Dumortierite is a stone discovered relatively recently, at the end of the 19th century. Many people have probably never heard of this intricate name. Those who are still familiar with the stone value it not only for its stunning deep blue color, but also for its powerful energy, magical and healing qualities.
In fact, this rare and unusually beautiful stone has been mined since the 12th century, however, until 1881 it was mistaken for lapis lazuli. It was this year that French geologists discovered this mineral in the Alps, and after conducting an in-depth analysis of the stone, they came to the conclusion that it would be incorrect to call it lapis lazuli. It was given its own name in honor of the famous mineralogist Eugene Dumortier - dumortierite. The scientist himself did not take part in the discovery of the mineral, since he died shortly before.
It is worth noting that despite the fact that Eugene was a paleontologist and amateur geologist, he managed to make a large number of discoveries and enter the scientific elite of that time. Its curator was one of the greatest European scientists of the time, Jean-Baptiste Fourier.
Story
The hard-to-pronounce mineral was first discovered in the Swiss Alps in 1879. Named after the French mineralogist Eugene Dumortier, who was the first to scientifically describe the gem.
Perhaps the stone was found before (for example, in Afghanistan eight centuries ago).
It looks like lapis lazuli and may appear under this name in geological annals. But this is not a variety of this gem, but an independent mineral.
Variant name: dumortierite.
Dumortierite deposits
There are few deposits of dumortierite in the world, but they are found on different continents. For example, deposits are known in France (Lyon), in Siberia, on the islands of Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Many mines are located in North and South America, among the countries where dumortierite is mined - Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and the USA. Brightly colored and high-quality specimens are mined in Australia and Poland.
Physico-chemical characteristics
According to the chemical classification, the mineral dumortierite is a complex silicate of metamorphic origin. Its formula contains compounds of aluminum, iron, boron, and silicon.
| Formula | Al7(BO3)(SiO4)3O3 |
| Color | Blue, violet-blue, reddish-brown |
| Stroke color | bluish |
| Shine | Glass |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Hardness | 7 |
| Cleavage | average |
| Kink | uneven |
| Density | 3.26 - 3.41 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Rhombic |
| Refractive index | 1,686 — 1,723 |
Luminescence is weak, unlike pleochroism. When turned, the color of the stone changes from blue to black or dark brownish.
Where is it used?
The scope of use of the stone is determined by its condition.
Jewelry
Transparent specimens are classified as jewelry.
Dumortierite is processed as a cabochon: this is how the uniqueness of the surface pattern is maximized. Yes, and it’s difficult to cut it.
Dumortierite pendant
The best setting for a gem is silver.
Decor
Translucent and opaque, but beautiful dumortierites are classified as ornamental. They are used to make small-sized sculptures, animal figurines, and decor for jewelry boxes, mirror or photo frames.
The stone is recognized as a children's talisman, so parents should invest in figurines for the children's room.
Other areas
The material rejected by jewelers and stone-cutters is used as raw material for the production of porcelain - industrial and for domestic needs. The output is top quality products.
Collectors are interested in samples in which fragments of dumortierite have grown into an array of rock crystal, quartz or other mineral.
Lithotherapists recommend using massage rollers to relieve spasms, headaches, and simply relax.
Prices for dumortierite products
A monolithic intergrowth of a columnar dumortierite crystal of high jewelry quality is very rare; it is mined in single copies.
And, for example, a bluish-pink sample similar to a sapphire was found only once, cut and weighing 2.14 carats and was valued at several tens of thousands of dollars. Interesting in terms of jewelry are aggregates made of rock crystal and dumortierite. They often contain designs similar to floral patterns and multi-colored needles. They are given a cabochon or facet cut.
In any case, dumauririte is rated quite highly as a rare mineral. An intergrowth of dumortierite with collection-quality quartz, from Brazil, up to 10 mm in diameter and faceted with a simple cut, is estimated at $500.
How to identify a fake
The structure and external signs of dumortierite create scope for fakes. More often, glass or plastic is offered under the guise of stone.
You can distinguish the original in several ways:
- By touching a heated nail or needle. If it is plastic, there is a characteristic smell.
- Glass is easy to identify when held in your hands. The imitation will heat up quickly.
- Plastic and glass do not have the property of pleochroism.
The stone can be confused with lapis lazuli or sodalite. But the surface of dumortierite is duller.
Who does dumortierite suit according to their zodiac sign?
Usually a particular stone affects different people differently. It may not suit some people or may cause trouble. Even if a stone is favorable, it helps different people in different ways.
Astrologers consider Dumortierite a universal mineral. It is recommended for all people to wear it. However, there are features for different zodiac signs:
- Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo dumortierite is more supportive at work. Earth signs become more collected. Successful ideas appear. As a result, careers often go uphill.
