapphire glasses are widely used, when the part must be both transparent and stable. And in the jewelry environment, sapphires and rubies – colored varieties of corundum – have been known for a long time.

Lapis lazuli is the stone of the calm and successful

The ancient Roman historian Pliny the Elder mentioned certain sapphires on which gold seemed to glitter, and these stones themselves were supposedly never transparent, while now it is reliably known that transparent and even colorless sapphires are found in nature, but at the same time they have a uniform color without inclusions. Probably, “sapphire” in the Ancient world could have been called lapis lazuli, a mineral with a deep, bright blue color. Historians suggest that this beautiful gem was known already in the Stone Age in the civilizations of Africa and Mesopotamia. Lapis lazuli entered Europe in the 18th century. and was immediately loved by painters who used it to create bright blue paints.

In the Russian environment, the names “lazurite” and “lapis lazuli” are often not distinguished, although in reality they are different minerals. On the surface of lapis lazuli there are always small inclusions - golden dots, shining against a dark blue background like stars in the night sky. Lapis lazuli has a slightly different structure: it also has inclusions, but they have the form of lines, small layers with blue, cyan or violet hues.

The largest deposits of lapis lazuli are found in Afghanistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Chile.

Astrologers believe that lapis lazuli is well suited for Sagittarius and all people who are prone to commit rash actions. It is believed that lapis lazuli brings success to those seeking patronage and facilitates a successful search for business partners.

Physico-chemical characteristics of corundum

Corundum crystals are barrel-shaped, dipyramidal and tabular in shape, pseudohexagonal, found in the form of single formations, various intergrowths and aggregates.
They have imaginary cleavage, hardness on the Mohs scale of 9, and a specific gravity of 3.9-4 g/cm³. The melting point of corundum is 2050 °C. — Advertising —

The color range starts from colorless crystals and varies to shades of gray, red, blue and purple. The crystals have a glassy or matte luster. If there are inclusions of thin rutile needles, asterism appears in them.

Chemically, corundum is very stable and does not dissolve even in acids.

Use of blue stones

Blue precious, semi-precious or ornamental stones are used to create spectacular jewelry:

1. Diamonds and sapphires look great in any piece of jewelry. Platinum or white gold is usually used as a frame. Earrings, bracelets, and necklaces with such gems are combined with a luxury wardrobe and worn for special occasions.
2. Semi-precious stones are versatile. They are considered more democratic. Even large beads or bracelets made from such minerals look sophisticated. Silver jewelry is suitable for walking or creating office looks.
3. Costume jewelry made from cloudy artificial minerals usually does not have a frame. It is also often combined with jewelry alloys. Such stones are used for children's or youth jewelry.

Blue minerals come in a variety of shades. This allows them to be used by people of any age. Gold earrings with muted stones are suitable for a mature woman. Men can also wear these minerals. Signets or cufflinks with such gems will suit them. Bright blue and shiny shades are suitable for young girls and children.

It is important to properly care for products with blue stones. It is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• avoid contact of jewelry with cosmetics, household chemicals and perfumes;
• store separately - this is especially true for minerals that are not too hard, such as coral, turquoise or moonstone;
• For cleaning, use only water and soap.

Important! Almost all blue gems do not tolerate exposure to sunlight. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, they fade and become faded.

Blue gemstones are considered very popular. They differ in origin, appearance, and price. This allows each person to choose the most suitable option for themselves.

Types of corundum

The following varieties of corundum are known depending on color:

• Rubies or “red yachts”, red precious stones of the first category, transparent samples are valued even more than diamonds. Star rubies have an asterism effect.

• Sapphires or “blue yachts” are distinguished by a variety of colors from pale blue to deep blue.

• Green corundums or oriental emeralds

• Violet corundums or oriental amethysts.

• Padparadschi are yellow or orange-yellow corundums.

• Leucosapphires or oriental diamonds are colorless and completely transparent corundums.

