Ural gems: description of Ural stones (precious, semi-precious, ornamental), list with names and photos, products and jewelry, history

An ornamental stone is a natural mineral or rock that has rich colors, an interesting texture, and does not transmit color well. Used for the manufacture of jewelry and decorative items - figurines, vases, candlesticks, tabletops. In its natural form it is inexpensive, but after cutting the cost increases significantly.

Description of the Ural stones

The largest number of gems is mined in the Urals. The deposits are scattered throughout the intermountain region. Researchers called this territory the semi-precious strip of the Urals.

About 100 km of mountain ranges contain mineral deposits. The variety of types, shapes, and colors amazes even experienced scientists. In the depths of rocky caves you can find both diamond deposits and semi-precious gems (jasper, serpentine, hematite).

Mining takes place in the Ural Mountains:

precious stones (1–4 orders);
jewelry and ornaments (rauchtopaz, malachite);
ornamental minerals (rhodonite, jasper).

It is difficult to compile a complete list of gems that are mined in the Urals. In addition to mineral mines, in the depths of the mountains there are accumulations of valuable metals and other minerals.

Watch a video review about gems:

1st order stones

First order stones are considered the most expensive.

They are characterized by:

transparency;
shine;
strength;
wear resistance;
the ability to refract and scatter light.

The first class includes:

Diamond is the hardest mineral. The ability to refract light rays after cutting has made the gem famous in jewelry. Colorless or whitish diamonds are more common, and black, blue, yellowish, pink, and gray stones are less common. Ural diamonds are considered to be of the highest quality. Their price is 3-4 times higher than the standard one. Despite this, sparkling crystals are popular among jewelers and collectors.

The emerald became the symbol of the Urals. The gems mined here are distinguished by their rich green color and transparency. The gem acquired such qualities due to its high content of iron and chromium. Despite the fact that emerald is a fragile stone, its use in jewelry is widespread. The bright color and unique texture have found many fans both among amateurs and among true mineral experts.

Ruby is a gem consisting of compounds of aluminum and oxygen. The chemical structure determines the mineral’s strength, shine and bright colors. The color of ruby can be either pale pink or deep scarlet. Most samples are raspberry in color.

Sapphire, like ruby, is a carborundum. The blue color of the Ural gem is due to the content of titanium and iron. In addition to blue, the crystal can be colored orange, yellow, red, pink. The physical properties of sapphire and ruby are identical.

Mariinskite was discovered by Ural scientists in 2011. The mineral is believed to be similar to alexandrite. However, unlike the latter, Mariinskite does not have an optical effect. The crystal retains its rich green color regardless of lighting. At the moment, the study of the mineral continues.

Stones 2, 3, 4 orders

These Ural minerals are also classified as valuable stones, but their cost is lower than that of first-order gems.

The most famous are:

Alexandrite is a second-order stone with a characteristic optical effect. Depending on the lighting, the color of the gem changes from green to pink.

Rose quartz is also a second-order stone. It has a soft pink color and a chipped, rough surface. The mineral symbolizes love and fidelity. It is used not only for making jewelry, but also as an amulet or talisman.

Tourmaline is a third-order gem with a crystalline structure. The mineral has a complex pinkish-red hue. Gemstones are often black or greenish in color.

Topaz is also a third-order mineral. The gem has a wide variety of colors: yellow, orange, blue, purple shades. Blue topazes are considered the pride of the Ural region. In terms of purity and transparency, such crystals are not inferior to diamonds.

Demantoid was first discovered in the Ural mountains. Researchers classify the crystal as a garnet. Due to its external similarity, it is popularly called the Ural emerald. The mineral is also considered a third-order stone.

Aquamarine was mined in the Ural mountains back in the days of Tsarist Russia. The gem has a greenish-blue color and a high degree of transparency.

Amethyst is considered one of the most valuable fourth-order minerals. The sparkling purple color of the mineral has made it famous far beyond Russia.

Golden beryl is the stone of the sun. The Ural mineral has a yellowish color and a transparent structure. However, in some samples you can see pinpoint gold inclusions. Such gems are valued higher than simple beryl.

Minerals of the second, third, and fourth orders are classified as precious. Therefore, they are more often used to create jewelry. Gems are inlaid into gold, silver and even platinum jewelry.

Souvenirs from such crystals are rarely made.

To view a certificate about alexandrite from the Ural Mining University:

Jewelry and semi-precious stones

Ornamental and jewelry stones are considered more common and less expensive. But these facts do not detract from the merits of gems. The richness of colors and variety of textures give the minerals an exceptional charm.