- For Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini, the stone helps to create. The implementation of numerous ideas is exactly what any air sign is looking for. Life becomes interesting and rich.
- Aries, Leo, Sagittarius wearing jewelry are more calm and balanced. Fire signs of the zodiac learn to control their emotions. This helps improve relationships with others.
- Cancers, Scorpios, Pisces are more likely than other signs to be lonely. Even if a person looks open and confident, inside he is wary. The stone here helps more in love.
Few people are familiar with Dumortierite. Some consider it a “glamorous” advertised lapis lazuli. However, true connoisseurs hunt for rare stones. This is a great addition to an outfit or collection. Decorating with this gem will help you cope with stress, concentrate on what is most important and develop your creativity.
How to wear
The calm range of the stone made it universal:
- A set of jewelry with small inserts is appropriate in the office, at a business or status event.
- However, it is better to wear a bracelet or necklace with large beads separately.
- They look equally good with a monochrome or colorful outfit.
Inexpensive denim-colored jewelry will be useful for young people or middle-aged people for walks and friendly gatherings.
Industries of application of dumortierite
Non-gem quality dumortierite is used in the manufacture of high-grade electrical porcelain.
High-quality specimens are used in jewelry and also become decorations in mineralogical collections. Large splices are used to make figurines and objects for interior decoration. In general, dumortierite is quite difficult to cut and it is quite difficult to select suitable samples for this, which is why jewelry with it is rare.
Therapeutic effect
The positive effect of the stone has been recorded by lithotherapists for all body systems:
- Dumortierite protects the heart and blood vessels, preventing arrhythmia, pressure surges, and migraines.
- It is a sedative for people prone to unmotivated anxiety. Reduces phobias, depression, improves sleep quality.
- Improves digestion and general condition of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Stone applications can reduce inflammation, even tumors.
Lithotherapists consider dumortierite a “rejuvenating” stone.
Dumortierite helps those who decide to give up drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
Healing qualities
Lithotherapists attach great importance to the qualities of dumortierite. Experts in the field of stone therapy note, first of all, the beneficial effect of the mineral on the nervous system, in the broadest sense of this expression. Stone products help fight insomnia, nightmares, phobias, panic attacks and other anxiety attacks, various manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia, and help increase stress resistance.
In addition, the stone is quite effective in the fight against bad habits: dumortierite weakens the craving for the object of addiction. True, this applies exclusively to chemical addictions. As for gambling addiction, no representative sample of cases has yet been presented that could confirm or refute the effectiveness of blue crystals against this phenomenon. In most cases, gambling addiction is not considered a problem, unless, of course, we are talking about the loss of real money.
Dumortierites of brown tones have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and detoxifying effects, stabilize blood pressure, and relieve pain.
It is believed that products made from dumortierite help maintain physical, mental, intellectual tone and give longevity. This is due to the antioxidant properties of the stone. As is known, the main cause of cancer is acidosis, i.e. over-oxidation of the body, provoked by a huge number of reasons: poor ecology, the same bad habits, unhealthy diet with an overwhelming amount of products that oxidize the body...
Magic properties
The main mission of the stone is to provide a shield against negativity, disasters, and clouding of the mind.
Other magical properties of dumortierite:
- The stone will make the owner rich and financially independent.
- This is a salvation for people who constantly find themselves in unpleasant situations. The stone will “tell” the way out.
- A good children's mascot. The young owner will strive for knowledge and develop intelligence.
- For creative people, the magic of stone is a catalyst for inspiration.
- Dumortierite relieves self-criticism and self-digging. It makes it easier to reset the past and start life from scratch.
Dumortierite is a stone for careerists: with this talisman, it won’t take long for you to climb the career ladder.
The stone is suitable for meditation, concentration, calmness.
Description of the mineral
Dumortierite is a stone whose main color is cool blue. Form - crystal or needle-shaped or fibrous aggregates, externally similar to spruce branches.
Dumortierite in crystal form and without impurities is rare, its price is high. For example, a Brazilian or Australian specimen with a diameter of 1 cm costs about 35,000 rubles. Needle-shaped specimens with quartz impurities are much cheaper:
- beads cost 1000 rubles;
- pendant – 500 rubles;
- silver ring – 1000 rubles.
The gem is often confused with lapis lazuli, sodalite, and azurite. The main difference is the hardness of dumortierite, which can only be measured in laboratory conditions.
In addition to all sorts of shades of blue, the mineral can be:
- purple;
- red-brown;
- orange-red;
- pale pink (a rare specimen, the cost of which starts at $10,000).
Watch a video describing the mineral:
