Smoky stone Rauchtopaz: varieties of color, properties, vivid photos

The name of the stone rauchtopaz has its roots in German and literally translates as "smoky topaz" (rauch - smoke), although in reality this mineral has nothing to do with true topaz, being only a variety of quartz. Actually, experts in the field of mineralogy have long called this stone nothing more than smoky quartz.

Rauchtopaz is now one of the most sought-after crystals among jewelry craftsmen, since the gem is actively used not only for decorative purposes, but also for magical purposes: the stone is often used as a talisman.

What's in a name?

As soon as they didn’t call rauchtopaz! "Colorado diamond", "radiant diamond", "talyanchik", "gypsy". The magical properties of rauchtopaz were noticed by medieval alchemists and Jews practicing Kabbalah. At the same time, it is not possible to establish exactly whether this or that grimoire is really about the hero of this story, it is not possible: hardly any other gem can boast of such a number of names.

In the Anglo-Saxon tradition, rauchtopaz was called kerngorm, in honor of the mountain range in Scotland, for some reason the Russians called this crystal "gopher" or "grease", and the Asians - "stone of the dead" or "stone of the Buddha".

Now all these numerous numerous epithets have sunk into oblivion - the crystal is called none other than rauchtopaz or smoky quartz. It is believed that Jewish jewelers of the 10th-11th centuries were involved in the discovery of this gem.

The heyday of the popularity of rauchtopaz fell on the British Art Nouveau. In the era of decadence, cufflinks were made from it, snuff boxes and cigarette cases were encrusted with it. So the representatives of the stronger sex were the first to appreciate the unique charm of the kerngorm.

Mining sites

Smoky quartz deposits are present in varying amounts in all parts of the world, however, South America, Madagascar and Namibia in Africa, as well as California boast the largest developments. The Brazilian rauchtopaz is the most valuable for jewelers. In Europe, there are mines producing this gem in Switzerland, Germany and Spain. As for Russia, the Urals are rich in quartz.

The properties of rauchtopaz make it possible to make its production as simple and inexpensive as possible. The crystals of this mineral are hard, strong, and large in size. One copy can weigh more than two centners! There are also reports of finding gems weighing about a ton!

Mendeleev explains

The chemical composition of rauchtopaz is based on silicon oxide. The role of chromatophores in this case is played by iron and aluminum impurities.

Its hardness is estimated at 7 points on the Mohs scale (its close "relatives" from the quartz family have similar indicators), which is equal to untempered glass. Transparency can vary from absolute to no transparency at all.

Rauchquartz is processed using harder crystals, such as diamond, true topaz or corundum, as well as files based on titanium, tungsten and other superhard metals.

Varieties of color

The palette of rauchtopaz is quite diverse.

The color of each crystal is due to many environmental factors. The most significant influence on the color is the amount of solar radiation to which the stone is exposed during the formation process. Halftones and spots depend on the ratio of impurities. Rauchtopaz reaches the consumer being jewelry processed, often with the use of high temperatures, which undoubtedly also affects the shade of the stone.

Looking at a photo of rauchtopaz, even a person inexperienced in jewelry with the naked eye will distinguish several varieties of this stone by color:

• Light gray crystals. It is from them that, when heated to 500-700 degrees, imitations of citrine are made;
• Chameleon Gems are pleochromic crystals that change color from green to brown depending on the light. A qualified jeweler can maximize these properties of rauchtopaz, creating a real masterpiece!
• Dark brown minerals are most often used in the manufacture of rings, beads and small sculptures. With proper cutting, I can also acquire pleochromic properties.
• Black rauchtopaz, which is often mistaken for morion. It was his Asians who called the "stone of the dead." This type of smoky quartz enjoys a special location among psychics, necromancers and sorcerers of various kinds: it is traditionally believed that the black crystal helps to establish a connection with the other world.

In folk medicine

As for the healing qualities of raukhquartz, for the first time they were noticed precisely there, in the East, and in particular in Tibet and Northern India. According to the lithotherapeutic equipment, the energy of the smoky crystal is associated with the sacral chakra, therefore, rauchtopaz is most effective in the treatment of sexual ailments (including even such serious diagnoses as uterine fibroids and prostate adenoma), diseases of the rectum, as well as problems of the musculoskeletal system.

In addition, rauchtopaz helps in the fight against addictions of a very different nature: chemical, gaming, food.

However, in order to fully appreciate the healing effect of a smoky gem, it is not enough just to buy a piece of jewelry with a crystal and put it on. For a more powerful energy interaction with rauchtopaz, it is necessary to use it during meditation. This will help to cope with insomnia and stress, get rid of panic attacks, activate metabolism and get rid of puffiness, which is extremely important for losing weight.

Some lithotherapists recommend wearing a rauchtopaz ring on the left index finger. It is believed that it is connected to the heart by a kind of meridian. And the mineral under discussion has the property of stimulating blood circulation.

Attribute of spiritists

It is hardly possible to verify the authenticity of this fact, however, archaeologists have repeatedly discovered some similarities of smoky quartz amulets dated back to the Paleolithic era. Probably, the artifacts found had a magical purpose. As mentioned above, rauchtopaz has long been considered a guide to the world of the dead. But this is for the most advanced, those who have special knowledge.The layman, with the help of a talisman from this mineral, can simply pump intuition and other psychological skills associated with recognizing deceitful and toxic people, as well as get rid of the debilitating feeling of anxiety and dysfunctional attitudes that provoke neurosis, develop fantasy.

Rauchtopaz attracts good luck, but only in those cases when a person is ready to make some effort to achieve his plan, and if his intentions are pure and not aimed at causing harm to others.

Horoscope compatibility

What do astrologers say? Rauchtopaz is not equally favorable to all signs of the zodiac. It is ideal for Capricorns, especially those who are aware of their own, which has become a byword, Capricorn stubbornness, as a problem. The smoky crystal helps soften this trait. For virgins, who are already quite restrained, the gem will help to find a state of complete peace and harmony. Rauchquartz promotes self-confidence in shy and ever-doubting Gemini and Pisces.

But representatives of the remaining signs of the water element are not recommended to indulge in rauchtopaz jewelry, since in this case the stone can enhance paranoid and obsessive-compulsive traits. And the combination of energetics of smoky quartz and the elements of fire can provoke megalomania in the already not too modest and undemanding Aries, Lviv, Sagittarius.

Wear and care instructions

The lunar calendar does not provide any time frame for the purchase of jewelry and amulets from rauchtopaz. As for caring for them, there are also no special rules.The main thing is not to neglect caution when wearing rauhquartz trinkets, especially rings: this mineral is very fragile - minimize the likelihood of mechanical impact on the stone.

Prices for smoky quartz are not at all biting. A bead with a diameter of a centimeter will cost the buyer less than 100 rubles. Rauchtopaz crystals look most advantageous in combination with a gold setting.

Photo of Rauchtopaz stone