Drop silver, also known as radiant pyrite, had different names in different periods of time. This is a rather rare and luxurious mineral with jewelry value. However, contrary to its name, it has absolutely nothing to do with the precious metal silver. What is drop silver made of, and what is really hidden behind it?
What is drip silver
The very definition of the mineral was born thanks to commercial figures, since its structure is actually based on the natural mineral marcasite. In Arabic, the name of the mineral is translated as “fire stone”, while the modern term officially began to be practiced only in 1845.
Today, manufacturers often replace marcasite with pyrite. Although it is considered related to marcasite, its structure is stronger and more durable. The fact is that marcasite itself is short-lived, and if not properly cared for, it deteriorates very quickly. In production, marcasite is used to make sulfuric acid.
Souvenirs
Increasingly, instead of ordinary souvenirs, such as refrigerator magnets and photographs of local beauty, travelers prefer to bring more original products from Abkhazia to remember their vacation.
Wooden souvenirs
In souvenir shops of any resort town in Abkhazia you can find many things made of wood. Many tourists love them for their practicality and beauty. Here you can find cutting boards with carved or burned pictures and inscriptions. Hot pads are no less popular. They also often depict landscapes of Abkhazia. Local craftsmen create unusual wooden figurines and carved paintings with symbols of the country carved into them.
Those who like wickerwork will also find a souvenir for themselves. Shops and shops offer baskets and boxes made of wicker, bamboo or boxwood. To decorate your home, you can buy a box, frames with carved patterns, mortars for spices, which are also very practical. They will certainly decorate any home.
Clay and ceramics
On the shelves of shops and market stalls there are many household items made of clay and ceramics. Most likely, visitors will find souvenirs from Abkhazia such as jugs and bowls made by local craftsmen. They are often bought as gifts because they are inexpensive and look colorful. The dishes with traditional painting look unusual, which will delight any woman.
You can bring not just a clay vessel, but a pot filled with honey or jam from fruits grown here. A good gift would be a jug of Abkhazian wine or a painted bowl filled with dried fruits.
Eucalyptus broom
For bathhouse lovers, a eucalyptus broom is a must-have souvenir without which you cannot leave the country. Eucalyptus trees do not grow in all countries and regions, so there is a high probability that tourists will not find it anywhere else. But the properties of eucalyptus are known to many. The leaves of this tree are used for colds and respiratory problems. In addition, a pleasant smell will spread throughout the entire bathhouse. This souvenir is usually bought for men, since they often like to spend their day off in a hot bath.
This plant, which is quite rare in other regions, is sure to be found in every market here. In Gagra you can stroll along long alleys, along the entire length of which eucalyptus trees are planted. Of course, this is the best souvenir for fans of baths and saunas.
Herbal pads
Sachets filled with aromatic herbs growing in the hills of Abkhazia are a very useful purchase. Often the pillows have a beautiful appearance, making them a good addition to any interior. In addition, they will fill the room with a unique aroma. At the same time, herbal sachets help in the fight against insomnia and headaches.
Daggers
In a country where mountains and sea coexist, daggers of different sizes and shapes are popular. They can be small, about the size of a finger. Or they can resemble a kitchen knife or be even larger. Daggers are knives with carved patterns, placed in equally beautiful sheaths. Such a souvenir will be an excellent gift for a man and a symbol of this country. Daggers can be found in any resort town in the country.
Important! It should be borne in mind that daggers are allowed to be transported across the border only in luggage and strictly declared. There will also be trouble if it turns out that this is not a souvenir, but a real weapon.
Cezve
Local residents have this unusual name for Turks. This is a copper vessel with thick walls in which coffee is brewed. This kind of Turk is often decorated with patterns. Residents of Abkhazia believe that only a real Turk can make delicious coffee.
Cezve is a great gift for lovers of this hot drink. This device, indispensable in every local kitchen, can be bought literally at every step. The cezve is sold in shops, markets, and souvenir shops.
