The sultanite chameleon stone became known to mankind relatively recently, but was immediately loved for its unusually beautiful color that plays in the sun. Jewelry with sultanite was worn by rich Arab sheikhs and rulers of eastern empires. It was believed that the stone could transform even an outwardly unattractive person. Therefore, this mineral was certainly present among the jewelry of aristocrats of past centuries.
Gold ring MASKOM with sultanites and cubic zirconias (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)
History and origin
The mineral is considered a fairly young stone in origin. Its history does not go back thousands of years. The name “sultanite” is Russian and the origin of the word is obvious. The first mentions of the stone are found in the ancient chronicles of eastern sages.
Unprocessed mineral
Written sources tell us that in those days only the sultans, as well as their immediate circle, were given the honor of wearing diasporas. The padishahs adored this stone, generously giving jewelry with the mineral to their many wives.
It is known that the noble sultanite loves a noble frame worthy of his greatness. In a frame made of low-grade metal, diaspores become dull and lose their play of colors. Historically, this property was used by the Turks to determine the authenticity of gold. If the gem tarnished, it means the gold was not real.
In addition to the scientific name “diaspora” and the name “sultanite”, there are also other names for the stone. In the historical homeland of jewelry stone (Turkey), the mineral is called “zultanite”. The name “thanatarite” belongs to gems of Ural origin. At first, thanatarites were called ferruginous kyanites. A little later, the mineral was given a name in honor of one of the Russian geologists, Joseph Thanatar.
Interesting fact! The first diasporas were discovered on the territory of Russia, not far from Yekaterinburg at the end of the 18th century. The stone acquired its mineralogical name due to its physical property – fragility (translated from ancient Greek “diaspore” means “crumbly”).
The stone officially entered mineralogy in 1801 thanks to the French scientist Rene-Juste Gaüy. On the lands of the Ottoman Empire, zultanite was discovered later than the Ural stone, but today this stone is considered a symbol of Turkey and the main treasure of the country.
The Turks also attributed the title of the birthplace of the gem to themselves, since it was on their territory that indecently large specimens of sultanite, used in jewelry, are mined. No other deposit in the world, in particular the Urals, brings jewelers nuggets suitable for processing.
In fact, sultanite is a jewelry variety of the diaspora mineral. The world first heard about him only in 1977. And the gem entered the jewelry industry even later - only in 1994.
This is interesting! News of the existence of sultanite spread thanks to an article in the scientific journal Gems & Gemology. The publication said that the deposit of this rare stone is the only one on the planet, and it is located on Turkish lands.
Ring
Today the sultanite is also loved by women, just as it was loved by concubines from the harems of the sultans. This stone shines on its owner with the brightest colors, making her unique in the eyes of others.
About the stone
High purity stone. Even at tenfold magnification it is completely clear, there are no inclusions. Color depends on impurities. Iron produces yellow and brown tones, manganese oxide produces pink and red, and chromium ions produce green.
Women have always loved this stone. It was noted that any, even not very beautiful, lady wearing Diaspora jewelry looks attractive in the eyes of others. For this property, the stone is still in favor to this day. Sometimes the “chameleon” can let the owner down by acquiring a color that is completely inappropriate for her clothes. Therefore, you have to take into account lighting when having this extraordinary stone.
Silver is believed to be more energetically pure than other metals. Jewelry with a silver frame is the most powerful talismans and helps in magical rituals. It is precisely next to silver that the many-sided sultanite becomes stable and constant in its influence on the owner. The cold shine of silver goes well with any shade of sultanite, giving the crystal a luxurious look, radiance, and brightness.
Diaspora is a rare stone. And in the nineteenth century, these were generally just a few copies that collectors were proud of. Therefore, it fully deserves a gold frame of the highest standard. By the way, he does not agree to being surrounded by low-grade metal. In this case, the stone becomes dull, loses its shine and play, depth and transparency, and “falls asleep.” The miracle of awakening will begin if you change the frame. In the old days, jewelers used sultanite to determine the quality of gold if there was a suspicion of counterfeiting.
Place of Birth
Diaspora deposits are located throughout the world in the territories of many states. Non-jewelry mineral is found on the following lands:
- Russia (Yakutia, Ural).
- China.
- Uzbekistan.
- Hungary.
- USA.
- Azerbaijan.
The place where jewelry sultanite is mined is the Ilbir Mountains, located in the southeastern part of Turkey. The deposit is unique, as it is the only one on the planet. The Turkish authorities keep the reserves of the nugget, as well as any information about it, in strict secrecy.
comments
Maria I bought jewelry made from this stone only because it sparkles and shimmers very beautifully.
I couldn’t even think that this stone had such properties. I don’t really believe in this, although I would like to. Katya An incredibly beautiful stone, I like it when it’s not very dark, then it shimmers much brighter. I had never read about its special properties before; it was very interesting to learn such information about it.
Katya This stone shimmers very beautifully, the jewelry turns out to be quite exquisite. Literally every stone has an unusual story, so I wasn’t even surprised that the sultanite also has one.
Physical properties
The diaspore mineral is a hydroxide or hydrated alumina. Minerologists often call the stone watery corundum, since the diaspore consists of 15% water, and the rest is corundum. Why is sultanite so fragile if corundum is famous for its hardness? It's all about hydrogen ions, which break the aluminum oxide bonds from the inside, destroying the structure of the crystal's atoms. The content of various metal ions makes the mineral even more fragile.
| Property | Description |
| Formula | AlO(OH) |
| Hardness | 6,5—7 |
| Density | 3.2-3.5 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index | 1,70—1,75 |
| Birefringence | 0,048 |
| singonia | Rhombic (orthorhombic) |
| Kink | Conchoidal |
| Cleavage | By {010} perfect; by {110} imperfect; by {100} very imperfect |
| Shine | Glass or mother of pearl |
| Transparency | Transparent or translucent |
| Color | White, brown, colorless, pale yellow, grayish-greenish-gray, lilac, pinkish |
The mineral owes its varied palette to impurities of chromium, iron and manganese, which give the gem its green, brown and red tones, respectively. Diaspore is endowed with the alexandrite effect - the ability to shimmer with basic shades in different lighting conditions. In addition, despite the glass shine, the gem has a pearlescent tint.
Also read: Amethyst - an ancient protector for a young family
Types of stone colors depending on lighting
Areas of application for diaspora
Diaspore, together with gibbsites and boehmites, is part of bauxite aluminum ore as its main component.
Fire-resistant materials are produced on its basis. Diaspora is also a rare and valuable stone among jewelers and collectors. Its unique jewelry variety, called “sultanite,” is mined in Turkey and is distinguished by an admixture of chromium and an alexandrite effect.
Color spectrum
Sultanite is varied and uneven. When the lighting changes, the play of colors is fully revealed. Zultanite will show itself:
- All shades of green, from grass color to dark khaki in daylight.
- Bright yellow in the light of lamps and chocolate-coffee in the twilight of candles.
- Red in the light of fireworks and red near an incandescent lamp.
The best diasporas are green-pink or pink-brown. In mixed lighting, sultanite is able to display all shades at the same time.
Video: how the color of a stone changes depending on the light
Magic and lithotherapy
Sultanite is very young, if we count from the moment of his official appearance to the world. However, esotericists have already managed to study this gem, determining the magical abilities of the mineral:
- Stone loves creative people. It doesn’t matter what field of activity a person is involved in, the main thing is that he has charisma and talent, even if hidden from himself. The mineral will bring inspiration to the owner, the ability to act extraordinary in any situation.
- Talisman of pessimists. Established bores and skeptics will be able to rebuild their emotions and thoughts in an optimistic way.
- A powerful amulet. The Sultans' stone protects a person from any energetically negative factors (damage, love spell, evil eye) and bad people.
