Category | Silicate minerals |
Title in English | Belomorite |
Formula | (Na,Ca)(Si,Al)4O8 |
Group | Feldspar group |
Color | White |
Stroke color | White |
Shine | Mother of pearl, glass |
Transparency | Opaque |
singonia | Triclinic |
Hardness | 6 — 6,5 |
Cleavage | Perfect |
Density, g/cm³ | 2,65 |
Kink | Uneven, conchoidal |
origin of name | Belomorite has long been known to mankind and has had several names. The modern name for the gem was invented by mineralogist Fersman when he found the stone in the White Sea (North Karelia). Regarding belomorite, there is an interesting legend originally from ancient Greece. Then belomorite was considered a gift that came from the country of the Hyperboreans. This people was characterized by eternal joy and talent in art. Therefore, it was believed that all the beautiful stones were a gift from the Hyperboreans. Also, in the Christian religion, belomorite was considered a devilish stone, which was created in order to distract Eve from admiring the flowers. |
Morphology | Belomorite forms crystalline aggregates within itself, as well as granular and crystalline masses. Much less often you can find crystals of tabular or tabular-prismatic shape. |
Belomorite is also known as moonstone and is a subspecies of feldspar, and the gem received this name due to a specific optical effect. Its diffused, soft blue glow is similar to the light of the moon. But this is not iridescence, but adularescence, which is caused by the scattering of white light on defects in the stone. But in ultraviolet light, belomorite exhibits weak orange luminescence.
Belomorite deposits
A semi-precious stone of igneous origin, belomorite is found in granite and granite pegmatite. Its large industrial deposits are located in Sri Lanka and near the White Sea (to which it owes its name). The stone is also mined on the island of Madagascar, in South and North America, in countries such as Tanzania and India, in the Middle Urals, Karelia and the Kola Peninsula.
Varieties, colors
Jewelers are accustomed to using the term “moonstone” to designate several completely different minerals from the feldspar group.
Despite their inherent peculiarities of internal structure (manifested in the presence or absence of air bubbles, microcracks, ingrowths of some layers into each other), they all have opalescence - the ability to emit an iridescent or pearlescent glow when light hits the crystal.
There are the following types of moonstone:
Adularia
A translucent or transparent gem, which - unlike other minerals of its group - does not have microcracks in its structure. Its characteristic feature is the presence of blue iridescence (experts call it adularization).
It does not produce multi-colored flashes or iridescent tints, but when processed as a cabochon, it exhibits a “cat’s eye” effect (or single-ray asterism). Adularia crystals have a unique three-dimensional depth.
This is the rarest and therefore very expensive type of moonstone.
The best samples are mined: in Russia (in the Urals, Chukotka and Siberia), in India and on the island of Sri Lanka.
Read more about adularia.
Belomorit
A translucent milky-white or matte snow-white mineral with a bluish tint.
It is named after the White Sea, on the coast of which its deposits were discovered. Its iridescence looks like an alternation of small multi-colored flashes, painted in red and blue-green tones.
The surface of even polished stones is often covered with a network of noticeable cracks.
Sanidin
A transparent mineral, the value of which depends on the intensity of its color. Its crystals can have different shades (for example, yellow, green or gray).
The rarest and most valuable stones are those painted blue, distinguished by their unique play of light. Multi-colored stones mined in India are inexpensive.
Different types of Labrador:
Black Moonstone
Translucent dark gem, shimmering with blue and cyan sparkles. Used as a facing material in urban planning and monumental architecture.
Spectrolite
A gem that shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. Mined in Finland.
Sun stone
A mineral mined in the US state of Oregon that has a golden iridescence.
There are many shades in the color range of moonstone:
- white (from snow-white to light cream);
- pink (the lightest is peach, the darkest is lilac);
- gray with a bluish tint;
- black.
History of belomorite
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The modern name for the gem was given by A. Fersman after the place of its discovery - in the White Sea in North Karelia. But this mineral has been known to mankind for a very long time.
Thus, in the myths of Ancient Greece, moonstone is called a gift from the land of the Hyperboreans. The Greeks believed that this fabulous people lived in a distant country beyond the northern wind Boreas. The Hyperboreans were characterized by extraordinary cheerfulness and talents in music, dancing and singing. From their regions they brought minerals that had not only beauty, but also magical properties.
According to another legend, the creator of belomorite is the Devil. He saw Eve admiring the beautiful flowers in Paradise and decided to distract her with his creation. So he created an enchanting shining stone. The gem delighted Eve, and because of this incident, greed settled in the hearts of her heirs.
Finally, the ancients believed that in the beginning there was a moonstone in every gem, but not everyone turned into this jewel. To do this, the stone had to lie under the light of the Moon for a thousand full moons in a row. After which the gem glowed like the Moon.
Price
The cost of a moonstone is determined based on its dimensions, type, color and degree of transparency:
- When purchasing a multicolor Indian mineral, you can pay from 150 rubles per 1 carat.
