Since ancient times, white stones have symbolized purity. They harmonize with light-colored clothing, highlight tanned skin, and emphasize the brightness of the eyes and the whiteness of the teeth. The Romans used white stones to mark all happy events, in their opinion. Partly from here comes the tradition of making tombstones and monuments from white stone - in the name of good memory of those who have left this world.
White stones are universal; in construction and architecture they are combined with stones, metals and wood of all colors. In jewelry use, white color is neutral; it is suitable for both women and men of all ages.
White stones are classified into decorative and semi-precious, semi-precious and precious.
Description and signs
White and transparent minerals, representing freshness and chastity, have a distinctive feature - a pure, radiant shine.
In Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, snow-white stones are mentioned that the king of the elves gave to the dwarves to make a necklace for his wife. Seeing the magnificent shine of the gems, the Dwarf King refused to give up the jewelry. Thus, many years of enmity between the kingdoms flared up...
These are the stones that are most often found among precious and ornamental stones. Among famous jewelry brands, they are perhaps the most popular for cutting, because they are very beautiful in appearance and universal: they are suitable for people of all ages, both sexes, with every eye color, and with any outfit.
White color is determined by comparing a gem with a snow-white leaf, when not only the overall tone is visible, but also impurities.
Pearl
A fantastic and very popular stone that almost everyone has heard of and which many have seen in person is pearls. Pearl organic precious white stone . This means that it is formed as a result of the vital activity of living organisms.
In this case, such an organism is an oyster. There are four types of cultured pearls: freshwater, South Sea, Tahitian and Akoyan. These pearls grow on oyster farms in different parts of the world.
White gemstone pearl
On the other hand, there are wild pearls that grow in oysters living in the ocean and accidentally discovered by fishermen. Both types of pearls are natural, as both are produced by oysters.
However, you should be extremely careful when wearing pearls, as these stunning white gemstones can be fragile. Take care of them to maintain their fabulous shine.
Classification
Colorless stones are divided into varieties based on the degree of transparency.
| Transparent | Adularia (moonstone, orthoclase); Diamond; Alunite; Achroite (white tourmaline); Barite; Halite; Rhinestone; Quartz; Leucosapphire; Topaz; cubic zirconia; Zircon; Spinel. |
| White (opaque) | Agate; Albite; Alcetorine; Aragonite; Beryl; Howlit; Dolomite; Pearl; Kaolinite; Cryolite; Coral; Magnesite; Marble; Muscovite; Nephritis; Opal; Selenite; Stefanik (white chalcedony); Amber; Jasper. |
Shades of blue in gemstones
At Gem Lovers, the color of stones is assessed using our own specially developed system. It is used to provide descriptions on our website. And using this terminology, as well as photographic images, we coordinate the color of the stone during its individual search. This system combines scientific and trade terms, taking into account the value factor of a particular color. Thus, blue stones, based on their primary color with an additional tint, are classified into the following main color groups:
- blue (Blue);
- slightly greenish blue (Slightly Greenish Blue);
- greenish blue (Greenish Blue);
- green-blue (Green-Blue);
Depending on the intensity of coloration, these groups can be divided into the following subtypes:
- pastel (Pastel);
- very light (Very Light);
- light (Light);
- average (Medium);
- strong (Strong);
- intensive (Intense);
- saturated (Vivid).
Examples of descriptions of the color of faceted samples using this system would look like this: “Pastel Greenish Blue” or “Medium Blue”. The most valuable is the bright blue color without additional shades. These are the “Vivid Blue” and “Intense Blue” gradations.
Physico-chemical characteristics
The properties of colorless minerals depend on the group to which they belong. Among them are representatives of the following groups:
- Group of feldspars – adularia, albite, barite;
- Alum – alunite;
- Corundums – leucosapphire;
- Silicates – topaz, achroite (white tourmaline), howlite;
- Group of quartz - quartz, rock crystal, opal, agate;
- A group of clay minerals – kaolinite;
- Oxides and hydroxides – spinel;
- Carbonates – aragonite, marble, dolomite and magnesite;
- Beryls are roasterites (colorless minerals);
- Group Jade – jade;
- Chalcedony – stephanik;
- Halite group – halite;
- Fluorides – cryolite;
- Mica – muscovite.