Jewelry and ornamental gems:

Rauchtopaz is one of the most famous varieties of rock crystal. Due to its weightless light gray color, the mineral is called smoky quartz. The gem is popular among lithotherapists and magicians. It is believed that a small fragment of ore can protect against diseases and life’s troubles.

Malachite is the real pride of the Urals. Due to the high copper content, the stone acquired a variegated green color. Moreover, different shades alternate in the form of threads or rings. The gem is used to create jewelry and facing slabs, which are used to inlay walls, boxes, and tables.

Shaitansky overlivt is another variety of quartz. This gem is mined only within the Ural gem strip. The mineral has a layered structure and a greenish-blue color. After polishing, the crystal acquires a characteristic pattern - alternating stripes of different shades. Due to its high strength, gemstones are used to make not only jewelry and souvenirs, but also countertops and coatings.

Ornamental stones of the Urals:

Rhodonite is a mineral consisting of manganese and silicon. The stone has a pinkish-red color, the intensity of which may vary. Rhodonite is used to create amulets or souvenirs.

Jasper is a gem that is mined in the southern part of the Ural region. The minerals found there have a variety of shades: brick, beige, brown, pinkish, gray, green. The stone is used to create jewelry and decorate clothing.

Ornamental stones - varieties

The most beautiful ornamental stones of the Urals and Perm region - list by name:

Hornwort, or striper, is a variegated ornamental stone with alternating stripes of different species. Used in a variety of capacities - from decoration to grinding stone and facing material. Lithotherapists recommend wearing mineral jewelry for people with fatigue, headaches, and nervous breakdowns. The minke whale has the strongest positive effect on Pisces, Aries, and Leo.

Rose quartz - being a base mineral, forms other ornamental stones. For example, purple quartz is amethyst; quartz with mother-of-pearl structure - falcon, cat's, tiger's eye; colorless quartz - rock crystal. Rose quartz is transparent, with delicate shades of pink, ennobled by a beautiful frame, it looks elegant and rich. Jewelry with it is suitable for blondes. Magicians and healers use rose quartz to treat diseases of the nervous system, diabetes, and depression. Aries, Taurus and Libra wear the mineral as amulets.

Hematite (bloodstone, red glass head) has an unusual scarlet hue and a large amount of iron in its composition. It is almost never used in jewelry, but is widely used for making carved paintings on minerals. In folk medicine it is used to treat diseases of the spleen, liver, circulatory system, and sexual disorders. As an amulet it is recommended for Cancers and Scorpios.

Since ancient times, solar amber has been used to make jewelry and handicrafts. The variety of shades, inclusions, shapes and low price have made the mineral one of the most sought after. Modern processing, revealing amazing honey-sunny colors, allows you to choose jewelry for any age, skin type, hairstyle, face shape. Traditional healers used it to treat eye diseases, headaches, joints, and the genitourinary system. As a talisman, amber is suitable for Leo.

Malachite is a bright green ornamental mineral, the pride of the Urals. Boxes, vases, bracelets, rings, and beads were made from it. When cut, each specimen has a special, unique pattern. Used to make various crafts and jewelry. Healers use malachite as a talisman against evil spirits. Jewelry made from the green mineral gives wisdom, treats toothache, and the respiratory system. As a talisman, malachite is good for Libra and Taurus.

The delicate blue shade of turquoise has made the mineral popular as an adornment in any jewelry - rings, bracelets, earrings. The mineral has long been used to attract prosperity and tranquility in the home. Pendants with a blue stone, worn on the chest, heal the heart, stomach, and nerves. A prerequisite is the bright color of turquoise. If the stone becomes tarnished, then it has lost its beneficial properties. Turquoise is best suited as a talisman for Taurus, Scorpio, and Sagittarius.

Common opal is a mineral widely distributed in nature. It consists of spherical crystals, characterized by a huge number of species and a wide range of colors from milky white to violet-black. White stones are more expensive and are equivalent to jewelry. When cut, opal has a variety of patterns - beautiful stains, rainbow tints that attract attention. The best and rarest colors have the same price as a ruby or diamond. The best amulet for Pisces.

Jasper is an interesting semi-precious stone. Uniqueness lies in the presence of various natural patterns on the surface of the mineral, reminiscent of rivers, forests, mountains, clouds, faces, space and entire landscapes. Moreover, each stone is unique and is not repeated twice. The colors include yellow, turquoise, red, black, and brown-gray jasper. Jasper is used to treat fever and insomnia. The best amulet for Virgos.

Agate (a type of quartz) has an unusual pattern on its surface that has been compared to the eye of a bird of prey. A special design of the mineral was often used by statue carvers: they placed agate in the eye sockets. The agate eye sparkling in the sun looked like a real one. The ornamental mineral is used not only for jewelry, but also in creating paintings and in artistic stone carving. Mages consider agate to be capable of expelling dark forces from the home and body, treating bone and joint diseases, and the stomach. Agate is a talisman for Taurus.

Tourmaline is a rare valuable mineral belonging to the group of aluminosilicates. Contains aluminum, silicon, boron. Its value depends on the amount of impurities and transparency. The color range of the mineral is huge - from colorless to pink, red, brown, green, blue, purple and black. Some types of tourmaline have the ability to change color under artificial light.

Labradorite belomorite is a stone that has lost its relevance for creating jewelry, since it is used to line the walls of buildings and subways. Previously, when stocks were not open, it was popular and in demand among fashionistas. After the discovery of large deposits, it lost value.

Amethyst is a hard variety of quartz, represented by purple, blue and red hues. In the Urals, valuable specimens are mined that can turn red under artificial light. Fades in direct sunlight. It is believed that the gem helps maintain sobriety and is a talisman for Aquarius and Aries.

Jades are a group of semi-precious stones, represented by common yellow, green, gray shades and rare blue and red colors. Another name for the mineral is jade. Expensive, beautiful specimens are used to create luxury jewelry, while cheap ones are used for figurines and decorations for household items. Suitable for almost all zodiac signs. Lithotherapists suggest using jade to eliminate anxiety, irritability, and excessive emotionality.

History of minerals

Despite the fact that the Ural deposits became officially known only in the 17th century, legends about them circulated several centuries earlier. Many treasure seekers went to the mountains and disappeared there forever.

The first written mention of the Ural gem strip was made in 1668. Then, not far from the Neive River, the famous stone experts the Tumashev brothers discovered many multi-colored minerals. Thanks to this discovery, people will rush in search of crystals.

In the 18th century, Europe's largest deposits of beryl and amethyst were discovered near the Adui River. An ore vein of red tourmalines was also found. The rich color and high degree of transparency have made the stones famous far beyond Russia.

In the 19th century, the Ural deposits became known outside Europe. Some of the most expensive sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds were found there. During the same period, a malachite deposit was discovered.

Today, mining continues in the Ural mountains.

New ore and mineral veins are found every year. Until now, not a single researcher has figured out why there are so many deposits there.

Watch a report on how things are going with mineral extraction:

Deposits and production

The Ural strip itself is a line connecting many mines. Its length does not exceed 100 km. Murzinka is considered the most famous place for mining Ural gems. There you can find deposits of beryl, amethyst, tourmaline, and ruby.

Previously, there were so many stones there that anyone could find a nugget with little effort. Even now, excursions are held in Murzinka, during which the most active tourists can become owners of gems.

The following deposits are also famous for their diversity of minerals:

Vatiha;
Mokrusha;
Alabashka;
Gumeshevsky;
Karkodinsky;
Mariinsky mine.

The Urals are famous for the exclusivity of their finds. At the end of the 18th century, a Shaitan overflow was found near the village of Oktyabrskoye. It was discovered by chance in a mine where an emerald vein was being mined.

At first, researchers mistook the mineral for alexandrite. Later it turned out that this gem is unknown to scientists, and its deposit is only in the Urals.

For a long time, there was no organized mass mining of stones in Russia. Some seekers independently found single gems. The first mine was organized by the Kuznetsov brothers. A century later, A.I. Rusin discovered a huge tourmaline vein. Thanks to this, seekers rushed to the Urals to mine gems.

Watch how an amateur finds stones in the Urals in the video blog:

Ornamental stones: list of popular ones, photos. The most beautiful ornamental stone in ancient times

The greatest American actress and singer, immortal sex symbol and simply luxurious blonde and favorite of gentlemen, Marilyn Monroe, argued in one of her songs that a girl’s best friend is diamond jewelry. Indeed, it seems that a man is able to settle any quarrel, make amends for any guilt, by presenting his beloved with a treasured velvet box with a precious ring or earrings.

Most women love jewelry. But, unfortunately, not everyone can afford to wear diamonds. In addition, diamond products look appropriate only with outfits for special occasions; in everyday life they look too pretentious. Therefore, for weekdays and simple everyday wear, there is another jewelry option - with semi-precious ornamental stones.

