For centuries, people have adorned themselves with red gemstones. They were considered symbols of love, passion, fire and blood. However, true red color is rare in the world of precious stones.
Can you guess what the stunning red stone is in this necklace?
This lesser-known 28.14-carat rubellite gemstone has a surprisingly vibrant color. © Zoltan David In this article, you'll learn how to evaluate the quality of red gemstones - from popular to obscure - and which ones are best suited for engagement rings.
Types of red stones
Precious minerals
Red gemstones differ from other minerals in their high degree of purity, brilliance, rarity and a number of other quality characteristics. They are used to make expensive jewelry and set it in precious metals.
Diamond
Red Diamond
Crimson-colored diamonds are the rarest variety of diamonds. Their share in the total production composition does not exceed 1%. This mineral has the highest hardness index - 10 points on the Mohs scale. Its main deposits are located in Australia and Brazil. A red diamond of the highest clarity grade is called “Fancy Red”.
Ruby
Ruby
The most common stone, the shades of red in which vary from soft pink to deep purple. The hardness of ruby is 9 units on the Mohs scale, the luster is glassy. The exception is star rubies, which are opaque and have an asterism effect. The mineral is mined in all corners of the planet except Antarctica. The main suppliers are Kenya, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
Topaz
Topaz Red topaz includes wine-colored crystals with a yellow, brown or pink tint
. The bright red color is obtained by thermal exposure. Topaz has a high hardness rating of 8 points. When exposed to sunlight, the stone becomes discolored. It is mined in Brazil, Russia and Pakistan.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline
Red stones are rare in nature; they are also called rubellites due to their unique color. Tourmaline has an average hardness of 7.5 units. Some red crystals contain an admixture of green shades. When exposed to heat, red-brown gems turn scarlet. Red tourmalines are mined in China, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Mozambique.
Spinel
Spinel
Visually, the noble red spinel is difficult to distinguish from ruby. Spinel has a lower hardness level compared to ruby (8 units on the Mohs scale) and can be found very rarely in nature. Dark red crystals are called ruby spinel, and red-orange stones are called rubicella. The main deposit of red spinel is Myanmar. Small-scale mining is carried out in Brazil, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, India, and Thailand.
Semi-precious minerals
Despite the fact that the quality indicators of semi-precious stones are slightly lower compared to precious minerals, they look presentable in jewelry.
Zircon
Red zircon 2.43 carats
One of the most ancient minerals with a diamond luster, it is colored red-brown. Zircons of pink, brown or brown shades are called hyacinths, red-orange gems are called yacinths. Despite the fact that the hardness of zircon reaches 8 points on the Mohs scale, it is very fragile. The mineral is mined in the USA, Brazil, Canada, Thailand, Australia, Russia, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.
Pomegranate
Garnet
Red garnets include dark red and cherry colored nuggets. Stones of calm shades are highly transparent. This indicator decreases as the brightness of the color of the mineral increases. The hardness of garnet reaches 7.5 points. Some of its specimens are characterized by the effect of pleochroism. Red garnets are mined in Russia, as well as in Southern and Eastern Africa.
Andalusite
Andalusite
A red stone with orange, brown or pink tints. Andalusite has an average hardness of 7 points. The stone has a pleochroism effect, but is rarely used in jewelry due to the complexity of processing. Andalusite deposits are concentrated in Russia, Brazil, Canada, the USA, and Sri Lanka.
Ornamental gems
Ornamental stones are practically not used in jewelry. They are used to make inexpensive jewelry, crafts, souvenirs, facing materials and decorative elements.
Coral
Coral
Coral is of organic origin, its hardness does not exceed 4 units on the Mohs scale. Red corals are the most common among other varieties. They are mined on the coasts of Japan, Australia, Italy, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Malaysia.
Jasper
Jasper
A variegated mineral that combines red-brown with other colors. It is completely opaque and has a rich matte sheen. The hardness of jasper is 7 points. The most famous places of production are Russia, USA, India, Germany, France.
Cornelian
Carnelian
Carnelian is pure red in color, also known as carnelian, and is rarely found in nature. Basically, the mined crystals have a banded structure, in which dark tones turn into light ones. The most valuable and beautiful gems are mined in India, but after exposure to the sun they can lose their unique red-brown hue and turn red-orange.
Hematite
Hematite
Varieties of scarlet hematite are “red ironstone” and “glass red head”. The mineral, whose color resembles blood, has medium hardness (5.5-6.5 points) and a matte metallic luster. Known deposits of hematite are Great Britain, Alaska and the Ural Mountains of Russia.
Collection stones
The properties of some red stones do not allow them to be used for making jewelry and in various industries. Such gems find their use in mineralogical collections.