The following minerals should be especially highlighted:
- Diamond is the hardest natural stone, but at the same time fragile. It is a modification of carbon. Resistant to high pressure. The processed diamond is called a diamond and serves as an insert for expensive jewelry.
- Cubic zirconia is a synthetic diamond. Its production is a painstaking and complex process. Chemically, it is zirconium dioxide. The similarity of cubic zirconia to diamond allows you to save money on beautiful jewelry, but there is also a high probability of getting a fake.
- Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on earth. The main component is zirconium silicate. Insert for jewelry with diamond shine.
- Alcetorine is a stone the size of a small pea that forms in a rooster's crop.
- Pearl is a mineral of animal origin: a grain of sand that falls into a shell grows there for about 12 years, becomes overgrown with nacre and turns into a pearl.
- Coral is essentially not a mineral at all. This is an animal that is the basis of a coral reef. Chemically, it is calcium carbonate with impurities. Untreated coral has a matte sheen and is sensitive to temperature and chemical influences.
- Amber is a fossilized resin, mainly from coniferous trees.
- Jasper is a special rock consisting of the elements quartz, silicon, and chalcedony.
Rock crystal and mysterious selenite
Selenite is a moon-like translucent mineral often used in the arts and crafts. It can be used for ornamental purposes, but jewelers also use it in jewelry. It is believed to be a stone of health. The owner will rarely suffer from colds.
Previously, it was believed that it was a stone for sailors and a guardian of babies from bad dreams and evil spirits. Selenite and adularia are distant relatives in origin and have similar properties.
Selenite is a very brittle material, often layered. But this is a stone of hearth and comfort. If one of the spouses begins to “walk on the side,” but there is a desire to save the family, then it is worth purchasing a product with selenite and placing a figurine or box in the spouses’ bedroom.
Rock crystal is a transparent crystal that bestows purity of thoughts on its owner. He will point out honest people, guide the owner away from liars and deceivers, and help the girl find an excellent match for marriage. The transparent crystals of the gemstone conceal purity and innocence, which will bring happiness and love to its owner.
Areas of application
Most colorless stones are widely used for decorative purposes and jewelry:
- Decorative / ornamental varieties - marble, adularia, white coral, jasper, jade;
- Semi-precious - topaz, amber, agate, opal, zircon, rock crystal;
- Precious - diamond, pearl, tourmaline, spinel;
- Rock-forming materials - rock salt (halite), alunite, quartz, barite, kaolinite - are used in everyday life, cosmetology, and industry.
According to zodiac signs
Astrologers distribute stones as talismans among twelve constellations favored by the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Different sources offer different compatibility options. According to some of them, colorless stones are distributed according to zodiac signs as follows:
Fire Release
- Aries – agate, jasper, amber, coral, zircon;
- Leo – diamond, spinel;
- Sagittarius – agate, topaz.
Earth Element
- Taurus – leucosapphire, agate, coral, diamond, beryl, topaz;
- Virgo – agate, jasper, pearl, diamond, topaz;
- Capricorn – topaz, moonstone.
Air Element
- Gemini - agate, rock crystal, moonstone, pearls, beryl;
- Libra – coral, agate;
- Aquarius – jasper, amber, achroite.
Water Element
- Cancer – pearls, agate, coral, opal, selenite;
- Scorpio – rock crystal, amber, beryl;
- Pisces – opal, pearl, coral, diamond.
Healing qualities
In psychology, white symbolizes innocence, lightness, simplicity, birth. In this regard, a number of medicinal properties are attributed to all colorless minerals:
- stabilization of the nervous system;
- stress relief;
- decrease in depressive mood.
The following types are often used in lithotherapy:
- Moonstone – recommended for epilepsy, to normalize sleep.
- Diamond - used to create diamond water, the use of which has a tonic effect on the body and helps alleviate chronic diseases. It is used to combat alcoholism, tobacco smoking and drug addiction, in dermatology, and respiratory tract therapy.
- Albit – used as an application has a beneficial effect on diseases of the liver, spleen, stomach, and kidneys.
- Alunite is an antiseptic and is used as a deodorant. Effective in the treatment of periodontal disease, skin diseases, allergies.
- In official medicine, barite is used as a harmless composition that patients with gastrointestinal diseases swallow before radiography. Skin diseases are treated with barite applications.
- Halite (rock salt) is used to prevent and treat respiratory diseases, improve immunity, and relieve pain from radiculitis.
- Rock crystal is used to heal wounds by applying it so that it transmits the sun's rays, which, when refracted, kill harmful bacteria. Always cold mineral relieves pain from bruises. Placed under the pillow, the gem makes it easier to fall asleep and drives away nightmares.
- Topaz protects against infectious diseases, provides relief from diseases of the gallbladder and spleen, and pressure surges.
- Spinel is considered an effective immunostimulant, improves blood circulation, accelerates tissue regeneration, and increases potency.
- Aragonite is known as a strong stimulant of sexual energy. Applications of preparations with the mineral help with skin diseases. Water enriched with aragonite becomes healing: the springs in Karlovy Vary and Baden-Baden are famous for it.
- Beryl is recommended to be worn for back pain, arrhythmia, diabetes, psoriasis, allergies and lung diseases, seasickness.
- Pearls with their energy can cure most diseases of internal organs. In addition, the gem relieves fatigue after a hard day, relaxes and relieves the feeling of heaviness in the legs.
- Coral in jewelry relieves the owner from migraines, throat diseases, skin diseases, and relieves fatigue. The white variety is used in bone tissue implantation.
- Jade is dipped into water to later be used in the treatment of diseases of the muscles, bones, blood, and nervous system.
- Opal is effective for eliminating eye diseases, migraines, and phobias. For women, the gem helps overcome infertility.
- Wearing amber in the form of beads helps to cure bronchopulmonary diseases and thyroid dysfunction.
- Jasper helps the owner maintain body tone, strengthen the immune system and prolong life. Being under the pillow, it relieves nightmares. It is also effective for treating epilepsy, central nervous system diseases, and treating colds.
Magic properties
Since ancient times, white and colorless minerals have been attributed strong magical abilities. It was believed that they influenced the owner on an energetic level and harmonized the relationship between a person and the outside world. Wearing a light stone indicates a desire for purity and spiritual renewal.
A diamond is considered an ideal transparent gem, embodying cosmic energy and helping its owner achieve success in everything. Its peculiarity is to absorb information about all its past owners, so it is necessary to study information about the diamond that is inherited.
Diamond does not serve deceitful and vile people - it does not bring them luck. This is a symbol of nobility and honesty.
Rock crystal, popularly known as the “Bohemian diamond,” shimmers in the sun in different shades. This gem is revered by all religions: it fills the soul with light. During meditation, exposure to the aura of crystal allows you to improve karma.
Zircon is a carrier of powerful energy; it helps to believe in oneself and contributes to achieving goals. But it is dangerous for selfish people to wear it - it will lead them to vanity.
Cubic zirconia itself does not have magical powers, but absorbs the energy of the owner. To make the jewelry comfortable to wear, you need to charge cubic zirconia only with positive emotions.
Adularia (moonstone) - one of the most mysterious minerals - is multifaceted and strong. It helps to quickly make important decisions, raises self-esteem, and reveals artistic abilities.
White agate is an assistant in the fight against shortcomings and depressing thoughts. It helps personal growth and spiritual development, improves mood.
Pearls have always been considered a symbol of chastity. Healers of the Middle Ages used crushed mineral with sugar to treat plague and swamp fevers. It is not suitable for representatives of the stronger sex - it weakens them and does not bring happiness.
Pearls are associated with the Moon, so most of all they favor those who are protected by this luminary.
According to legends, pearl products turn yellow if the owner does not act according to his conscience.
Jade is considered a mineral that purifies the mind, soul and body. White stone helps develop logical thinking and analytical abilities. He is revered by all nations. The Mongols especially love white jade, because... similar in its purity to a lotus flower. It is revered as a symbol of calm and tranquility, not allowing passions to flare up. In China and Mongolia, jade plates were hung from headdresses so that, as they swayed, they emitted a melodious ringing and warded off evil spirits.
White jasper has long been used in magical rituals: it helped to gain the gift of foresight and concentrate attention. The mineral was considered a talisman of alchemists, scientists, travelers - everyone who had a great desire for knowledge. The gem is able to remove negative energy accumulated in the owner, fatigue; gives courage and self-confidence.
White (milky) amber has always been considered a symbol of luxury, thanks to its truly royal appearance. The ancient rulers of the East had home furnishings and decorations made from this stone. He protected the home from hostile spirits and thieves, and filled it with positive energy.
Alcetorine is a rare mineral that can endow the owner with wealth, success with the opposite sex and in high society.