- Implementer of ideas. With the help of the diaspora, any idea and goal will be within your reach. The nugget will not let you leave the job you started halfway in order to take on something new.
For those whom nature has not endowed with creative abilities or any talents, sultanite will also be useful. The pebble will help the owner to look at reality philosophically, think about the meaning of his existence and find non-standard answers to difficult questions.
Do you know that in the past, fortune tellers used non-jewelry crystals to predict a person’s fate. To do this, the one who wanted to look into the future held stones in his hands, after which the witch threw them onto hot coals. Under the influence of temperature, the crystals cracked, and the shamans determined the fate of a person from the cracks.
Modern fortune tellers also use cracked diaspora to predict the future owner. It is also believed that a gem set in silver exhibits maximum magical power.
As for the healing capabilities of the nugget, lithotherapists did not find in it any special ability to heal the body. It is only known that zultanite helps with mild headaches, slightly alleviates the body’s condition during colds, and also helps to get out of depressive states.
Bracelet
If the stone cracks or splits without previous mechanical stress, this may signal future financial or health problems.
Healing and magical effects
Sultanite is a young mineral, but has been studied by the magical community:
- Puts up a shield for external negativity: damage, envious people, brawlers.
- The stone has no “professional” specialization. The field of activity can be any, the main thing is that the person is an extraordinary, creative person. For them, a pebble or decoration will provide them with inspiration and the ability to solve problems in a non-trivial way.
- Those who like to quit what they started halfway or do something for years need to think carefully. The magic stone will “force” the owner to quickly bring projects to fruition.
- This is a useful gift for inveterate pessimists: the magic of an optimist stone will make them the same.
Any decoration can be a talisman. The magical properties of sultanite are enhanced by a silver frame.
High-grade gold is also suitable for framing. In a low-quality frame, the pebble becomes dull (“dormant”). They say that they used to check the authenticity of gold this way.
The healing properties of the stone are small; for serious diseases it is not a panacea. But there are benefits: sultanite helps to get out of depression, relieve a minor headache or cold.
Magic beauty stone
A cracked or split pebble means future health or financial problems for a person.
Mineral cost
Today, in the world market, sultanite occupies a high position in the price segment. The high cost of the mineral is determined by several factors:
- The stone is incredibly fragile. The lion's share of mined Turkish nuggets crumble during mining. Even more weight is lost during cutting. The more difficult it is to process a gem, the more expensive it is.
- Alexandrite effect. The well-known property of the alexandrite stone to change shades depending on the lighting is also inherent in diaspora. At the same time, diaspore is superior to alexandrite itself in terms of tints of color and softness of shades.
- Purity. Diaspora competes with another stone from the top five most expensive gems - a diamond. Sultanite is considered one of the purest, as it does not contain inclusions. Even under tenfold magnification, the best samples of the mineral are completely pure.
In addition, there are sultanites of unique sizes, which are of great value to collectors. Rare specimens after processing reach a weight of up to 30 carats.
Thus, in the jewelry market, sultanites vary in degree of quality:
Top quality stones. The most expensive sultanites are considered to be pure water specimens with a strong alexandrite effect, the color palette of which varies from a greenish-yellow hue during the day to a pinkish-brown tone in artificial light. Cost of the most expensive stones:
- 150-350 dollars/carat for a stone weighing from 0.5 to 2 carats;
- 300-600 dollars/carat for weight from 2 to 5 carats;
- 650-2000 dollars/carat for nuggets from 5 to 15 carats.
Premium quality stones. Such sultanites have bright colors, a well-defined chameleon effect and do not have inclusions visible to the naked eye. Price for premium nuggets:
- 100-150 dollars/carat for weight from 0.5 to 5 carats;
- 300-1000 dollars/carat for a gem weighing 5-15 carats.