How to find “your” stone

All blue stones look bright and unusual; they will serve as a wonderful decoration for an evening or business outfit; minerals with light blue shades will perfectly complement a daytime spring or summer look. Aquamarine, turquoise, lapis lazuli, lapis lazuli, sapphire, zircon - this is not a complete list of blue precious and semi-precious minerals common in nature. Their shades range from deep blue to bright blue, from evenly azure turquoise and rich lapis lazuli to translucent aquamarine. When choosing “your” mineral, it is important to think not only about which stones are precious and which are semi-precious, but also to think about what kind of energy the mineral carries, what it can give to its owner, what character qualities it improves and what emotions it evokes. Be guided by your intuition and taste, but remember that each stone can only strengthen and develop the personal qualities that you already have.

In nature, blue precious and semi-precious stones are found very rarely, so in jewelry they are of great value.

The most famous natural luxurious blues include zircon, sapphire, spinel and tourmaline. Mined in the Ural region, blue turquoise, blue jasper, tanzanite, iolite and lapis lazuli are the most popular blue stones belonging to the semi-precious category.

There are also some other specimens that are valuable and of great interest. Aquamarine, with its amazing blue crystals, is a truly unique mineral. A very remarkable stone is called Masheshe beryl, which is mined in Brazil; under the influence of the sun's rays, the color of this mineral begins to change. But northern Canadian blue beryls, as opposed to Brazilian ones, are able to retain their original original color in any environment.

The magical properties of corundum

Even in ancient times, people paid attention to the magical properties of corundum.
This active stone helps everyone who strives to achieve high goals. For this reason, it is not recommended for lazy people and can even harm them. Corundum awakens a person’s inner potential, directs the thoughts and aspirations of the owner in the necessary direction with appropriate efforts and interests. It eliminates fears and self-doubt before starting a new business, and destroys all obstacles. Corundum is recommended for anyone involved in mental work, such as students and scientists. It is interesting that corundum interacts very closely with its owner and exchanges energy with him.

The effect of corundum on a person depends on its color and the place of contact with the body. Beads, pendants and necklaces with the mineral are a source of calm, eliminating irritability and fears. Corundum earrings help to find harmony and seem to whisper to a person what to do right. Rings with corundum help to reveal talents and stimulate the acquisition of new knowledge.

The effects of blue minerals on humans

Since ancient times, blue and blue precious and semi-precious minerals have been associated with the most important natural elements - air and water.

In this regard, many people still believe that such stones contain all the amazing powers that the endless skies and oceans possess. Indeed, minerals that contain all shades of blue can have a very beneficial effect on the emotional state of the person who chooses them.

For a long time, humanity has become aware of the wonderful calming and anti-stress properties of gems with blue-blue shades. With the help of such precious and semi-precious minerals, you can improve your mood, cope with any negative emotions much easier, and even rehabilitate yourself after serious psychological trauma.

A person who prefers to wear any jewelry containing blue stones can always count on great success and recognition in the creative sphere of life. Under the influence of such stones, any talents and abilities are fully revealed.

Thanks to blue and light blue minerals, a person gains the ability to distinguish his truly important goals from secondary ones and direct all his energy in the right direction. Precious and semi-precious minerals of amazing indigo color also have some other unique properties, including the awakening of extrasensory abilities and intuition in their owner.

Blue stones also have a very beneficial effect on human health.

Their powerful cleansing properties cover not only the physical, but also the mental side of life. In addition, science also knows about the good antiseptic properties inherent in such minerals.

The healing properties of corundum

Corundum is a source of peace, it helps in the treatment of depression and nightmares, and even with serious mental disorders.
In addition, the mineral affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system, normalizes blood pressure and blood circulation. It is believed that the healing properties of corundum depend on its color. Thus, red minerals have the greatest effect on blood vessels and the heart. Blues are responsible for healthy vision. Violet helps with mental disorders.

Lapis lazuli is a stone of women's health and strength

“Sky Stone” is called lapis lazuli - a mineral that has a dark blue color with white, purple or blue inclusions, which makes this gem look like the sky. This semi-precious stone was known 7,000 years ago, it was used to create jewelry, inlay the facades of royal palaces and for magical purposes. It was believed that lapis lazuli powder could remove poison from the body, since this blue gem was an integral attribute of royal life.

