Sultanite, the main deposit of which is located in Turkey, is a semi-precious mineral, but the cost is equal to a large diamond. A transparent stone that changes colors like a “chameleon” is valued by Arab sheikhs and wealthy people not only for its beauty, but also for its rarity.
The only deposit that produces gem-quality stones is Turkish; when it runs out, the cost of sultanite jewelry will skyrocket.
Description and uniqueness of the stone
A beautiful brownish-golden semi-precious stone that goes by many names and changes color like alexandrite. For mineralogists, sultanite is a watery corundum containing 85% aluminum oxide and 15% water.
Uncut natural sultanites
The degree of purity of jewelry crystals is high: inclusions are not visible even under a 10x magnifying glass.
However, there are impurities, they create the colors mentioned when describing the mineral:
- iron – yellowish-brown, ocher, marshy;
- manganese – pinkish-red, crimson;
- chrome – green.
Basic shades tend to change with different lighting conditions. This is the alexandrite effect. This characteristic of the stone makes it similar to alexandrite and amethyst. However, sultanite has a richer range of colors and softer tones. Plus mother-of-pearl reflections with glass shine.
| Other name | Diaspora |
| Formula | AlO(OH) |
| Color | White, brown, colorless, pale yellow, grayish-greenish-gray, lilac, pinkish |
| Stroke color | white |
| Shine | glass, mother-of-pearl |
| Transparency | transparent, translucent |
| Hardness | 6,5—7 |
| Cleavage | by {010} perfect; by {110} imperfect; by {100} very imperfect |
| Kink | conchoidal |
| Density | 3.2-3.5 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Rhombic (orthorhombic) |
Hardness on the Mohs scale 6.5–7. Natural stone is fragile and crumbles or cracks when heated or otherwise exposed.
Types and colors of stone
Sultanite is a type of diaspora (alumina oxyhydrate), used exclusively in jewelry. When extracted from the bowels of the earth, the rock is destroyed, and the preserved core, which is denser and harder, is sent to jewelry workshops.
There are plenty of diaspora deposits on the planet, but cores suitable for producing sultanite are rarely found, and will soon disappear altogether. Hydrogen is included in the chemical structure of sultanite, because of this the mineral is very fragile and cracks under temperature and mechanical influence.
Chemical and physical characteristics of the stone (AlO(OH)):
- hardness – 6.5–7 Mohs points;
- density – 3.2–3.5 g/cm3;
- luster – glass or mother-of-pearl;
- transparency – high;
- fracture – conchoidal;
- syngony – rhombic.
The color of sultanite is due to the presence of impurities:
- brown-brown and yellow-brown stones contain iron (deposits in the USA);
- pink stones contain manganese oxide (mined in the African Kalahari Desert);
- green crystals contain chromium (there are deposits in Norway).
But Türkiye is the leader in production, and Turkish crystals have the greatest jewelry value. Small stones, not suitable for use in jewelry, are mined in the Ural Mountains. The Ural sultanite is called thanatarine.
Important! Large crystals are characterized by pleochroism - a change in shade at different viewing angles. There are stones in which several shades appear simultaneously. Such specimens have the maximum jewelry value, accounting for only 1% of all mined crystals.
How the name came about
Among professionals and at the everyday level, the mineral is known by several names. Everyone has their own story:
- Diaspora . This is how it was christened by the Frenchman Rene-Juste Haüy, who was the first to describe the mineral. The pebble is so called because of its fragility (the ancient Greek word διασπορά - to dissipate, crumble). This is an international term.
- Sultanite . The Russian name indicating the “pedigree” of the stone: the Sultan ruled the Ottoman Empire (the old name of Turkey). Jewelry pieces of Turkish origin are also called zultanites.
- Thanatarite . Russian term applied to Ural minerals. At first they were called ferrous kyanite. Later renamed in honor of the Russian geologist Joseph Thanatar (lived 1880–1961).
The Sultanite is recognized as a symbol of Turkey. Russia can also be considered its homeland: the first pebbles were found in the Urals before the Turkish ones. However, their quality is not jewelry. China also claims the title of “parent”.
Origin story
The sultanite stone is known in the world as a chameleon stone.
By its origin, the mineral is considered one of the youngest. It is less than 1000 years old. In addition to the official one, he has several more names: Thanatarite, Diaspora and Zultanite.
The first mentions of it are found in ancient manuscripts of the East. Later he will win the love of eastern nobles. They will wear it as decoration and give hearts to the ladies.
The Turks claim the discovery of the stone for themselves and consider it the birthplace of Anatolia. Although scientists have proven the presence of sultanite deposits in other parts of the world.
The beauty of Turkish crystals is undeniable, but their fragility and difficult extraction make them not as sought after as diamonds or rubies.
The beauty of Turkish crystals is undeniable.