Spinel as a talisman promises happiness to a woman, a strong marriage to a man, courage to a traveler, victory to a gambler, and prosperity to a merchant. It is not suitable as a talisman for hunters and fishermen, because... with him they will fail.
In the Middle Ages, coral was considered a talisman against the evil eye: it was often hung around a child’s neck for this purpose. Ancient scientists believed that coral could turn bitter water into drinking water and serve as an antidote.
Why do you dream?
Dream interpreters agree that if you dreamed of white stones, this speaks of a person’s inner experiences:
- chalk rocks indicate family failures;
- even, smooth gems - for problems in your career;
- a tombstone made of white mineral is a sign of poor health;
- losing transparent precious stones in a dream means a serious illness of a close relative;
- to find out that a gem is a fake means to beware of betrayal in reality.
Decorations
Jewelry with white and clear stones is a universal option for both women and men. Such jewelry will suit any look and will be appropriate during the day and evening for going out.
You can wear colorless gems in the form of pendants, amulet around the neck, brooches, bracelets, beads, rings.
Diamond, spinel, and topaz are optimal for inlay into red and yellow gold.
Silver jewelry with white and transparent gems always looks elegant and noble. The metal helps enhance the magical and healing abilities of minerals.
An option that is suitable for cutting into any metal is pearls. It will fit perfectly into any decoration.
Semi-precious white stones
White agate
In appearance, this stone resembles a frosty pattern on glass. It gives self-confidence and gives peace of mind. Can be used against the evil eye for children and as an amulet for lovers.
White agate
White agate is a rare translucent stone with a pattern. Notable are the circular agates, in which concentric layers radiate from a central point. According to mythology, such a design symbolizes the eye of a white celestial eagle that fell to the ground after a battle with the forces of evil. Rare agate items are still kept in the Hermitage - these are necklaces, snuff boxes, frames, rings and larger items such as feast cups and bowls.
White opal
This is a translucent stone with spectacular shimmer. Helps to realize creative abilities and reveals the gift of foresight. Calms the nervous system and strengthens the immune system. It is advisable to wear it constantly, otherwise it may fade and even crack.
White opal
Rhinestone
This transparent stone has strong magical properties. It is used in spiritualism sessions and magic rituals. It develops the gift of foresight in its owner and helps to understand people. If used with bad intentions, they will all return to the owner, reflected from his facets.
Rhinestone
White turquoise
Occurs infrequently. It is better to monitor its quality at the purchasing stage, since 60 to 80% of turquoise products are processed or grown artificially. Turquoise is imitated by pressed stones, tinted natural gems and synthetic materials.
White turquoise stones
White jade
White jade, also known as hotan, is an opaque stone with iconic status in Asian culture. Jade is used to make rings, interior figurines and special massage plates that relieve pain from bruises and sprains. It is important that the stone is natural, so there are ways to identify its authenticity.
You can hit it with a coin (the fake will sound dull), or try to scratch it (real jade is very dense); it must be polished (a matte surface is evidence of a fake).
Gold earrings with white jade
It is very durable, therefore it increases the self-confidence and resilience of its owner. Has a beneficial effect on health.
Pearl
In Russia, pearls were often called pearls (from the German Perlen and the English Pearl, a derivative of “nacre” - a slightly distorted German Perlmutter, “mother of pearls”). Pearls played a cult role in Buddhism; they were used to decorate ritual baldrics. Pearls were used to embroider Christian icons and church vestments, and decorate the crowns and robes of queens and kings.
Baroque pearl bracelet
After 150–200 years, pearls inevitably fade and crack, which is caused by the organic nature of their origin. It is able to warn the owner about illness and the evil eye by changing color when worn.
Stone and name
To whom are colorless minerals suited by name? According to some sources, the following male and female names correspond to them:
- Agate - Clara, Lyudmila, Anatoly, Dmitry;
- Almaz - Vsevolod, Ivan, Ilya, Lev, Galina, Inna;
- White chalcedony – Inga, Irina;
- Beryl - Natalya, Alexey, Artem, Valentin, Veniamin, Igor, Konstantin;
- Rock crystal – Rodion;
- Coral - Victoria;
- Leucosapphire – Rose;
- Moonstone – Elena, Svetlana, Gleb, Roman;
- Jade – Galina, Inna, Innokenty;
- Onyx - Zhanna, Polina, Makar, Ruslan;
- Opal - Olesya, Anton;
- Topaz - Anna, Kira, Arkady, Vladislav, Fedor;
- Zircon – Vyacheslav;
- Amber - Anna;
- Jasper - Vera, Lily, Alexander, Valentin, Gregory, Daniel, Mikhail, Yaroslav.