Also read: Rhodolite - a gemstone for newlyweds
Commercial quality stones. These are sultanites with a weakly expressed alexandrite effect, faded shades and inclusions visible to the eye. Cost of these stones:
- 10-100 dollars/carat for weight 0.5-5 carats;
- 120-200 dollars/carat for specimens from 5 to 15 carats.
Natural large crystals of sultanite of the highest quality are a coveted prize for any collector. In addition, such an acquisition is no less profitable an investment than buying a diamond.
Natural sultanite or synthetic
Natural sultanite
So, let's summarize the above. In large jewelry stores and boutiques, information about the naturalness of stones is usually provided honestly. Products with natural sultanites are piece products, not serial products. Things to keep in mind if you are purchasing jewelry in a jewelry store or online:
- Stone color. Natural sultanite is olive green, not very bright, and changes to pinkish green or orange green. Bright colors should alert you.
- Purity of the stone. A stone over 5 carats, absolutely clear, with a strong color reversal can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Therefore, small inclusions for a stone at a reasonable price are rather a plus and indicate the natural origin of the gem. Small stones may be clear (but pay attention to the color).
- Color change effect. A slight color reversal is normal in the vast majority of natural sultanites. A radical change in color from bright green to bright red, pink or orange should alert you. This is typical only for the rarest sultanites, sold at famous auctions or in expensive boutiques at the appropriate price.
- Uniqueness. Natural stones are unique. Each stone is unique. Often, choosing a set of stones can be very difficult. Compare two rings, earrings and other items with sultanites in this store. The stones should be slightly different from each other. Absolutely identical stones indicate their artificial origin. Paired stones or sets of truly natural stones always cost more, even if they lose in carat value.
- Rarity. Sultanite is a rare stone and difficult to cut. Jewelry with sultanite is made based on the stone (its size and shape). If in front of you are two rings with stones of the same size, or three, or God forbid ten, without a doubt it is a fake.
Imitations of sultanite and how to recognize a fake
Today, the consumer market offers two options for substitutes for natural gemstones:
- Hydrothermal sultanite. It is not surprising that the Turks themselves, in the homeland of the natural mineral, create its artificial analogue, because sultanite is very rare and valuable. Stone extraction is limited, but demand is high. The process of creating a substitute involves growing crystals from aluminum oxide hydrate gels under high pressure and temperature (up to 1000˚C). In this case, a crumb of a natural gem is used. It is impossible to distinguish such a stone without the help of a specialist. When sold fairly, the product tag is marked “g/t” (hydrothermal). In addition, an artificial analogue is not considered a fake as such - it is a stone created by man by reproducing natural conditions. Hydrothermal sultanite is much cheaper than natural nugget.
- Nanosital. This is the latest patented Russian technology for creating analogues of precious stones based on aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide with the addition of other components necessary for the birth of a particular gem. The synthesis temperature reaches 1700 degrees. The Rusgams company has created and patented more than 10 different types of stones with an alexandrite effect, which only a specialist can distinguish. On the tag of such stones there is about.
Only a jeweler will help you recognize whether the gem in front of you is a natural one or an analogue. But there is one main difference - the price. Real sultanite costs like a diamond and is not sold on all the shelves of all stores in the country.
Who is the jewelry suitable for?
The sultanite gemstone is used only in jewelry.
Earrings with sultanite
Accessories can be worn by people of different ages, men and women:
- Regarding the color and size of the insert, the general rule for precious stones applies: the older the owner, the larger and darker the stone.
- Men can become like sultans by wearing rings with bright stones. This is an option for informal occasions such as a party. The official sphere requires restraint: darkish inserts of a tie clip, ring, cufflinks. Such options look elegant and noble.
The main thing is to choose the right color of the stone to match your clothes.
Jewelry with mineral
The Russian market is filled with jewelry with various minerals for every taste and color. Sultanite accessories are no exception. It is worth noting that the entire wide range is replete with synthetic stone inserts. After all, no jewelry store can offer such a quantity of jewelry with a rare mineral, copies of which are rare and expensive. Especially at these prices:
- Earrings - from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles for silver, 15-30 thousand for gold.