Shells
Since Abkhazia is considered a maritime country, despite the fact that it has many mountains, one of the most popular souvenirs is shells. Almost every tourist takes this piece of the sea with them. You can buy beautiful shells of unusual shapes, which are often sold painted, or you can buy items made from shells. They are often used to make bracelets and necklaces. You can also find various figurines and miniatures made exclusively from shells or with their participation. Such souvenirs are sold in every market and souvenir shops.
Hand-made products
Products made by hand by local craftsmen have a special flavor. These include clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs. Making handicrafts is popular in Abkhazia and is the main source of income for some residents of resort towns.
They are not like the ones that are mass produced. The patterns on them are more accurate, the images of panoramas of Abkhazia and its attractions are unique. Moreover, the traveler can be sure that he becomes the owner of an exclusive item. There is no other one like it anywhere else.
Of course, prices for handmade goods are higher than for mass-produced items. But this is the price to pay for the exclusivity and special spirit that these things contain. You can also find craftsmen who are ready to make a custom-made product, taking into account the wishes of the traveler.
Compound
The mineral received such a deceptive name due to the use of small inclusions in jewelry, the structure of which completely copies silver droplets. Craftsmen connect it to the base using special glue, which creates a feeling of integrity. Such decorations become unique and quite spectacular.
Externally, droplet silver actually looks like silver droplets, although in reality it is ordinary iron sulfide. Its location is located only in a few corners of the planet, mainly collected in Western Europe and the Urals.
At the very beginning, the color of the product has a brass or golden-yellow opaque structure and shine , which is why the surface of the processed mineral looks like a silver drop. After a few years, the tone of the mineral may change to dark yellow. The chemical composition of the product includes iron and sulfur.
Typical impurities present in pyrite are small inclusions of the following elements:
- copper;
- cobalt;
- nickel;
- arsenic;
- gold;
- Selena.
Marcasite - what kind of stones are these?
Marcasite is a natural mineral ranging in color from brass-yellow to shades of gray, green, and, less commonly, black.
The basic tone depends on the proportions of the inclusion of metals (cobalt, antimony, copper and others). When exposed to air, it oxidizes, causing a coating to appear on the surface of the stone - it shimmers in different colors. The stone is fragile, light, and can crumble or break from impacts or other mechanical influences. Marcasite is an amazing stone. Their extraction is complicated by an unusual property: in the open air, minerals begin to decompose. Therefore, in their original form, they are not used to create jewelry: before being used in jewelry, they are subjected to processing, after which they are no longer susceptible to air. Jewelry with properly processed minerals and proper care can last for centuries.
The minerals form as crystals in sandy sedimentary rocks or hydrothermal vents and are considered rare, but remain widely available to consumers. Jewelry with marcasites is relatively inexpensive, for example, silver earrings with these stones can be bought for 3-4 thousand rubles, where the lion's share of the cost comes from silver. Drop silver is rarely combined with expensive metals, as well as with expensive precious stones.
Properties
Since ancient times, jewelers have endowed drip silver with truly magical properties. It is believed that the mineral can overcome eye diseases and malignant tumors. Many people believed that if a newborn baby wears jewelry with this stone, he will be able to avoid any evil eye.
Interestingly, some of the characteristics of marcasite resemble those of gold, and since it is considered a precious metal, it has positive effects on the nervous system.
It is for this reason that many traditional healers recommend that people with disorders of the nervous system wear jewelry created on the basis of drip silver. In their opinion, the energy of the stone can not only improve mood, but also improve the well-being of the entire body, increasing its performance.
Magical and healing powers of marcasites
In ancient times, the mineral was used as an amulet for leaders and governors. Magicians saw in it the ability to strengthen the strong-willed qualities of the owner. At the same time, it was believed that the stone was useful only to people with a flexible mind who were strong in spirit and physically capable. The Incas believed that a ring with pyrite could protect against violent death. In esotericism, marcasite beads are endowed with amulet properties and are used against the evil eye of children and nightmares.
Drop silver treats eye ailments
Traditional healers practice treating eye ailments using golden-hued marcasites. Dark-colored stones are used as a sedative for increased excitability. The crushed gem is useful for healing wounds. It is also credited with the properties of getting rid of freckles, moles, papillomas and age-related pigmentation. Jewelry with pyrites is recommended for depression, emotional outbursts, and nervous disorders.