- Adularia from Sri Lanka, distinguished by its unique blue iridescence, costs 35,000 rubles per carat.
The price (in rubles) of factory jewelry is as follows:
- ring (jewelry alloy) – 320-400;
- silver ring – 1 600-2400;
- adularia bracelet – 1320-3780; from belomorite – 580-920;
- beads – 20-146 per 1 piece;
- belomorite necklace – 980-3340;
- rosary from adularia – 2750;
- earrings with adularia in silver – 1280-3500; in gold – 17,900-55,000.
Physico-chemical characteristics of belomorite
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According to the chemical composition, belomorites belong to the olico-glazed feldspars. They have a pronounced blue-gray, blue-blue or pale violet sheen. Hardness on the Mohs scale is 6.0-6.6, specific gravity - 2.6 g/cm3.
Fake diamond
Imitation Moonstone
Artificial moonstone can be obtained by pressing low-grade feldspar crystals that are not suitable for processing.
The synthetic stones that are the result of this work have a matte milky or bluish color and a uniform structure.
In some specimens, smooth transitions from transparent to milky or translucent zones are noticeable.
Jewelers readily use them as inserts in jewelry.
Synthetic adularia, used to make beads, rings and pendants, is produced in large quantities in India. Experts suggest that the basis for their production is iridescent frosted glass.
The magical properties of belomorite
Belomorite is considered a symbol of organization.
It enhances such qualities of its owner as the desire for order in everything, punctuality, and love of work. With its help, problems are solved more easily, the ability to concentrate increases, and personal life improves, for example, husbands stop cheating on their wives. Talismans with belomorite are recommended for people who are not obligated, those who are always late and do not know how to concentrate and complete work on time. In addition, belomorite is considered a symbol of the passage of time. It helps to establish a connection with the past, let go of old mistakes and not worry about them, forgive yourself for the past and move on. It gives relief to everyone who suffers from unhappy love. The gem also helps historians and anyone who is looking for answers and knowledge in past years.
At the same time, belomorite serves as an assistant and those who worry about the future are able to see prophetic dreams. It is recommended for teachers and pediatricians who work with children - the future generation.
Belomorite is also endowed with the ability to help understand one’s feelings and endows its owner with compassion and understanding of other people. It makes it easier to understand the people around you, make friends, and understand complex things.
The healing properties of belomorite
Since the Moon is the patroness of women, the healing properties of belomorite are aimed at treating female diseases.
It is used for tumors, painful periods, frigidity, and infertility. It has a positive effect on the female body, promotes health, long-term preservation of the ability to bear children, sexual activity, and high libido. The stone is also recommended for problems with the nervous system: bad dreams and insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, chronic fatigue and constant stress. Belomorite has a calming effect, relieves headaches and irritability.
Origin of the mineral
Academician A. Fersman, world-famous in geochemistry and mineralogy, is credited with being the discoverer of Belomorite (as well as a number of others). This happened at the beginning of the 20th century. The name reveals the place where the stone is concentrated - the shore of the White Sea.
Mineral – Belomorite
The crystallographer poetically described the glow of the mineral as mysterious and even magical. In the chips of the gem, the scientist discerned reflections of iridescent silk. On the thinnest section of the mineral, under the influence of polarized light, I saw the smoothness of a white linen tablecloth.
Of course, the scientist also identified the qualitative characteristics of the stone. Belomorite is formed when the erupted magma cools. It occurs in the form of thick plates or columns. It is also found in layers of granite.
A number of mineralogists classify the gem as a variety of selenite, while others point to similarities in composition with labradorite, or sunstone.
Branches of application of belomorite
Belomorite is used as a precious stone in jewelry.
It is cabochon-cut to bring out its extraordinary brilliance to the fullest extent. Considering the fragility and softness of this gem, its tendency to layer and crumble, it is very difficult to create intricate figures based on it. Therefore, the stone is used in pendants and rings in frames made of light metals. A small white-morite ball is used as a talisman and is always carried with you.
Talismans and amulets
Those people who consider adularia to be a rustic crystal think wrong. It will look good in an intricately made frame made of any precious metal. When processing the stone, craftsmen try to make the dome high so that the radiance of the crystal is maximum. The oval shape of the gem is considered the best.
People have used the solidified "moonlight" as an amulet for centuries. And today the magical power of the mysterious crystal has not disappeared. Do not forget that any piece of fish eye jewelry is not only a stylish decoration, but also a strong talisman.
- A men's ring made of noble platinum with a large insert of beige-smoky pearl spar looks very expressive thanks to the gloomy glow of the gem. The stone in such a product looks really amazing, because the frosty shade of the metal emphasizes its beauty. The owner of such a talisman will get rid of attacks of uncontrollable rage and anger, and will become more balanced and calm.