Rhodonite
Rhodonite
This mineral is very soft and fragile; at the slightest mechanical impact it exfoliates and breaks into small crystals. Jewelers do not like it for these properties, and therefore rarely use faceted inserts in jewelry. Large, unprocessed rhodonite crystals can be found in individual handmade items. But the stone is in demand among collectors.
Cinnabar
Cinnabar
An extremely soft mineral that will remain scratched even by a fingernail. Cinnabar is toxic because its chemical composition is mercury sulfide. It is not recommended to hold it in your hands for a long time; in a collection, the stone is usually stored in a closed container.
Proust
Proustite
“Ruby Silver” - this is how the stone is called because of its similarity to ruby and the presence of silver in its composition. The mineral is very soft, its hardness does not exceed 2.5 on the Mohs scale. With prolonged exposure to the sun, the stone turns black, so it must be stored in a dark place. These factors make Proustite unsuitable for everyday use. Thanks to its incredible shades, the mineral attracts the attention of collectors.
Cuprite
Cuprite
Mineral is an oxide of copper. Cuprite in its entirety is not dangerous, but its dust can adversely affect health. The stone is rarely found in nature, so collectors dream of getting it. When exposed to sunlight, a stone of incredible beauty fades.
Crocoite
Crocoite
A toxic mineral due to the presence of hexavalent chromium and lead in the composition. Just like cuprite, crocoite is not dangerous in its entirety, but its dust is poisonous. The stone should be kept away from children in a closed container.
Realgar
Realgar
This bright red gemstone is also classified as a toxic mineral, as it contains arsenic. The gem is rarely cut. In collections it is kept mainly in its original form.
Maternity hospital for almandine
The birthplaces of almandine are metamorphites, effusive rocks, pegmatites, and crystalline schists.
The mineral is found in ferruginous quartzites.
It is often found in placers (the hardness of the mineral allows it).
In general, grenades are usually small in size. But almandines are an exception. Among them, giants up to 10-15 cm in size are not uncommon.
Red stones-talismans for women
Talisman stone jasper
When choosing red stones as decoration, a woman should take into account her age.
Girls and young women under 30 should pay attention to carnelian, jasper and zircon. Stones develop potential, inspire confidence, and emphasize attractiveness.
For women aged 30-40 years, garnet, tourmaline or topaz are suitable. A pomegranate will highlight their dignity and charm. Topaz and tourmaline will return passion and feelings to existing relationships, and will give single women the opportunity to find happiness.
Ladies over 40 should opt for a ruby or diamond. These gemstones will emphasize self-sufficiency and self-confidence.
How to distinguish from a fake
Stones intended for making jewelry are often enhanced. This term means a change in color and transparency as a result of heating, impregnation with coloring solutions, coating with colored oils, waxes and resins, and irradiation. Experts do not consider improved stones to be fakes. The latter are less valuable stones of one type, passed off as other more valuable varieties.
You can distinguish natural stone from glass and plastic imitation by the ability of the former to cool the skin longer. Place the jewel between your fingers and note the time. Natural stone cools for about 30 seconds, plastic heats up immediately, and glass remains cold for 10 seconds.
To successfully purchase jewelry, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Purchase only from trusted sellers in official retail outlets.
- Ask the store for a certificate confirming the origin of the gemstone and jewelry.
- Examine the stone under a magnifying glass from different sides.
There are no cheap gemstones of good quality. If the price is low, then it is an imitation, a fake.
In addition, a garnet can be passed off as a more expensive ruby. A test with a piece of glass is useful. Ruby leaves a scratch on the stele, but the latter does not leave marks on ruby and other stones with a hardness above 7.
Red stones for men
Men should select red stones depending on the goal being achieved.
To enhance leadership qualities, it is worth purchasing jewelry with a ruby, and to increase libido and sexuality - a red garnet. Tourmaline is necessary for men who want to achieve recognition in their professional activities. Red topaz is a talisman for those whose activities are related to justice. Male leaders need to place jasper on their desk to protect themselves from rash decisions.
Ring with carnelian for men
Areas of application
Almandine is a beautiful and relatively inexpensive stone. When processing it, jewelers use traditional cutting and cabochoning.
Garnet sand from non-jewelry garnets is used in surface treatment (sandblasting abrasive).
