There are several laboratory methods for accurately determining the purity of karat gold. They can be destructive, using fire, or non-destructive using X-ray fluorescence. Both methods require expensive equipment, special procedures, and a well-lit and ventilated area. A simpler method of determining the purity of gold in jewelry is the "touchstone" testing process, an age-old technique that is virtually non-destructive to the jewelry and produces quick and relatively accurate results. It will require chemical reagents, a touchstone and special needles.
Kyanite
Kyanite gets its name from the Greek kyanos, which means “blue.”
The unusual mineral most often has blue tints, although there are examples of pale green and even white. Synonymous names for the stone: disten (which literally translates as “double strength”) and baus. Kyanite is considered a rather exotic stone and is very rarely found in jewelry. Lithotherapists use the mineral to increase body tone. It is believed to be good for childhood infections and various inflammatory diseases of the kidneys or bladder. The stone also relieves nervousness and the unpleasant consequences of stressful situations. At the same time, although blue kyanite copes well with insomnia and nervous system disorders, you should not abuse its medicinal properties. Frequent use of this mineral can cause depression in the owner . The magical properties of an unusual stone help to develop important character traits and personal qualities in its owner. It awakens the desire for self-knowledge, prudence, chastity, modesty and fidelity. Kyanite will be useful for business people, as it helps to arrange things according to their importance, and not get scattered about unnecessary details. It attracts the sympathy and trust of others to its owner, which often brings many benefits for career advancement. Kyanite is most suitable for Gemini and Sagittarius. The mineral is contraindicated for use by Cancers, Libra, Capricorns and Pisces.
How accurately does the bar determine the sample?
Experts consider this method to be quite accurate and acceptable for determining the sample of precious metals. The inaccuracy in determining the sample of gold items using this method does not exceed 0.3%. In fact, the deviation is no more than 3 units, that is, a product of 582 samples will never be defined as 375.
When testing platinum and palladium, the inaccuracy is approximately similar to gold. This method works problematically with silver alloys. In this case, the discrepancy between the results exceeds 5%. Therefore, jewelers do not actually use this method to determine the quality of silver products.
The method of determining the quality of precious metals using a touchstone is an effective, fast and non-destructive method. The bars are sold in sufficient quantities in retail chains at prices ranging from 300 to 500 rubles, and a set of 6 standard needles will be sufficient for various types of control for many years.
Celestine
An unusual mineral won the hearts of researchers back in the 18th century. It received the name celestine, which is translated from Latin as “heavenly.” Despite its name, the stone does not only have soft blue shades. There are colorless crystals, samples of yellowish, gray, brown and even greenish shades. An unusual Chinese legend says that celestine appeared many centuries ago. In one of the beautiful corners of the earth, demons appeared and began to spoil the heavenly place with their dirt. Then the celestials burned the demons along with the earth, and to revive their former beauty they scattered wonderful seeds, which sprouted into the heavenly stone celestine. It is believed that the gem is capable of endowing its owner with enviable eloquence. In addition, it creates an excellent reputation for its owner and evokes positive emotions among others. Celestine is ideal for women, awakening their sexuality and charm . For men, in turn, the mineral brings self-confidence. Crystals help to discover the talents of their owner, to reveal hitherto unknown possibilities. Lithotherapists use celestine for medical purposes. The gentle stone is believed to help normalize high blood pressure and improve blood circulation. In the zodiac, celestine is recommended to be worn as a talisman by Gemini.
Physico-chemical properties of prehnite
Natural prehnite, tumbling.
Photo: krystallove.com.au Prehnite is an aluminosilicate and is a hard mineral whose Mohs index ranges from 6 to 6.5. The density is 2.8 g/cm³.
The color range is not very wide: the stone can be colorless or white, but specimens in yellow and green shades are most valued. Quite often, prehnite is unevenly colored and is rarely completely transparent.
Prehnite, mined in Australia, is distinguished by a peculiar illusion of internal glow, which is why it is sometimes compared to moonstone, which has the same property. After grinding and polishing, prehnite acquires a beautiful mother-of-pearl or glass luster.
damn finger
The unusual name “devil's finger” was popularly given to the remains of the oldest mollusks that lived on our planet about 65 million years ago. The official name of the stone is belemnite. The mineral can have different shades, ranging from rich cherry to light sandy samples. The devil's finger also comes in amber color.