The mineral received the name “diaspora” thanks to Rene-Just of Gauja, who was the first to describe it. This happened in 1801. Later, several deposits of sultanite were discovered in China and Yakutia.
In the late 1970s, Ural gems were called “thanatarites” in honor of Yosif Thanatar, a Russian geologist.
“Zultanites” were found near the Turkish mountain lake Baf in 1977. But crystals entered the Turkish jewelry markets only in 1994.
Turkey is the only country where there are deposits of high-quality sultanite suitable for making jewelry.
Perhaps that is why the Turkish government does not disclose the locations of stone extraction and keeps them secret. After all, Ural and Chinese gems are not suitable for processing due to their fragility.
Jewelry value of the stone
The Turkish authorities do not advertise what the reserves of jewelry stone are and how many carats are supplied to the world market annually. Mystery plus a minimum of raw materials fuel the excitement around sultanite.
Faceted sultanites
The price on the global jewelry market is determined by weight, transparency and color:
- Weight. The price for carat and smaller specimens starts at $120 per carat. Two-carat ones offer to buy three times - four times more expensive. Three carats - twice as much. A four-carat specimen is 20 times more expensive than a carat.
- Color. The most expensive ones are green or brown with a pinkish tint. Individual pieces are valued higher than diamonds. Yellow-brown, amber - the main variety of sultanite, at an average price. The greenish-grayish classic of comparable parameters is half the price.
- Transparency. The cheapest ones are cloudy specimens.
Collectors and rich people understand the significance of the stone. They view natural crystals as an investment.
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.
Compatibility
Bright, rich sultanite in jewelry is chosen taking into account the wardrobe or other decorations.
Wardrobe
Sultanite is appropriate with business-style or dressy clothes:
- Stones without a frame or in silver are good with plain clothes in cool shades. This way the color balance is maintained.
- Sultanite in gold matches outfits with golden or yellow tones. The stone will not be “noisy”, but it will not get lost either.
In any case, clothes need to be monochrome. A colorful outfit will reduce the value of jewelry.
Silver ring with stone
Other accessories
Sultanite jewelry is magnificent in itself. If you want to complement them with accessories with other minerals, it’s worth remembering what sultanite is combined with:
- Looks good with pearls, diamonds, aquamarine, and other white, black, blue or green transparent stones.
- Aesthetically, it “conflicts” with red gems (ruby, garnet, tourmaline, etc.).
- Problematic compatibility with semi-precious, heavy minerals.
The cool reflection of a silver frame, white gold or platinum makes sultanite inserts luxurious.
Things to remember
Sultanite is a chameleon mineral, that is, it changes color. Therefore, when choosing decorations, take into account the weather, time of day, and lighting conditions:
- Regardless of the base shade, yellowness will appear in the stone in the sun - from light amber to cognac brownishness;
- in artificial light, cloudy weather, or at dusk, the insert looks bright green.
Depending on the lighting, diaspores (sultanite) can show different shades and colors.
Such color metamorphoses cause trouble, but the result is worth it.
Properties of the stone
Sultanite, a gemstone that is in demand equally among men and women. Depending on the light that hits it, it can variegate and shimmer in different shades. For this he is nicknamed “chameleon”. Diaspora, like other crystals, has a number of properties:
- Hydrogen ions located in the sultanite fall into the voids between the rows of aluminum ions and push them apart.
- The iridescence of colors and their shimmer occurs with the help of chromium, iron and manganese. This adds beauty to the stone, but reduces its strength significantly.
Alexandrite and amethyst are considered to be the main chameleon stones. But the color palette of tints of sultanite surpasses all similar properties of stones available in jewelry circles.
The color palette of sultanite shades has no boundaries
Assortment and cost of jewelry
The Russian jewelry market offers silver and gold jewelry with sultanite stone. The mineral is almost always artificial.
Gold segment
These are mainly rings, earrings, and pendants made of 585° rose gold.
Cost of products (thousand rubles):
- ring – 9–15;
- pendant – 3–6;
- earrings –14–32.
Sultanite inserts in gold are often framed with small diamonds or cubic zirconia.
Silver segment
The range of products in silver is more diverse than gold. High quality material (925°) and cubic zirconia as an addition are used.
Cost of products (thousand rubles):
- suspension – 1.5-3.7;
- ring – 2.3-3.9;
- earrings – 2.6–10.7;
- bracelet – 6.8-7.1.
In both sections, the price depends on the number of stones and the weight of the frame.
Ring with sultanite
Medicinal properties of sultanite
Lithotherapists have not come to a consensus, but it is still generally accepted that the sultanite stone has medicinal properties. Proponents of alternative medicine say it can help:
- During illness with bronchitis, flu and other colds and viral illnesses.
- In case of failures in the cardiovascular system. To do this, a bracelet with a diaspora is worn on the wrist of the left hand.