- Pendants - silver items from 2000 to 4000 rubles, gold items from 4 to 7 thousand.
- Rings. 3-5 thousand rubles silver, 9-15 thousand gold.
In the best case scenario, the insert will be a real commercial quality stone. It will not be so bright, the alexandrite effect is faintly noticeable. If the decoration is cheap, and the insert is bright and shimmering with all the colors of a chameleon, this is an analogue of sultanite. This is not so bad if you need decoration, not a talisman. Artificial stone is durable, strong and beautiful, so it will serve its owner for a very long time.
If you intend to buy natural stone in Turkey, be also careful. After all, in the homeland of natural sultanite they offer no fewer analogues. Only there is a risk of buying the same hydrothermal gem at several times more expensive than in Russia. So be careful and make expensive purchases only in trusted places.
Combination of sultanite with other stones
- A good combination for sultanite are precious transparent stones (for example, diamonds), as well as white, black and green gems (pearls, onyx).
- Care should be taken to combine sultanite with stones of blue-blue and violet shades (for example, aquamarine, turquoise and agate);
- You should not combine sultanite in jewelry with red stones (ruby, garnet, tourmaline).
How to wear
Sultanite is a gem that appeals equally well to both women and men. For ladies, there is a general rule that applies to all jewelry - the older, the larger and darker the stone.
Representatives of the stronger sex, whose style is predominantly official and businesslike, can safely choose cufflinks, tie clips or rings with dark stones. Bright examples of sultanite in men's accessories are suitable for casual evening events.
When choosing an outfit for sultanite jewelry, you should opt for plain clothes, without prints or colorful colors. Cool shades are suitable for accessories made of white precious metals. Gold jewelry looks great with yellow and gold color palettes.
Also read: Grandidierite is a trichroic stone
Regarding the proximity of other stones or products, the best partners for the sultans’ gem will be diamonds, pearls, and aquamarine. Any blue, green, black or white transparent gems are also suitable. An unsuccessful aesthetic combination would be semi-precious or ornamental minerals, as well as red-colored gems. Zultanite itself is independent, and when framed in white gold, platinum or silver it is especially luxurious.
When choosing an outfit for sultanite jewelry, do not forget that this is a chameleon stone. This means that no matter what its natural shade is, in the sun it will turn amber-brown, and in cloudy weather, in the light of lamps or at dusk - green.
How to distinguish natural stone from artificial
Natural sultanite Of course, only a gemologist can answer this question with accuracy. However, ordinary buyers can also distinguish a fake from the original. It is difficult to do this with the naked eye, but if several stones or jewelry inserts at the point of sale are absolutely the same, uniform color, completely transparent and free of mineral inclusions, microcracks, and change color greatly when the lighting changes, then you are probably looking at synthetics.
Sultanite Sitall
Care instructions
It is not for nothing that Sultanite is called a diaspora, that is, “splitting.” This mineral requires especially careful care, as it is incredibly fragile by nature. Any careless movement accompanied by a blow or fall will destroy such a rare and expensive gem. Therefore, sultanite must be worn carefully and protected as much as possible from mechanical damage, as well as from grease, fingerprints, sweat and household chemicals.
Important! Sudden temperature changes are contraindicated for natural sultanite, otherwise the stone will crack or completely crumble.
Otherwise, caring for jewelry is quite simple, although it requires some delicacy. Clean the mineral with cool water and a light detergent. Wipe with a soft cloth. Storage only individually, in a box with soft walls or in a bag.
Sultanite care
Caring for a crystal is not complicated and comes down to a few manipulations:
- Storage in a separate case, lined on all sides with soft cloth.
- Avoid exposure to temperatures and chemicals.
- Clean with cold running water.
A description of any gem can be found on the Internet. But you need to choose a stone with your heart. Sultanite is an unusual, spectacular, alluring and bewitching crystal. Having a number of medicinal and magical properties. By purchasing it, you can acquire a faithful assistant, a devoted friend, a source of inspiration and joy in natural, original beauty.
