Almandine stone: care tips, photo, who suits the zodiac sign

Almandine is the most popular mineral in the garnet family. Like pomegranate, this stone has strong natural, healing and magical properties.

History and origins

The first mention of almandine dates back to 77 BC, but only in 1549 was it described in detail by the famous alchemist and warlock of that time, Gregory Agricola.

During the Middle Ages, the mineral was considered a very rare, and therefore expensive stone. Only representatives of the nobility and the church elite could afford to wear jewelry with almandine.

In the 18th century, mass production of semi-precious stone jewelry began: earrings, rings and brooches were made, snuff boxes and caskets were decorated.

legends

Versions of the origin of almandine are associated with legends:

The ancient Greeks believed that the mistresses of the mineral were the goddesses - Demeter (goddess of the earth) and Hestia (goddess of fire), which is why the stone patronizes two elements.
The pupils of the chimera are almandine stones, which were the key to untold riches.Entering the water, a half-woman, half-snake, left her eyes on the shore. A large number of "hunters" tried to steal the pupil stones, but all their attempts ended in death.
The biblical Noah, with the help of almandines, illuminated the path, thanks to which he was able to save all living beings on Earth.

Name

Looking at the almandine in the photo, you can see that it is very similar to a precious ruby. Alabanda ruby is the original name of the stone. The mineral received this name in honor of the settlement of Alaband, located on the territory of modern Turkey. According to some historians, almandine was originally mined there, according to others, only the resale of the semi-precious stone was carried out.

The reduction of the long name "Alabanda ruby" to just "almandine" is the merit of Gregory Agricola.

The mineral has a large number of names that originate from the deposit and are similar to ruby and garnet: Albanian and Greenland ruby, Siberian and Ceylon garnet, adelaide, anthrax, becheta, noble winery, carbuncle.

Place of Birth

World reserves of almandine are large. Myanmar is the main world miner of the highest quality stones. Rich red Ceylon garnet is mined in Sri Lanka, brown stones are mined in Sweden, black stones are mined in Norway, and minerals with asteriz are mined in Finland. Africa, Alaska, Greenland and Antarctica are states that also have almandine deposits. In our country: Siberia, Karelia and the Kola Peninsula are miners of high-quality gems (Siberian garnets).

Physico-chemical characteristics

Almandine is a very durable mineral of the garnet family.

The composition of the chemical formula is Fe3Al2(SiO4)3, hardness is 7.5, density is 4.3 g/cm3.

The stone has an uneven, conchoidal fracture, imperfect cleavage, and a resinous or vitreous luster. Crystals have varying degrees of transparency and rich colors.

Varieties

The color range is very extensive: there are cherry, raspberry, purple, brown-red and rare black almandines. The most common are red-violet stones. The saturation of the color directly depends on the amount of iron in the mineral: more of this metal - a greater saturation and purity of the red color, it is these specimens that are valued by jewelers.

The following representatives of almandine are currently known:

popular ones are dematonide, malaya, pyrope, rhodolite, spessartine, tsavorite, stellate (star) garnet;
rare - hessonite, hydrogrossular, grossular, melanite, topazolite.

Medicinal properties

In the treatment of ailments, the crystal was used in ancient India, the almadine stone for its beneficial properties. The positive therapeutic effect increases when the stone comes into contact with the sore spot.

The mineral helps:

in strengthening the immune and nervous systems;
in the regulation of metabolism;
in improving vision;
in the normalization of the circulatory system, hemoglobin levels, blood clotting and cleaning of blood vessels;
in the healing of wounds and ulcers;
with breathing problems;
with radiculitis, arthritis, arthrosis and joint pain;
with problems of the genitourinary system;
with various types of pain;
with allergies;
during recovery after myocardial infarction;
increase the effectiveness of the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.

Representatives of traditional medicine are neutral about stone treatment, and consider it a kind of “placebo” effect.

magical properties

For many centuries, almandine has been valued for its magical properties, used as a talisman, and is especially revered in the East. The material of the frame does not affect the magical properties of the stone: it has the same power in both platinum and silver. In the vicinity of onyx or malachite, the positive effects of the crystal increase.

General impact

Crystal helps in:

taming anger;
balancing emotions;
maintaining fidelity;
gaining confidence;
raising the mood;
improving well-being;
protection from evil;
the formation of a harmonious personality;
reducing anxiety;
getting rid of fear;
protection from violence and robbery;
avoiding trouble.

The mineral has a positive effect on the following areas:

Charisma. Stones of rich red color enhance the attractiveness of the owner.
Emotions. Reduces the level of aggression, anxiety and fear, protects against rash actions.
Guardian on the road. Protects from bad fellow travelers and thieves.
Personal sphere. It will help to kindle passion in a enslaved person and protect married couples from infidelity.
Talisman from problems. Protects the owner from violence, disputes and troubles.

Properties by color

The shade of the main red color matters when exposed to the stone:

scarlet - embodies victory;
raspberry - adds self-confidence;
orange - protects from negativity;
brown - brings color to everyday life and improves inner harmony;
purple - relieves fears.