Application
This unique natural element can be combined with many semi-precious and precious minerals. The unique characteristics of the mineral make the dyeing truly unique.
Jewelers use it to create pendants, bracelets, rings, cufflinks, and tie clips in natural and animalistic genres. Its granules shimmer amazingly in the sunlight, captivating the eyes of those around you.
Icons and religious things
In New Athos, the religious capital of Abkhazia, you can buy icons, rosaries or crosses. Many of them are handmade by local craftsmen and have a unique design. You can also purchase such products by visiting the New Athos Monastery. In addition to the souvenir, the guest will also have memories from visiting this place.
Abkhazia is an amazing country. Here the sea and mountains border, and the air is both salty and pine. Any guest of this country must certainly take one of its pieces with him. Be it a piece of clothing, Abkhazian wine or a bag of rare herbs.
Price
In Europe, drop silver has long been classified as jewelry. Even one drop of silver often replaced a diamond in precious jewelry. In the 19th century, drip silver was often used in products made from steel, which at that time was considered a precious metal. Now the price of the mineral is low.
The cost of a crystal in some countries may be less than $1. For this reason, the use of pyrite in the jewelry industry makes it possible to produce elegant, yet affordable jewelry.
It is interesting that although the mineral is recognized as a rare stone, it still remains widely available. A 1.5 cm stone can cost the buyer 5-6 dollars. Earrings made of drop silver will cost about 2,000 rubles on average, but in this case, the lion's share still falls on the cost of the silver, and not on the stone itself.
Who is marcasite suitable for?
Marcasite, as a stone of the male element, can strengthen the strong-willed qualities of the owner. It is ideal for the energetic half of society with a decisive character and determination. Lazy and weak-willed people, under the influence of the powerful energy of the stone, can commit rash acts with disastrous consequences.
Astrologers recommend products with drip silver for Scorpios and Aries. Marcasite is also suitable for Leo and Sagittarius. The stone has the properties of a powerful amulet against accidents. In esotericism, it is recommended to wear pyrite amulets for representatives of professions associated with an increased risk to life.
As stylists note, exquisite jewelry with a dark stone in a light frame is complementary to those with pale skin. Products made from graphite marcasite are suitable for girls of a cold color type. A mineral with a golden tint looks ideal in the jewelry of ladies with a warm color type. Red-haired and chocolate-brown beauties should choose earrings and necklaces with brownish stones.
Advantages and disadvantages
The properties of the mineral make it irreplaceable and give marcasite the following advantages:
- relatively low price (relative to the stones used, as well as the metal standard);
- the technology for creating jewelry using marcasite allows the master to create a variety of design solutions;
- If storage conditions are observed , the decoration can last for hundreds of years.
It is worth noting that the fashion for jewelry based on drop silver was born many centuries ago, but even today, these products are no less popular and are distinguished by sophistication and elegance.
The only drawback that can be identified is that the decoration requires mandatory and proper systematic care. If the owner ignores this rule, his decoration will be destroyed very soon.
Use and processing
As we already mentioned, marcasite disintegrates in air. However, it is worth noting that after processing, the stone becomes impervious to air. Often, the stone is used for scientific purposes. In jewelry, you can most often find marcasite in vintage jewelry. It goes best with silver.
Care
It should be noted that marcasite is afraid of alcohol-containing products, including perfumes and common household chemicals. The fact is that the droplets in most products are connected using glue. Since drop silver jewelry is fragile and requires careful handling, its owner must be able to properly care for it.
To do this, he needs to systematically treat the products with special liquid compounds, and then carry out thorough drying. For cleaning, you should purchase a special substance designed for caring for silver jewelry.
It is best to remove stains from the stone using a soft cloth. Ultrasound is not recommended. Chemical solutions too, but in rare cases they are necessary to restore shine.
Products can only be stored in special jewelry boxes or in soft bags so that moisture cannot penetrate inside. If these rules are followed, the product can last in its original form for several centuries, passed on from generation to generation.