Not only the Slavs, but also the very inventive Chinese can boast of an unusual name. In Chinese medicine, belemnites are called “cow teat”, another name is “dragon tooth”. Fossilized remains are widely used for medicinal purposes. According to one of the legends of the origin of natural belemnite, the devil's finger is nothing more than the tip of a dart that was thrown from heaven by the Gods. The purpose of these darts was to frighten, injure or even kill unfaithful and daring people. Hence another name for the stone – “thunder arrow”. The devil's finger has been used by lithotherapists for a very long time. The effectiveness of medical practice is also explained by classical medicine, because belemnite contains useful biological substances that have been “preserved” for millions of years, maintaining both their effectiveness and their environmental purity. Belemnite powder diluted in water improves immunity; powder from this stone treats skin diseases and improves the body's immunity . There is an opinion that the devil's finger can help with psoriasis, osteoporosis, and tuberculosis. Since ancient times, there has been a belief that several belemnites mounted in the roof of a building can protect the house from thunderstorms and lightning. As a personal talisman, the stone protects its owner from troubles and dangers. Suitable for all zodiac signs.
Selenite care
It is best to store jewelry with selenite in a soft case or a special box, where the stone will be well protected from impacts, scratches and other mechanical damage, as well as ultraviolet rays, water or chemicals. It is better to wash it no more than a couple of times a year, using a soft sponge or cloth and be sure to dry it completely after that. All chemicals must be completely excluded when treating the surface.
You should always remember the fragility and softness of the mineral and that even the slightest touch with a sharp object can leave a scratch on the stone and irreversibly damage its smooth surface.
Kunzite
Due to its characteristic color, the kunzite stone has many names: spodumene amethyst, California iris, lithium amethyst, giddenite. The mineral received its official name thanks to the researcher J. Kunz, after whom it was named. Kunzite has a delicate color scheme due to manganese impurities in its composition. With prolonged exposure to sunlight, it can become noticeably pale.
In folk medicine, pink kunzite is used to normalize heart function . Some researchers insist that it is capable of returning its owner to a normal state after stressful situations and severe neuroses. The stone normalizes sleep and helps fight attacks of fear and panic. Kunzite allows its owner to find complete harmony between the mind and feelings. It helps you put aside all regrets about the past and care only about the present. The mineral gives stamina and confidence, helping to overcome difficult life problems and failures. Its influence on children is effective. There is an opinion that amulets with this mineral protect children from the negativity of the outside world. Kunzite is recommended for use in meditation due to its calming and peaceful properties. According to the Zodiac, it suits absolutely all signs.
Lydian Faith Stone
Sorrow is the touchstone of our faith. It is in adversity that its truth and strength are tested and confirmed. It's easy to remain faithful when everything is good and everything is going as usual. People go to church, light candles, attend sermons, pray, study religious books, lively discuss spiritual topics, take an active part in Christian movements, and are very enthusiastic about everything high and beautiful. They are cheerful and smiling, they sing and rejoice! And everyone around thinks that there are no people in the world more devoted to God. The wife never tires of thanking the Lord for her husband, who is full of strength and abundantly provides the family with everything necessary. The husband is also happy because his wife is healthy, his children are strong, and there are prospects at work.
But just as there is no sea without waves, so there is no family life without misfortunes and bitter trials. The mother will get sick, something will happen to the child, some material damage will be caused to the family, or the death of someone close will occur. Or simply the spouse will lose his job. Will these people maintain a good mood by continuing to smile? If any of the above happens, what will happen next?
I am sure that if there is no firm faith, the previous wonderful mood and all the joy will disappear without a trace.
At the first test, the spouses become confused, fall into melancholy, become irritable and angry. Family peace disappears, grievances and complaints appear. Spouses are inflamed with anger over any, even minor, reason. And, worst of all, they begin to grumble against God and His Providence. They lose the desire to go to church. They sharply cool down to prayer, self-education and religious discussions, considering themselves unfairly offended.