Ornamental stones: varieties

These stones, unlike colorless and transparent diamonds, have beautiful rich or pastel shades, with which you can successfully highlight the color of your eyes or skin, as well as focus attention on your manicure and other accessories, and successfully complete your look. In addition, people have believed since ancient times that each of these stones has its own energy and is capable of influencing a person’s aura or even his destiny. Therefore, many women choose jewelry with semi-precious stones, following the horoscope or according to the meaning of the name.

Semi-precious stones are natural minerals that are used to decorate jewelry. Some of them have a higher price because they are rarer, more difficult to cut and are used in the manufacture of only elite and luxurious jewelry (diamonds, sapphires, rubies and others). Some are suitable for creating other decorative items - boxes, ashtrays, cigarette cases (for example, quartz, opal, malachite). They also look attractive as decorative elements on rings, bracelets or beads. In other words, natural minerals can be divided into precious and ornamental stones. There are a great many types of them; choosing the right one depends on the tastes and preferences of the jewelry lover. However, this article will focus specifically on ornamental stones. A list of the most popular is attached below.

Rose quartz

It is no coincidence that rose quartz is in first place in the ranking of the most popular and sought-after ornamental stones. Initially, quartz is a base mineral that forms other ornamental stones (photo below). Natural quartz has a transparent or milky white color, while admixtures of various metals give it other shades. Thus, purple quartz is called amethyst, colorless quartz is the so-called rock crystal, citrine is yellow-lemon quartz, and the unusual minerals “cat’s”, “tiger’s” and “falcon’s” eye are the same quartz with a mother-of-pearl texture.

However, rose quartz stands out the most among them. Thanks to its transparent texture and delicate pink tone, this stone looks like a real treasure. Blondes are very fond of jewelry with rose quartz, as its color helps to emphasize a touching image and romantic nature. Again, thanks to the pastel color, even little fashionistas can wear such products. Earrings with rose quartz could easily become a girl's first piece of jewelry.

In addition to jewelry, rose quartz also finds its use in lithotherapy - stone treatment. Experts say that rose quartz has a positive effect on the nervous system, suppresses diabetes, and improves immunity. According to Feng Shui, the stone helps strengthen love relationships and increases the likelihood of a happy marriage. Rose quartz is recommended for wearing by Aries, Taurus and Libra.

Hematite

This ornamental stone is popularly called “bloodstone” or “red glass head”. Its appearance is quite unusual: the metal covering is combined with a brick-red stone surface. If we delve deeper into the etymology of the word, the name “hematite” comes from the Greek “haima” and translated means “blood”. Indeed, both the bright scarlet color of the mineral and the large presence of iron in it clearly remind us of blood. That is why the stone was popularly called “bloodstone”.

Hematite is an ornamental stone, but is not primarily used in jewelry making. It finds its application in glyptics - the art of creating carved paintings on minerals. When processed, hematite resembles morion, obsidian or jet, but still differs significantly from them in its strong metallic luster. Hematite was the most popular ornamental stone in ancient times. Since ancient times, it has been used as an amulet, a talisman for men and children. Hematite was used to treat diseases of the spleen, liver, and problems associated with the circulatory system. According to popular belief, hematite has a positive effect on sex life and awakens sexual energy. As a talisman, hematite is suitable for Scorpios and Cancers.

Amber

One of the most beautiful and sought-after ornamental stones can rightfully be called amber, “sunstone”, “tears of resin” or “mineral gold”, as it is also called. Amber is a beautiful ornamental stone; in ancient times it was valued not only as a precious mineral, but also as a medical remedy for the treatment of various diseases. Decoctions and infusions of amber were used to treat the genitourinary system, eye diseases, rheumatism, heart pain and headaches. Today, thanks to innovations in medicine, its healing properties have faded into the background, but its aesthetic significance has not decreased at all.

Amber jewelry is almost universal; the variety of shades allows you to choose them to suit any image and color type of appearance. The amber color palette includes a huge number of colors, thanks to natural impurities in the mineral, as well as modern processing technologies. It is no coincidence that the color of amber is called honey, and the shades of honey are called amber. The variety of honey palette also includes a wide variety of colors: from milky and lemon yellow to dark burgundy and brown. The amber amulet protects pregnant women and children; it is believed that it scares away evil spirits and protects houses from fires. Amber is the symbol-stone for Leo.

Malachite

This bright green, beautiful ornamental stone is the pride of the collection of Ural gems. Perhaps it is not as popular and in demand in the manufacture of jewelry as, for example, amber, but every child in Russia has heard about it since childhood, thanks to the famous fairy tale by P.P. Bazhov about the Mistress of the Copper Mountain and the malachite box he mentioned. The color palette of malachite includes all shades of green, from the color of fresh grass to dark green and turquoise. Malachite could be called an ornamental alternative to emerald, thanks to its luxurious, noble shades.