Food and drink
A popular souvenir for guests of sunny Abkhazia is food and drinks. Here smoked meats, sausages and cheeses have an extraordinary taste. They are made according to special recipes passed down from generation to generation, with the addition of herbs and spices growing in the mountain meadows of the country. The wines of Abkhazia, spices, and sauces are also known. And, of course, fruits growing in all corners of the country.
Important! You can transport no more than three liters of alcoholic beverages across the border.
Wine
According to guests of the country, they know how to make wine here like nowhere else. It is sold both already bottled and decanted, and on tap. In almost every place where Abkhaz wines are offered, you can taste the product before purchasing. There are also special tasting rooms. You can go there, try different types of drink, and then buy it there or find this type of wine in retail outlets. To be sure of the quality of grape nectar, you should buy wine in a bottle. In this case, you need to check the label.
Important! If the shop that offers wine by the glass has unsanitary conditions, you should refrain from purchasing it.
In Abkhazia, many exclusive types of wine are made according to the recipes of local winemakers. This type of wine is not found anywhere else in the world. Some wines are named after localities or landmarks of the country. For example, “New Athos”.
Chacha
Another grape drink, but stronger than wine. Chacha is vodka obtained from grapes. This type of alcoholic product should be purchased in specialized stores and supermarkets in bottles, checking the labels. This is due to the fact that local residents like to sell moonshine under the guise of chacha or dilute it with alcohol.
Real chacha is made only from grapes. However, locals can diversify the taste and make chacha from persimmons, apples, tangerines and other fruits. The results are very unusual drinks.
Cognac
Abkhaz cognac gets its extraordinary taste from the addition of almonds and dogwoods. This cognac acquires very interesting notes. Just like chacha, cognac should be purchased at a liquor store or supermarket, checking the country of production on the label. Cognac is an excellent gift for connoisseurs of this alcoholic drink.
Tea
Tea is a popular purchase among visitors to the country. Local teas are made from plants that are collected in Abkhazian mountain meadows. Connoisseurs of this drink note that tea from Abkhazia is of high quality and deep taste. You can buy such a gift by weight or pre-packaged in fabric bags or other packaging.
A good gift for loved ones will be tea packed in a beautiful jar, which depicts the beauty of a sunny country. Clay or ceramic pots of tea look original and will also absorb its aroma. These drinks are also sold in birch bark containers.
The most popular type of tea is “Bouquet of Abkhazia”. It can be either black or green. Types with the addition of berries, barberry, cornflower, jasmine and other plants are also popular. Tea can be factory-made or hand-made. Many residents of the villages of Abkhazia collect and ferment tea leaves.
Cheese
The famous Caucasian cheese, suluguni, will be a good souvenir brought from Abkhazia. Tourists can choose another type of cheese, however, Suluguni is preserved better than others during transportation. This type of cheese comes in regular and smoked varieties, which are brown in color and store better.
In Abkhazia, many residents keep cows and goats. Therefore, most of the dairy products on the market are made at home. Homemade suluguni is also for sale.
Smoked meat
Smoked meat is prepared in every home in Abkhazia. Locals smoke all kinds. Following recipes that have been preserved for many years, the pieces should be rubbed with salt and spices and other spices and herbs should be added. The smoked product takes about 10 days to prepare. The finished product is served in clay dishes, almost always along with vegetables and sauces. Smoked meat is an unusual souvenir that will certainly remind a traveler of his vacation here.
Spices and seasonings
Like all peoples of the Caucasus, Abkhazians deeply respect spices and herbs. Local traditional cuisine cannot be imagined without spices. In addition, all spices and herbs are grown and collected here in Abkhazia. Tourists often buy them as gifts for themselves or their loved ones. You can bring a ready-made mixture for specific types of dishes or buy various seasonings and create spicy bouquets from them yourself.
It is profitable to buy spices not packaged, but by weight. However, the best souvenir will be seasonings in decorated jars, decorated with traditional patterns of local people. You can purchase a souvenir gift set of spices.