Areas of use

Almandine is used in jewelry, arts and crafts, and industry.

Use in arts and crafts and industry

Low-transparent types of mineral are used in the manufacture of small plastic, which is used to decorate church (monstrances, bowls, crosses) and secular (catinas, caskets, writing instruments) objects. Opaque stone makes beautiful luxury countertops.

Due to the strength of almandine, it is used as a material for processing and cutting various materials.

jewelry

Semi-precious almandine is easy to process, and in appearance it is very similar to a precious ruby. Because of this, the stone is popular with jewelry makers, who use it to make jewelry of almost all kinds, and connoisseurs of luxury.

Most often, silver 9250 or red gold 5850 serve as a frame for jewelry. In jewelry, a crystal is self-sufficient, but for a change it is combined with freshwater pearls, mother-of-pearl, onyx, malachite, carnelian, chalcedony, kunzite, cubic zirconia and amber crumbs. The size of a cut stone rarely exceeds three carats.

On the marking of the stone may be "almandine" or "garnet".

Jewelry with almandine is suitable for people of both sexes from 25 years old.

How to recognize a fake?

Due to the low cost, almandine is rarely faked, but sometimes glass is offered instead of the mineral. You can identify a fake in the following ways:

check for magnetism - the compass needle does not react to glass;
hold in your hands - the glass immediately heats up;
insert in jewelry does not exceed three carats.

Price

Prices for almandine jewelry vary depending on the metal of the setting, the complexity of the pattern, the size and shape of the crystal. For example, jewelry with silver costs thousands of rubles, and with red gold - tens of thousands.

Price range of different products:

Rings.1,500 - 45,000 rubles;
Earrings. 500 - 64,000 rubles;
Pendants. 400 - 36,000 rubles;
Bracelets. 750 - 30,000 rubles;

Rules for wearing jewelry

It is desirable to use jewelry with almandine in accordance with the energy of the stone, and before purchasing it, you need to make sure whether the mineral suits you or not. The crystal will be appropriate on trips and at ceremonial events, but not at business negotiations and when signing important documents. It is not recommended to constantly wear products with a stone, as prolonged contact with it can lead to carelessness, frivolity and disorganization. The combination of almandine with green garnets nullifies the positive properties of both gems.

Jewelry Care

When cleaning jewelry, keep in mind that sudden changes in temperature can cause cracks in the almandine. From direct sunlight and chlorinated water, the mineral fades.

Products with a gem can be cleaned using ultrasound. Hot water, any abrasive and chemicals harm the stone. Remove dirt with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water at room temperature, then rinse with water and wipe dry. The procedure is recommended to be carried out at least once a month.

As you know, most minerals absorb negative energy. Almandine is no exception. You can get rid of "energy" dust with the help of a candle and prayer.

A common jewelry box is suitable for storing jewelry.

Compatibility with zodiac signs

Like most stones, almandine can be compatible or incompatible with representatives of different zodiac signs. The mineral is ideal for Aries, Leo and Capricorn, and is contraindicated for Gemini, Cancer and Pisces.The remaining signs have an average compatibility with almandine.

Jewelry with a crystal will help Aries in personal life, career growth and add positive energy. Wearing products is recommended only for significant events and meetings. Almandine is able to increase the level of vitality of Lviv, also helps in the right choice of friends and loved ones, adds attractiveness, courage and strength in overcoming problems.

For stubborn Capricorns, the mineral gives additional charm and charm, helps with business meetings.

The use of stone by Gemini, Cancer and Pisces can be harmful. It is better for representatives of these signs of the Zodiac to choose green garnets. For other signs of the zodiac circle, the mineral can be useful in some cases. Almandine helps virgins in solving some problems, for example, with phobias and insomnia, and also gives a sense of inner harmony.

Sagittarius stone will help in strengthening the weakened functions of the body, add determination and energy. With the help of the crystal, Aquarius realizes his plans, which will contribute to personal and career growth.

Name Compatibility

At birth, each of us is given a name that, one way or another, affects fate. Almandin are ideal for Alla and Vasily. When using the mineral, Alla's character will become softer, the stone will give strength for the implementation of all conceived plans. Vasily stone will help in love, add vitality, passion and courage, help with diseases of the endocrine and digestive systems.

Conclusion

Some interesting facts about almandine:

if a wise person dreams of a mineral, then soon all the secrets of the universe will be revealed to him;
the crusaders believed that the crystal protected from injury in battle;
in most cases, the size of the stone is not more than 5 centimeters;
in Norway, a meter-long rare black mineral was found;
in the USA there is a museum where almandines weighing more than 10 carats are stored;
saucer - a popular form of cutting that has come down to us since ancient times

conclusions

An unusually beautiful almandine is a worthy "double" of a ruby. Stones at an affordable cost can afford many. They can be used not only as magnificent decorations, but also in decorative art in the manufacture of unusual and rare items.

Photo of Almandine stone

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