On the cut of the stone and on its surface there are unusual and very beautiful veins and patterns that cannot be reproduced artificially. Jewelry designers often use this property to decorate crafts and accessories. Not only rings, bracelets, earrings and beads are made from malachite - malachite vases, boxes and even table lamps look no less expensive and luxurious. Malachite goes well with gold trim and plating.

In ancient times, malachite as an ornamental stone was considered the strongest amulet against evil spirits and a symbol of wisdom. The green mineral was used to combat heart disease, respiratory tract diseases, various poisonings and toothache. Malachite is considered a talisman for Taurus and Libra.

Turquoise

Turquoise is another equally popular ornamental stone all over the world. Its name is of Eastern origin; it was there, in the countries of Islam, that turquoise was considered a symbol of purity and innocence and was a mandatory attribute of the bride’s attire. Today, turquoise is great for decorating any product: earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces. Turquoise has a beautiful greenish-blue hue, which in nature belongs only to this stone. Therefore, other objects painted in a similar color are called turquoise. The beautiful tone and opaque texture allow you to wear turquoise jewelry both during the day and for evening events.

Since ancient times, turquoise has been known for its healing properties. Wearing this stone on the chest ensured the prevention of heart and stomach diseases. Turquoise also has a positive effect on the nervous system and is considered a stone of reconciliation, calm and well-being. The brighter the color of turquoise, the stronger its energy, while a dull and pale stone loses its properties. As a talisman, turquoise is intended for Taurus, Sagittarius and Scorpio.

Opal (common)

There are a huge number of varieties of this ornamental stone. And depending on the origin of the mineral, it is classified as both precious and semi-precious stones. The pattern of the opal can have beautiful stains or resemble a mosaic; the rainbow play of colors on the opal is called opalescence. Based on the main color, these stones can be black, purple and blue, bright red or yellow. The milky white color and transparent texture provide opal with a higher value, equating it to jewelry stones.

According to Indian legends, opal reveals the gift of clairvoyance, enlightens the mind, and protects against illness. In ancient times, opal was used to treat heart diseases, nervous system, eye diseases and problems with potency. Opal is considered a talisman stone for Pisces.

Jasper

Jasper is a semi-precious ornamental stone that has been used since ancient times to make jewelry and other decorative items. Due to the variety of its shades and textures, jasper is in great demand in jewelry. Among its colors there are spotted, sprayed, striped and speckled. According to color combinations, jasper can be black, red, turquoise, yellow, gray-brown. Plain jasper is very rare. In ancient times, personalized amulets were made from it, which were supposed to protect the owners from the evil eye and remove negative energy. The therapeutic properties of jasper have been used in the treatment of fever, epilepsy, cardiovascular and gastric diseases, as well as insomnia and various types of pain.

Taoists were sure that a jasper amulet prolongs life, and if placed at the head of the bed, it will help enlighten the mind. Jasper is suitable as a talisman for Virgos.

Agate

Agate is a beautiful ornamental stone. In ancient times, it was endowed with various magical properties, thanks to its unusual design. The natural patterns on agate resemble the eye of a bird of prey. According to legend, a bird of prey lost its eye in a fight with one of the heavenly gods. The eye fell to the ground and turned into stone. Ancient craftsmen used this property to create totemic statues, inserting agates in place of empty eye sockets so that they served as protection against evil spirits.

In fact, agate is a type of fine-crystalline quartz. However, agate, like quartz, has varieties of rocks that are perceived as independent stones. For example, onyx or chalcedony. The color palette includes white, gray, red and yellow shades. The pattern is very diverse: striped, “moss”, “star”, “bastion”, “eye” and others. Agate is abundantly used in the manufacture of jewelry, as well as in artistic stone carving. The stone is popular in various eastern cultures: in Ayurveda it relieves imbalances in the water balance in the body, Buddhists believe that agate expels demons from a person’s home and body, among the Mongols it promotes the development of internal energy. Its medicinal properties are used for chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, circulatory system, gastrointestinal tract, and various infections. Agate is a talisman stone for Taurus.

Tourmaline

Thanks to its glossy and transparent texture, the semi-precious ornamental stone tourmaline, when processed, is practically indistinguishable from natural jewelry: rubies, sapphires, emeralds and others. Depending on its origin, tourmaline itself can be either a precious or semi-precious stone.