Like other semi-precious stones, lapis lazuli is often used to create inexpensive jewelry. In this regard, synthetic stones colored with cobalt oxide, chalcedony, jasper or soladite are sometimes passed off as lapis lazuli. You can distinguish real lapis lazuli from a fake by moistening the stone with water: the real mineral will become evenly moist, but on the fake the liquid will collect in places into small drops. Experts believe that lapis lazuli does not shine without bright sun, and artificial stones most often retain their shine even in dark rooms.

Lapis lazuli is mined in Afghanistan, America, and Russia. The most common color of the stone is dark blue with blue veins.

Some stone treatment experts believe that lapis lazuli has a positive effect on women's health, helps prevent miscarriage and premature birth, promotes skin rejuvenation and restores the body's hormonal levels.

Industries of application of corundum

Ordinary corundum is opaque, coarse- or fine-grained gray crystals. Large opaque crystals are also found. Such samples are used as an abrasive material, emery, or grinding disc due to their high hardness, and their high melting point makes it possible to make fire-resistant materials and enamels from them.

In modern production, corundum is also used as a substitute for glass, which is called sapphire. It is used in the manufacture of cameras and mobile phones.

Large crystals of unusual shape are popular among collectors. And in jewelry, the most popular colored varieties of corundum are sapphires and rubies, which are used as inserts in a wide variety of jewelry.

Zircon - a magical mineral

Zircon is a blue ornamental stone little known in Russia, which was widespread throughout the Mediterranean. Different types of these minerals were also called hyacinths from the Greek name for the red-blue flower, and in Rus' the stones were called yakhonts. As the name suggests, zircons in nature are found in copper-yellow, red, red-brown, pink and pale gray colors, but samples of blue tint have been especially popular with astrologers and magicians since the Middle Ages.

It is believed that an amulet made of zircon with a blue tint protects travelers, protects the owner from lightning strikes and injuries, and also promotes good attitude towards the wanderer from other people in foreign cities. Astrologers believe that this stone is especially well suited for Sagittarius and Capricorn.

Blue zircons are mined in Australia, Brazil, Vietnam, Norway and Russia. Mostly, earrings and pendants are made from zircon, and less commonly, bracelets and rings. The honed mineral is fixed into a blind setting due to the fact that zircon is considered a fairly fragile stone and, with everyday wear, chips may appear on its edges.

Artificial corundum

Synthetic corundum is obtained through the heat treatment of high-alumina raw materials and is widely used as an abrasive material. Previously, corundum needles were also made from it, which replaced expensive diamond ones in electric record players.

Corundum and zodiac sign

Corundum does not have a beneficial effect on all zodiac signs. His favorites are Cancer, Aquarius and Pisces, whom he helps and guides in the right direction. Corundum is highly not recommended for Aries and Capricorn men, as it has a negative effect on them. Only mature Aries women can wear jewelry with corundum without fear of the negative effects of the mineral.

Blue stones in jewelry

To make beads, jewelers use semi-precious or synthesized stone. For example, you can very often see beads made of lapis lazuli or jadeite, but similar products from alpinite are rare, since jewelers prefer to make more “serious” jewelry with its participation, such as rings and earrings.

Precious and semi-precious blue stones require framing with precious metals - gold, platinum and silver, and they are more suitable for making luxury brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets.

Blue stones have long attracted people prone to daydreaming and the unknown. A blue stone in the color of sea azure and clear skies is well suited for air and water signs, especially Libra and Pisces. But anyone can wear jewelry made from blue gems, because it is believed that the blue mineral calms the nerves, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, inspires self-confidence and protects against enemies and scammers. In addition to its internal qualities, almost any blue stone is very beautiful in appearance. A ring with lapis lazuli or aquamarine will complement a dress in white, light pink and green shades and will add elements of femininity and romance to your look.

Let's look at what blue gemstones are.

Interesting facts about corundum

• The British Museum houses an octagonal sapphire “rose”, weighing 31 carats, which belonged to Sir Hans Sloan. Corundum of this size is very rare.
• The most perfect in terms of aesthetic parameters is considered to be a pale blue sapphire with pyramidal processing, which is kept in a Dutch jewelry house. It was called the “blue princess”, and this specimen weighs 114 carats.
• The red variety of corundum, which is commonly known as ruby, has always been valued more than diamonds.