Compatibility
The color of white stones can be combined with any minerals. You need to choose jewelry based on the enhancement of their properties by neighboring gems.
Zircon and diamond have a favorable compatibility with agate, carnelian, beryl, coral, pearl, emerald, sapphire, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. They have unfavorable compatibility with onyx, sardonyx, and obsidian.
Adularia, beryl, coral, opal can be combined with amethyst, pearl, turquoise, sapphire, lapis lazuli and opposed to garnet, heliotrope, ruby, agate, jasper.
Rock crystal is compatible with jade, agate, topaz, amber, heliotrope, and amethyst.
Decorative and ornamental white minerals
Decorative and ornamental minerals are most often used for interior or landscape decoration; they are used to create:
- caskets;
- figurines;
- ashtrays;
- inserts into candlesticks;
- countertops;
- decorations for paths in gardens and parks.
Ornamental stones are also used for repairs, as a countertop, and as a facing material. Artificial stone has gained particular popularity in the interior, which is in no way inferior to natural stone either in quality or characteristics. So, white stone looks good as a facing in the living room or hallway.
The most popular representatives:
- Moonstone (adularia) is a transparent or translucent gem of a light gray color that has a bluish-white glow. Price – 100 rubles per carat. It develops intuition, promotes the regeneration of the body, and reveals the creative potential of the owner.
- Selenite is a type of gypsum, similar in appearance to moonstone, but more fragile. Used to create decorative elements. Selenite enhances emotionality, improves memory and attention.
- Corals are calcareous deposits of marine polyps, the color depends on the presence of impurities in a particular coral habitat. Whites are concentrated in the Sea of Japan. Coral jewelry can fill its owner with energy and relieve throat diseases (sore throat) and asthma. The price of a coral bead is from 30 rubles.
- Cacholong is an inexpensive variety of opal, an opaque white gem that has a pearlescent luster. It relieves headaches, menstrual pain, and relieves postpartum depression. The cost of a cacholong bead is from 600 rubles.
- White howlite (howlite) is a mineral with brown veins and a porcelain luster, sometimes called white turquoise. The peculiarity of howlite is its ability to absorb paint well. Thanks to the porous structure, the color is bright and even. He is able to draw out and take on human illnesses. Helps with fractures and dental problems. A howlite bracelet costs 400 rubles.
- White jade - a stone of harmony - is one of the most durable decorative minerals. This opaque matte sample of pure white color is used for making jewelry and boxes. A jade pendant costs 1,500 rubles.
- Jasper is a mineral of light shades with striped strokes on the surface. Jasper develops intuition. A jasper bracelet costs 1,500 rubles.
- Cubic zirconia is an artificial gem, an imitation of diamond. Price – 50 rubles per carat.
- Limestone is a white-gray sedimentary rock that is used in construction, to create sculptures, and landscape design.
Photo gallery of stones:
Moon rock
Selenite
Corals
Cacholong
White howlite
Jasper white
cubic zirconia
Limestone
Differences from fake
Often they try to pass off cubic zirconias or zircons as diamonds. You can distinguish a cut diamond from a fake in the following ways:
- If you rub sandpaper over the surface of a diamond, scratches will remain on the imitation. The real stone will not be damaged.
- The fake will heat up, if you hold it in your palm, the diamond will remain cold.
- The original, unlike the imitation, does not fog up if you breathe on it.
- You can draw a straight line on white paper and place a diamond on it; a real stone will certainly bend it.
- The diamond will not be visible in water, unlike imitation.
- The best way is to show the product to a jeweler.
Stone care
To ensure that jewelry with natural gems does not lose its attractiveness for as long as possible, proper care is needed.
To prevent a white or transparent stone from becoming dull, you can clean it in several ways:
- warm soapy solution;
- medical alcohol solution;
- ammonia.
Do not expose gems to chlorine-containing preparations, potassium permanganate, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or household cleaners.
It is better to store jewelry in separate boxes so that they do not rub against each other and do not become dirty from external factors.