Astrological affiliation
Most astrologers claim that the padishah stone is suitable for almost all zodiac signs, with some exceptions. Each person will feel a different effect of the amulet.
(“+++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | +++ |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | +++ |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | + |
Unusually beautiful crystal and stones
- Aries will reveal their unknown talents, become calmer, more simple-minded, and more patient. For Aries with philosophical thinking, the talisman will prompt them to search for extraordinary solutions and put forward incredible theories.
- Leos will feel a surge of strength and desire to implement their creative ideas. The stone will give them the faith that everything planned will be realized.
- Taurus will be able to perform the actions necessary for a specific time and place. This trait will help them arrange their personal life.
- Virgos are guaranteed to gain romanticism, optimism and daydreaming. At the same time, a share of practicality will also come into their lives.
- Scorpios, along with Virgos, will become romantics, which will somewhat smooth out their natural prudence. Scorpio women will look more charismatic and charming with such a talisman.
- Libra, with their changeable nature, needs sultanite more than anyone else. The stone will help you set life priorities, making Libra’s character more stable.
- Sagittarius will acquire the missing balance and patience. And long-term interaction with the mineral will to some extent awaken extrasensory abilities in Sagittarius.
- Aquarians are pragmatists by nature. The eastern gem will help them to relax, to look at the world through the eyes of a romantic and a dreamer.
- For Capricorns, the amulet promises harmony of feelings. When it comes to concentrating on work, Capricorns will be pragmatists. When the time comes for romance, they will easily adjust to the right mood.
The stone will not bring anything to the other signs; it can only be worn for beauty.
Is this stone right for you?
Which zodiac sign is the stone suitable for?
Thanatarite is compatible with all zodiac signs without exception. But it exhibits greater power among the fiery representatives of the star series of the horoscope.
- Sagittarius, Leo and Aries can count on maximum protection from the stone. The negative roughness of the character of these signs is softened thanks to an amulet from the diaspora. Some even display esoteric talents. When worn for a long time, family relationships improve, intuition develops, and self-confidence emerges.
- Scorpios, Cancers and Pisces, with the purchase of a sultanite amulet, will be cleansed of external negativity. They will learn to enjoy life and respect themselves. Conflict situations will be extinguished before they have time to gain momentum.
- Gemini, Aquarius and Libra will also benefit from buying a stone. He will help them direct their volatile energy in the right direction. Will bring stability in all relationships and resolve all disputes. Sultanite has a special meaning for Gemini women. It has a beneficial effect on their reproductive system.
- Virgos, Taurus and Capricorns will establish and strengthen family life. They will be able to calm their nerves and live in harmony with their surroundings.
In addition to the positive influence, there is also its opposite aspect. You should not abuse magic with the help of sultanite. You can receive a powerful negative energy blow on all fronts. This is especially true for Aquarius, Gemini, Libra, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Sultanite is compatible with all zodiac signs
Note
Sultanite is an incredibly beautiful and rare mineral. It is worth paying attention to as a luxurious decoration, as well as an item for financial investment. Synthetic analogues of stone will definitely please customers with a limited budget. After all, you will have to literally breathe on an expensive stone - careless handling will lead to irreparable loss. With analogues everything is simpler and cheaper. But it is worth remembering that only a natural nugget will serve not only as an accessory, but also as a magical talisman.
Artificial diaspora
Today, there is a fairly simple technology for producing synthetic alumina oxyhydrate, that is, diaspora.
The resulting white stone can also be easily colored by adding metal ions. Since natural diaspore is a fairly expensive mineral, it is often replaced with such artificial crystals. Of course, the synthetic version is much cheaper, so you can always distinguish it from the natural one by price. If they are trying to sell an imitation of a natural crystal at a high price, then in this case the help of a specialist will be needed to identify it.