Healing and magical properties of red minerals
Red minerals have powerful energy, so they are often used as healing and magical amulets.
| Name of the stone | Medicinal properties | Magic properties |
| Red diamond | Replenishes energy reserves, prevents the development of psychoneurological diseases | Develops the makings of a leader, inspires courage, and is a talisman of love relationships |
| Ruby | Useful for diseases of the hematopoietic and cardiovascular systems | Gives love, brings good luck, protects from anger and envy from others |
| Zircon | Has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and the body as a whole | A talisman against the evil eye, curses and the machinations of ill-wishers. The stone will help you achieve positive results in any area. |
| Tourmaline | Helps in the treatment of neurological diseases, improves blood circulation | Develops hidden abilities |
| Coral | Improves metabolism and blood circulation | Protects from damage and the “evil eye”, bestows good luck |
| Pomegranate | Normalizes the functioning of the respiratory system, improves protective functions | Amulet of family happiness |
| Spinel | Increases libido in men, promotes faster healing of wounds | Develops the gift of foresight, bestows love and happiness |
| Carnelian (carnelian) | Has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the whole body | Protects against envy and lies |
| Jasper | Helps in the treatment of digestive organs and hypotension, stops bleeding | Gives energy to achieve your goals |
| Hematite | Normalizes the functioning of the circulatory system | Protects against external negative energy |
| Topaz | Helps improve the emotional background caused by nervous fatigue and stress | Talisman of good luck and material wealth |
Rubies
Healing magic
The characteristics of the stone will not be complete if we ignore its inexplicable and mysterious capabilities. For thousands of years, the idea has developed that heliotrope has the power of magic.
Occultism has long used the mineral, considering the ancient stone capable of rewarding a person with gifts that surpass the ordinary: insight, spiritual intuition, comprehension of truth. Alternative medicine regarded it as an immune system stimulant and a surefire way to fight infection and toxins. And today there is something metaphysical in relation to stone. This happens because of its unique appearance and the many legends surrounding it.
Bloodstone prevents colds, flu and inflammation. It is believed that the magical properties of the stone stimulate the body’s regenerative powers after a protracted illness. It can be used if necessary:
- treatment of the spleen, liver, kidneys, bladder and intestines;
- neutralizing and removing toxins from the body;
- regulation and stimulation of blood circulation;
- treatment of blood diseases (anemia, leukemia);
- therapy of tumors and acute infections.
Mystically associated with the process of birth, heliotrope is a life-saving remedy for women of childbearing age. It is believed that it regulates hormonal balance, prevents miscarriages, and gives women in labor strength during childbirth. Some authors write that the stone alleviates PMS, regulates the menstrual cycle and hormonal balance during menopause.
The mineral can stop nosebleeds if you keep it wet on the bridge of your nose and periodically dip it in water. Moisture from the stone allows you to remove varicose veins and hemorrhoids. In many cultures, heliotrope was immersed in cold water and placed on the body to stop bleeding, improve circulation, and transmit the energy of the sun for healing.
The effect of coagulation has been known for a long time, and ancient warriors used their amulet to treat wounds, abscesses, and cleanse pustules, believing that just looking at it was enough. Grinded to powder and mixed with honey, the stone was used for frequent blood loss, treatment of tumors, and extraction of snake venom. It was left in a bowl of water near the bed by those whose sleep was weak and restless.
The stone was worn constantly to gain health.
Red stones: who is suitable according to the horoscope
Red colored stones suit most zodiac signs. The exceptions are Cancers and Pisces, for whom contact with such gems will bring mental discomfort and cause increased anxiety. Other representatives of the Zodiac element can choose one of the following red stones as a talisman or amulet:
- Aries - ruby, red garnet;
- Taurus – topaz, jasper;
- Gemini – carnelian;
- Lions – tourmaline, ruby;
- Virgo – jasper, carnelian;
- Libra – red tourmaline;
- Scorpios – coral, red garnet;
- Sagittarius – ruby, red diamond;
- Capricorn – jasper, spinel;
- Aquarius - alexandrite.
CONTENT
- Grading the Quality of Red Gemstones Color
- Purity
- Ruby
- Red spinel
- Rubellite
- Red diamond
- Cornelian
- Pomegranate
- Jasper
- Topaz
- Red beryl
- Pezzottaite
- Coral
- Zircon
- Rhodochrosite
- Fire opal
- Sunstone and Oregon Sunstone
- Friedelite
- Eudialyte
- Cinnabar
- Rhodonite
- Cuprite
- Proust
- Crocoite
- Realgar
Why do you dream about a red stone?
Dreams with red stones have many interpretations. To understand why they dream, you need to pay attention to the details of the dream.
Red stone is a harbinger of love
A gem of red shades seen in a dream foreshadows the development of a love relationship. Their character and outcome will depend on how bright it is:
- a bright red stone - to the development of strong feelings and passion, the fulfillment of plans;
- crystal of pale shades - because of doubts, you can miss your love;
- dark red stone - you should protect your relationships from envy.
You should also pay attention to the feelings experienced in a dream. The more emotions and delight a stone evokes in a dream, the more mental pain and disappointment can be expected in reality.
Red stone - a talisman of success
A large crystal in a dream symbolizes material wealth in the near future. A red stone found in a dream foretells a sudden successful situation. It may require certain expenses, but the result will be worth it.