- A pendant made of blackened silver with a gray adularia is sure to attract the attention of others. The round cabochon and ornamental frame will highlight the dignity of any moonstone. The pendant will help the lady solve the main problems in her life, especially those related to personal experiences. A pendant with aglaurite, on which the image of the zodiac sign is applied, can become a very powerful amulet.
- The women's ring is impressive, contrasting the metallic shimmer of a greenish-blue fish eye with a dark yellow gold cut. Such an accessory will become a real symbol of femininity and spiritual strength of the fairer sex. The ring will bring her confidence and the desire to achieve any goals she sets.
- The brooch, which combines moonstones with lemon-gold cut, is simply magnificent. The product is suitable for a mature lady. The magical mineral will give her the idea that there is no need to regret what has already passed.
- Earrings with aglaurite in silver are elegant and light. They are suitable for the fairer sex of any age. The decoration will be an excellent addition to both business and festive clothes. The amazing radiance from the depths of the gem will attract the attention of others. And the owner of such earrings will gain reliable protection from nervous overload and stress.
Earrings with moonstone
How to distinguish real belomorite from a fake
Since belomorite is very popular and beautiful, counterfeits of it, made of frosted iridescent glass, are quite often found on the market.
You can distinguish a fake by its too bright tints. Artificial stone always looks much more beautiful than real stone. In addition, natural moonstone may not reflect blue when viewed from the right angle. This is due to the layered structure of the mineral and the fact that its microscales are capable of reflecting light only at an angle of 12-15 degrees. On a fake, the shine is always the same and uniform at any rotation and angle of view.
Meaning
Adularia is of primary importance to humans as an inexpensive semi-precious stone used for making necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and signets.
Silver is most often used as a frame; products set in platinum or gold are made to order.
The best cutting method is a cabochon, which emphasizes the smoothness and beauty of the light reflections that appear inside the stone when it is turned at a certain angle.
How to care for belomorite
Belomorite is a convenient and undemanding stone to care for.
It must be protected from mechanical damage, sudden changes in temperature and exposure to aggressive chemicals. Once a month, the gem is immersed in clean water for 30 minutes. At the same time, negative energy leaves the stone, it is completely cleansed and is again ready to help its owner.
What stones does it go with?
Bracelet with pearls and moonstone
When combining adularia with other minerals, it is necessary to take into account their belonging to a particular element.
Moon rock:
- Ideally compatible with Water stones (such as chrysocolla, pearl, alexandrite, aquamarine).
- Completely incompatible with Fire minerals (this group includes: almandine, diamond, ruby, pyrope). Carrying diametrically opposite energy, they neutralize each other’s beneficial qualities.
- It is undesirable to combine with stones of the air element (prominent representatives are: rock crystal, topaz, citrine, hyacinth, lapis lazuli, chrysoprase, amethyst, smoky quartz, emerald, peridot, sapphire), which can come into conflict with it, causing an unpredictable effect.
- Neutral in relation to the minerals of the Earth (this category includes: onyx, jade, jasper, malachite, agate).
Interesting facts about belomorite:
- Belomorite is a reliable talisman for everyone born during a full moon.
- There is a legend that a white spot can appear on the surface of the stone, which grows during the growth phase of the Moon until the full moon, and at the same time the magical powers in the gem increase.
- Belomorit is recommended for people with a strong character.
- It is believed that if you are depressed, you can write something about the healing properties of the stone, and if you don’t show what you have written to anyone, you will definitely feel better. And in cases of severe stress, it is advised to carefully look at the stone until the condition improves.
- Previously, belomorite was also called “fish eye”.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Who among us has not heard about zodiac compatibility with stones? This method of searching for talismans is popular among the people. After all, anyone interested in this topic can go online and find out which gem suits him best. We have collected the best compatibility recommendations and will share them with you.
When choosing a talisman, consider zodiac compatibility.
The energy of the gem is ideally combined with people born under the zodiac sign Cancer. Will he suit other signs according to the horoscope? Yes, but not everyone. It will benefit some, harm others:
- Cancers will have the strongest friendship with the talisman . The life of Cancer is completely controlled by the moon, the energy of which fills the gem.
- Products made from lunar gems are suitable for Pisces . The talisman will relieve Pisces from nervousness, help to better control mood swings, and relieve touchiness.
- To whom such a talisman is contraindicated are fire signs. To everyone without exception: Leo , Sagittarius and Aries . The lunar talisman will deprive these signs of their powers and lead to failures in business.
- Emotional Geminis will find it difficult to manage their feelings if they have a pearl talisman. Therefore, you should use it with extreme caution or you should completely abandon it.
- Astrologers also do not advise hardworking Capricorns Such a mineral can disrupt the harmony of their inner self with the outside world.
There is an opinion that only women can wear moonstone. But it is wrong. Compatibility is influenced not by gender, but by character. Don't pay attention to stereotypes - choose the mascot that called you!