- For headaches and migraines.
- For sleep disorders, nervous system, depression and neuroses.
Conflicting opinions around the mineral among healers and adherents of alternative healing are caused by its rarity. Many specialists do not even know about its existence. In addition, the market is replete with synthetic sultanite. It is artificial, which means there is no benefit from it.
Sultanite may have a number of medicinal properties.
How to care for stone
It is no coincidence that the stone of diaspores has another name. Sultanite splits or cracks under the influence of even moderate force. Therefore, delicacy is required when using and caring for it.
Otherwise, you need to care for it like other precious minerals:
- protect from grease, sweat, dirty fingers, aggressive household chemicals;
- wash with cool water and a mild detergent;
- wipe with a soft cloth.
Store sultanite accessories separately from others.
How to determine the origin of a stone
Manufacturers offer natural stone or a synthetic analogue. There are no refined sultanites: it is impossible to improve the stones due to their fragility.
Signs of real sultanite help to distinguish a fake:
- alexandrite effect;
- pearlescent shimmer;
- delicate pastel colors.
The color is bright to the point of loudness, the absence of color change means a fake.
The official market is filled with synthetic analogues of two types:
- Stone created by hydrothermal method. Origin from Turkey. The properties are similar to natural ones, the details of the technology are a mystery.
- Nanosall from Russia. Crystals using nanotechnology are created by the company RusGems. The result is superior to the natural original in all respects: any color and dimensions, the highest transparency, there is no talk of fragility.
It is easy to distinguish a real pebble from an artificial one by price, if it is honest. Synthetics cost like garnet or topaz. On the tag or in the description there are almost always marks “g/t” (hydrothermal) or “ceramic glass”.
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.
Magic properties
Sultanite is sensitive to approaching dangers and tragic events. When a threat hangs over the owner, it becomes cloudy and cracks. Therefore, magicians and psychics use the stone to predict events.
But using it for dark magical rituals is useless, since sultanite is not capable of either receiving or giving out negative energy. To predict the future, the psychic gazes closely at the crystal for several minutes, holding it in his hands, then throws it into the flame. The high temperature causes the stone to crack, and future events can be identified from the fragments.
Attention! Sultanite is an ideal talisman for creative people (artists, writers, musicians, performers). It awakens inspiration and relieves heavy thoughts.
Magical properties of sultanite:
- development of intuition;
- cleansing the biofield;
- protection from energy vampirism;
- increasing the effectiveness of meditation;
- assistance in scientific and experimental activities;
- providing energy and confidence to accomplish your plans;
- getting rid of anxious and sad thoughts (you need to rub the stone with your fingers).
Sultanite and Zodiac
Astrology believes that a stone according to the zodiac sign suits everyone:
- The favorites of the mineral according to the horoscope are the fiery triad. Aries, Leo or Sagittarius will become calmer and more balanced. The pebble will reduce their ambition. It will help awaken and develop abilities. Talented people are capable of becoming clairvoyants.
- Practical “earthlings” Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn will be even more scrupulous. On an emotional level, they are waiting for romantic acquaintances, a new look at their family or soulmate.
- The stone will nourish energetically weak Pisces, support insecure Cancers, and soften sarcastic Scorpios.
- The energy of restless Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini will be directed in the right direction. For these zodiac signs, goals will become clearer and life will be more stable.
Representatives of any zodiac sign will receive positive changes in their fate from the Sultanite stone. Some will begin to assess the situation philosophically.
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | +++ |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | + |
(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)
Sultanite and Zodiac signs
Sultanite is a stone whose properties suit all signs of the Zodiac. But for some people the magical influence is strong, while for others it is weak. The Turkish mineral is an ideal talisman for representatives of fire signs.
To find out how compatible the sultanite is with your zodiac sign, you should look at the table.
Change
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility (“+++” – ideal, “++” – good, “+” – acceptable to wear, “–” – unacceptable to wear | Influence on the representative of the sign |
| Aries | +++ | gives worldly wisdom, balances and calms character |
| Taurus | ++ | liberates, helps to become more emotional, attracts romance into life |
| Twins | + | helps you choose the right directions in life |
| Cancer | + | gives self-confidence |
| a lion | +++ | develops intuition, imparts creativity, eliminates pride |
| Virgo | ++ | imparts sensuality and optimism, brings closer the meeting with your soulmate |
| Scales | + | balances character, helps in setting priorities |
| Scorpion | + | softens character, eliminates bile and prudence |
| Sagittarius | +++ | shows creativity, enhances intuition |
| Capricorn | ++ | makes nature romantic and creative, eliminates excessive rationality |
| Aquarius | + | eliminates excessive pragmatism, makes the nature dreamy and liberated |
| Fish | + | gives energy to achieve your goals |