Actions with red stone
- receive as a gift - for a happy marriage;
- sell a stone - to material wealth;
- receive as an inheritance - to rapid spiritual growth;
- give - to danger;
- losing a gem means separation;
- searching in a dream means loneliness.
Red stone in jewelry
- earrings with red stones - to good news and pleasant chores, a declaration of love;
- necklace or necklace with gems - in pursuit of a cherished goal, there is a risk of losing peace of mind;
- a ring with a red stone put on a finger - to ignite passion and love feelings.
A dream in which you dreamed of jewelry with red stones may also have a downside. It may warn of a hidden disease associated with the hematopoietic system.
Broken jewelry in a dream warns of possible betrayal from friends or colleagues, as well as disappointment received after achieving a cherished goal.
Variegated mix
“Never mind” is the motto of the red coal.
In 2022, a huge almandine was found in the Urals (near Lake Itkul). The weight of the stone is almost one and a half kilograms.
Bukanov reports that “In Norway, at the Sunnfjord deposit, the largest opaque almandine crystal weighing 1000 kg, about 1 m in diameter was found.”
In the Middle Ages, the gem was valued higher than it is now. They even faked it: they took an almandine cabochon and put glass under it (like a “platform” in a shoe). The stone seemed larger, which means it was more expensive.
For astrologers, almandine is the true garnet.
On the world market, almandines are valued higher than pyrope.
Place of extraction
Currently, heliotrope deposits are being actively developed in the Urals and in the USA - the states of California and Wyoming. There is a small deposit in Bukhara (Uzbekistan). The stone is also mined in Australia, Namibia, Egypt, Armenia, China and India, although the richest and oldest Indian deposit of “blood jasper”, located in Calcutta, has already been exhausted.
Jasper of the East and constellations
Astrology has been studying the abilities of the bloodstone since ancient times. They discovered a close connection between the stone and the planets:
- Moon.
- Saturn.
- Venus.
This triple combination explains the power of influence on the owner’s fate line. Which constellation is suitable for:
- Sagittarius.
- Scorpios.
- Cancers.
- Aries.
Each zodiac sign receives its own quality, not similar to others.
- Sagittarius gains spiritual perfection, logic of thinking, determination and caution.
- Cancers find harmony in their relationships with their loved ones, stop arguing and looking for reasons for discord. There will be much less trouble.
- Aries develop mental abilities, are drawn to science, research and experimentation. All plans will be brought to the desired result.
- Scorpios lose their aggressiveness, assertiveness, and become softer and more gentle.
For heliotrope, love has no meaning. Its meaning is mental dependence on a stronger person. A natural sample will easily destroy even the strongest feelings. The mineral is not suitable for the constellations of the zodiac circle:
- A lion.
- Aquarius.
- Calf.
For them, even untreated rock will become harmful and dangerous. It will ruin your destiny, career, destroy your family, and lead to the loss of friends. You cannot hope that a short period of time will not bring changes, and wear jewelry for short meetings. The strength of the impact is unpredictable, it is better to refuse such experiments.
Physico-chemical properties of heliotrope
Although the stone is called “bloody” jasper, in terms of its physical and chemical properties it is not one. Heliotrope is dark green mineral belonging to the chalcedony group Its base is silicon oxide, so it is hard (up to 7 on the Moss scale ).
The color of heliotrope can vary from dark green to greenish-blue, and inclusions can be either bright red or dark brown. The stone has a pale glassy luster but is opaque.
Minerals have such different tones and patterns that it is impossible to find two identical
Features of natural breed
Heliotrope stone gets its name from the combination of two roots: sun (helio) and turn (trope). Exactly translated - turning around (moving) behind the Sun or turning around the celestial body. Ancient people found a connection between crystal and celestial phenomena. For many centuries it was believed that the gem attracts rain and thunderstorms.
There was a belief according to which the samples were boiled, and the vapors blocked the light of the sun and darkened the air. The mineral, found in different places, is known by several other names:
- Blood Stone. Stains of dried blood change the surface, introducing a special mystical pattern into it.
- Jasper of the East. The strange gems have similarities with jasper due to their red inclusions. Another common name among the peoples of the East is bloodstone.
- Stone plasma. Bloodstone was found not only on Earth, there is a huge amount of it on Mars. It is hematite that makes the planet red. But the plasma of Mars differs in the composition of chemical components from the terrestrial rock.
- Red (meat) agate. Another similar crystal is agate.
- Babylonian stone. The origin goes back to ancient times, connected with the history of Babylon.
- Stefan stone. Deacon Stephen was killed by stones from an unbelieving crowd. The memory of the first great martyr is bloody samples of natural formations.
The mineral has enormous magical powers. The path to Golgotha was paved for them. There is a legend that tells how heliotrope was created. A simple green cobblestone was saturated with the blood of the crucified Christ. After that it became mystical and powerful. Over time, the magic became more and more, the healing power became stronger.