Sauces
You can make your own sauces by purchasing the necessary ingredients from the local market. But in order not to make a mistake with the recipe, it is worth purchasing ready-made ones. Local shops offer different types of such dressings: tkemali, adjika and others. You can buy factory-made sauces in stores or prefer homemade ones, which can be found in markets. Tourists note that the most delicious sauces are homemade. Almost no dish in Abkhazia is complete without adjika. The locals love her very much.
Interesting! Abkhazian adjika is considered the most delicious. But not factory, but homemade. It can be easily found in markets.
Pickles and marinades
Pickles and marinades prepared according to local recipes have a unique taste and aroma. For this reason, they often become souvenirs that people buy for themselves and their friends when leaving the country. Pickled cucumbers are popular. They are prepared differently than in Russia. The container becomes a clay pot, not a glass jar. And spices are added to the vegetable.
Among the non-traditional pickles, you can bring home wild garlic, pickled peppers, kohlrabi, purslane and Jerusalem artichoke.
Fruits and nuts
The souvenir that almost every tourist wants to take with them is local fruits. In this hot country, both the familiar apples and pears and unusual ones are grown. For example, figs, dogwood, medlar, kiwi, oranges, tangerines and lemons. Fruit-rich months are August, September and October . Both familiar and exotic types of fruit grow here.
However, not all of them can survive transportation. For this reason, travelers often buy dried fruits. The markets offer a large selection, and dried fruits have a long shelf life. A popular type of food that combines the taste of nuts and fruits is churchkhela . Locals and tourists also love marshmallows. Such delicacies are cheap here.
Nuts are also often a souvenir for visitors to Abkhazia. They are inexpensive here. They are used in recipes for Abkhazian dishes, so anyone who wants to prepare dinner according to the recipes of local residents must buy the right variety. The markets sell walnuts, pine nuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, pecans, almonds and other types.
Honey
Abkhazia is an ideal place to buy honey for lovers of this product. It is best to purchase bee products directly from local beekeepers. This eliminates the chance of running into a fake. The beekeeper will be happy to tell you about the types of honey and their differences. Often, the owners of rental housing themselves keep several beehives or an entire apiary in their backyard. Rare types of honey are sold here, such as honey from eucalyptus, chestnut or blackberry, and fruit honey. This is an excellent souvenir product.
There is no gift healthier than a jar of honey. Such a souvenir, in addition to the memory of the trip and sweet taste, contains healing powers and strengthens the immune system during the cold season.
Sweets
Tourists often choose popular sweets that can be found on any corner as a gift for a child. These are baklava, kozinaki, churchkhela, Abkhazian cheesecakes, boiled figs and jelly. All of them are prepared according to local recipes and have incredible tastes.
Jam
Jam is sold at all retail outlets. And in shops, and in markets, and in souvenir shops. The product for sale is delicious, packaged in jars with labels. This is an excellent souvenir brought from sunny Abkhazia. The fruits from which the jam is made are collected from locally grown trees that grow without chemical fertilizers.
You can buy a product from the usual berries and fruits. Or buy sweets from kiwi, figs, oranges, tangerines, and peach. Honey from pomegranate, feijoa, dogwood, lemon and other exotic fruits.
Read more about the national dishes of Abkhazia.
↑ 1. Homemade mountain honey
Abkhazian national cuisine is rich in the gifts of nature. However, in May and October, it will not always be possible to bring fresh fruit home, but you can bring wine, oriental sweets, dried fruits, nuts and jars of Abkhaz honey as gifts for friends and family. Few tourists will deny themselves the pleasure of bringing amazing real environmentally friendly mountain honey as a gift to friends, relatives, and colleagues. Abkhazian apiaries are located in the mountains, so the taste of honey is rich in aromas and contains nectar from all the herbs of the Caucasus. You can buy different types and in different glass packaging. There are also gift options, originally designed in the form of a tower with small jars.
↑ 3. Natural tea
An excellent gift from the Caucasus is natural herbal tea. A mandatory attribute on the list of “what to bring from Abkhazia” will also be Abkhazian loose leaf tea, the plantations of which have been preserved since the times of the USSR.
