Fragile and refined Ulexite stone - varieties, photo of stone, healing properties

Ulexite stone is known to minerologists and gemologists relatively recently. It was first discovered in Chile at the end of the century before last, and got its name in honor of the German chemist who was the first to analyze the composition and properties of the mineral, Georg Ludwig Ulex.

Deposits of this stone are a rather rare phenomenon, although there are quite a lot of it in the places of development, this is due to the fact that ulexite is mined from sedimentary rocks, for example, in deposits of nitrate salts containing boron ore.

Varieties

Ulexite belongs to the category of mineral formations, which are an aqueous lime salt of boric acid. The stone is also called:

• boron atrocalcite, which is the original name of the stone, well reflecting its chemical composition (ulexite is nothing more than borate of calcium and sodium salts);
• tincalcite - a subspecies of stone;
• franklandint - a mineral with impurities;
• stiberite is another variety;
• cat's eye - iridescent crystals with a strip in the middle;
• TV stone. Where did this fancy name come from? This is because boron atrocalcite has one amazing property - it has high light transmission. The acicular crystal structure of the mineral is a kind of natural optical fiber.Leaning a stone against any image, you can see how it will appear on its upper face. You can verify this by using a transparent or translucent instance. Actually, that's why the stone was given the definition of "television".

It is called the cat's eye due to the specific iridescence of shades - from white to gray-green, with a slight rainbow effect, as well as a strip in the center of the crystal, reminiscent of the iris of a cat's eye, changing its location depending on where the light source is located. Several more gems are endowed with such an attractive feature: tourmaline, chrysoberyl, and certain varieties of onyx.

Mining sites

As mentioned above, there are not so many deposits of ulexite in the world, since certain climatic conditions are necessary for its formation in the bowels of the earth, in particular, dryness and the presence of a large amount of salt. Deposits of this stone are found in regions near salt lakes and in saline soils, namely:

• In Argentina, Chile, Peru;
• In the states of Nevada and California;
• On the west coast of Africa;
• In Chinese Tibet and on the Caspian coast in Kazakhstan.

Russia also joined this list. Here, ulexite is mined in the Kungur cave (Perm Territory). There is also a small deposit in the Crimea, more precisely, near Lake Sivash.

The deposit near Perm is an exceptional phenomenon, since the humidity of the local soil is one hundred percent, and the temperature in the cave does not rise above 5 degrees.

Applications

Jewelery is far from the only area of ​​application of ulexite. Moreover, it is far from the main one. The stone is much more in demand in the field of high technologies.Based on the above, it is not difficult to guess what fiber is made from this material. In addition, some parts of endoscopes and other medical equipment are made from it.

Why is fake better?

As for the jewelry industry, natural boron atrocalcite is almost never used in it, due to its fragility and insufficiently wide color palette. Since the end of the last century, jewelers have been using synthetic ulexite. It is much more profitable, because the manufacturing technology is simple, and the physical properties are under the control of the manufacturer, who can adjust the degree of transparency and strength of the samples, as well as paint them in any color.

Products made from synthetic cat's eye are much more durable, less demanding in terms of maintenance, and also much more interesting in terms of aesthetics. It will not be possible to identify a fake without professional help. Borosilicate glass is used to make artificial specimens. However, on the labels of jewelry sold in stores, it must certainly be noted whether the stone in front of you is natural or imitation.

As a rule, artificial stones are placed in frames made of various inexpensive alloys, while in precious metals - rarely and on special order. The pricing policy corresponds to production costs. Of course, buyers often make their choice in favor of jewelry, especially since synthetic stones in this case are really more beautiful than natural ones, and, moreover, they do not need preventive grinding and special storage conditions.

In stone treatment

Lithotherapists distinguish the following healing properties of ulexite:

1. Vision correction.Due to its fine fiber structure, boron atrocalcite can be used as a kind of ophthalmic simulator. Products from this stone will become simply indispensable helpers for those whose activities are associated with constant eye strain. Now it is the vast majority. At work, we look at the monitor screen, after work we cannot tear ourselves away from smartphones;
2. Help in the fight against excess weight. Ulexite jewelry reduces appetite;
3. Recovery of the psyche. The stone helps to improve mood, speedy recovery from stress, getting rid of depression.

Opinion of esotericists

Today, boronatrocalcite is not so often used in magical practices. Esotericists have barely begun to study the properties of boron atrocalcite. Where their opinions converge is on who suits ulexite and who does not. The stone itself decides whether this or that person should be its owner, or whether this is a bad idea.

Jewelry and amulets made of ulexite come into close contact with the owner's energy and transmit it outward with a vengeance, i.e. those around will be able to enjoy hypertrophied manifestations of positive or negative qualities of the owner of the crystal. Accordingly, things will quickly go awry for a malicious and aggressive person with ulexite decoration.

For the same reason, boron atrocalcite products are not recommended to be inherited, because one way or another they will accumulate a lot of negativity of past generations, which will certainly affect the state and fate of the one to whom it passed.

It is very useful to put on a cat's eye during the game and educational work with children, participation in charity events.

Charms from this mineral protect from envy and the evil eye.Therefore, they are relevant to the requests of representatives of public professions: artists of various stripes, perhaps journalists and politicians.

Horoscope compatibility

Astrologers believe that there are no horoscopic contraindications to wearing ulexite. It all depends on which "side" the individual adheres to - "dark" or "light". However, astrologers attribute ideal compatibility with the energy of the stone to those born under the constellations denoting people - Virgo, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Gemini.

Care

Natural ulexite is quite picky to care for. First, it loses its luster over time and needs to be buffed to restore it. This is not a problem - it can be done in any jewelry workshop.

Boronatrocalcite crystals are extremely fragile and soft, so each stone should be stored in a separate bag made of soft cloth, such as velvet, so that they do not scratch against each other or against a metal frame. It is also desirable that sunlight does not penetrate into the place where the gems are stored - this helps to preserve the brightness and brilliance of the product.

Price

The simplicity and cheapness of the extraction and processing of ulexite lead to the fact that the prices for finished products are quite democratic. Both tumbled and faceted stones are available for sale. The cost of an uncut stone with parameters of 1x1.5x4 cm is about 500 rubles.

As for finished jewelry, it all depends on the material of the frame. An average item made of 925 silver with a boron-calcite insert (for example, earrings, a ring or a pendant) will cost the buyer at least 4 thousand rubles.

Ulexite is often worn with jewelry made from other natural and artificial stones.It can be cubic zirconia or semi-precious minerals of warm colors: chrysolite, jasper, citrine. You can play in contrast by combining a cat's eye with a black opal or tiger's eye.

Photo stone Ulexite