We often hear the following from such believers: “I constantly go to church, pray to the Lord, do no evil, and give alms. And what? All the time there is only grief and suffering!” You see, they made a contract with God! These people will believe in Him, and for this He must give them everything they want. While things are going well, they talk about faith with extraordinary confidence. You might think that, more accurately, there is no one in this world. But as soon as days of sorrow and trials come, they immediately have a question: “Why is God so cruel? Day after day passes, but it doesn’t get any easier for me. I ask, but He doesn’t give it to me! He can't hear me anymore!
These people believe, but they believe somehow superficially. Misfortunes are given to us to test. Sorrow is like the Lydian stone, with the help of which the number of carats of our faith is determined. And very often it turns out that our faith is ineffective, insincere and cold. She is not at all what Christ needs!
It often turns out that our faith is not at all what Christ needs
I once met a Christian woman who, in times of peace, said with exaggerated confidence: “I deeply, deeply believe in God!” But when trials befell her, she rebelled so much against the Providence of God that if any of the believers heard her expressions, he would simply have to cover his ears! Unfortunately, we meet many such Christians, men and women, but very few confess this sin to their confessor.
The superficiality of faith becomes especially noticeable in people during adversity and illness. During Lent they complain of weakness in their legs. Or suddenly a cough and complaints of a cold appear. Problems follow endlessly, one after another. People turn into pitiful pathological creatures, and only true faith in the Lord can rescue them from this situation and make them feel the joy of life.
Only true faith in the Lord can make you feel the joy of life
One more example. A man has the flu and feels unwell. Anxiety, nervousness and moodiness immediately appear. Sometimes he simply tyrannies those around him. You say, human weakness! Yes, human weakness, but its cause is lack of faith. And we must admit this.
When God, testing a person, allows illness, many become irritated that they cannot go to church, attend the liturgy, fast, that is, they cannot fulfill their religious duties. But isn't submission to the will of God our primary responsibility?
Maybe you have confidence that you are strong and firm in your faith? Are you deceiving yourself? Explore! And if during temptations your will completely submits to the will of God, thank Him, for He has given you the gift of true faith! If not, then regret your lack of faith, confess and be sure that Christ will forgive you.
Be careful! Don’t put off confession until later, because the future is not ours. As Saint John Chrysostom says: “Cry today so as not to cry later. Repent now, not later. We must do good with all our might. Lost money may be found, but lost time can never be regained!”
Translated from Greek by Konstantin Mitin From the magazine Αγια Μαρινα. Athens, February 1971
Lidit
Lydian stone or lydite is a type of jasper with a rich black color. The color of the stone is uniform, bright, perfectly black. Most often, rosaries, beads or cabochons are made from black jasper. Lydite has been known since ancient times, where it was used in the construction craft for the production of mosaics and in stone cutting. It has trade names such as darlingite and basanite.
The mineral is especially revered in the Land of the Rising Sun, where it is considered a symbol of life. A Japanese legend tells about an unusual necklace made of jasper, which the Sun Goddess gave to the god Ninigi to help control people on earth. They say that for many centuries it passed from emperor to emperor, having already become the official regalia of power in Japan. In Christian legends, jasper appears in the history of the founding of Jerusalem. They say that the ancient city is based on 12 stones, one of which is jasper. Lydite is used for medicinal purposes to normalize the psychological state of its owner. There is an opinion that it can normalize sleep and relieve nightmares or insomnia. Some researchers recommend wearing Lydite as a pendant on your stomach to relieve stomach problems. Used as a talisman against troubles and evil eyes . Ideally suited for the Virgo sign.
What metals is the touchstone suitable for?
The bar has universal application and can successfully determine the grade of gold, palladium, silver and platinum. Therefore, for craftsmen working with these types of precious metals, purchasing it is economically justified. You only need to purchase reference needles and reagents for the appropriate alloys.
Standard needles are made in the form of strips 6 cm long, made of standard alloys, which are soldered to brass strips with precious metal markings applied.
Reference reagents are aqueous solutions of acids or saline aqueous solutions needed to test precious items. Of all the acid solutions used, the most versatile and frequently used reagent is considered to be chlorauric acid.
The magical properties of prehnite
Pendant with prehnite.
Photo: shop-unico.com In ancient times, prehnite was considered a stone of dreams and clairvoyance. Shamans from African tribes often used products made from this material to increase the chances of successfully performing a ritual or communicating with spirits.
In the Middle Ages, they began to make jewelry from prehnite. There was an opinion that women who wear them become especially attractive to men.
