Non-standard stone Argillite - what are the types, where they are mined, what useful properties it has, photo of the stone

Non-standard argillite as a stone attracted the attention of people more than two centuries ago, but to this day, it is widely used. Despite the fact that rock-like clay is not a precious or semi-precious stone, crafts made from it can be valued in the hundreds of dollars.

Deposits and their development

Argillite is created from clay in a natural way in the bowels of the Earth at a depth of 300 to 1500 m. The thickness of the earth's crust, located above the sedimentary rock layer, presses on it. As a result, water is pressed and squeezed out, and over time a layered plate appears. Stone-like clay does not soak in water, unlike fine-grained clay. Those mudstones that were formed up to a depth of 700 m are fragile.

Stone deposits on earth

Since clay is ubiquitous, argillite deposits are everywhere. The best-known major deposit in the Canadian Queen Charlotte Islands is Sleitchuck Creek. Large areas have been developed in Estonia, Ukraine, Central Asia, China and the USA at Pipestone. There are also many deposits in Russia and you can see the protruding rock on the Red Rock in the Chelyabinsk region.

Development methods

If the deposition is not deep, then the rock-like layer is loose, quickly saturated with water. Development is not economically viable.Solid stone is suitable for mining and use. It is mined in the mines in two ways.

1. Open pits. They dig mudstone with excavators, without dividing it into layers. The mined stone is sent for processing.
2. Blasting operations in deep wells.

Varieties of petrified clay

Subdivided by color, composition and hardness into:

• zebra - a layer with contrasting stripes of various thicknesses in white, black, brown, dark and light colors;
• mud or mudstone - a very durable subspecies without a specific color;
• khailite - stone-like clay of different shades of gray, developed in the sixth Canadian province;
• catlinite - black or brown-red color, with a smooth surface, was used by the Indians for the manufacture of tobacco pipes, as it is well processed with a knife;
• carbonaceous argillite - interspersed with coal microparticles, either black shiny or matte dark gray, fine-grained in structure, thin layers;
• red mudstone, ground into powder, was used by the Indians for application to the skin;
• green
• pink

White argillite in the form of single stones does not occur in nature.

Description of the chemical composition

The word "argillite" consists of the Greek words ἄργιλλος - "clay" and λίθος - "stone", indicating its chemical structure. The main component - clay is accompanied by quartz, mica, feldspar. Argillite belongs to the class of stone-like shale clays - sedimentary rocky silicate mineral.

Areas of use of argillite by physical properties

1. With density from 1300 to 2600 kg/m³ thin layers of petrified clay crumble well. The shards have sharp edges. Use crumbs to decorate walls, ceilings. Crushed into rubble.
2. In water, the powder forms an insoluble suspension.It is used in the manufacture of cement, fire-resistant materials, rubber. added to ceramics. In paper mills, it is also necessary.
3. Carbonaceous and pink argillite is used to purify domestic water and petroleum products.
4. According to the mineralogical scale of hardness, it is estimated at 3.5 - 4 points. It can be scratched with a knife and glass. They make household items, souvenirs, jewelry, although manual processing of argillite is laborious. By placing the processed stone in a silver frame, beautiful and expensive jewelry is obtained.

Action on a person

Prevention and lithotherapy

Argillite cannot be cured, but it can be used for preventive purposes.

Non-traditional practitioners use sedimentary rock powder as an antiseptic, in compresses to restore connective tissue, and treat skin diseases. The ability to protect against microbes is known from the "redskins". This fact is confirmed by the miners. The offered baths with argillite have a positive effect on peripheral blood vessels, relax muscles, and accelerate metabolic processes. Baths for joints from argillite mud relieve pain. To reduce cravings for alcohol, it is suggested to wear a small stone. But if any chronic disease has passed into an exacerbation phase, then the argillite stone will aggravate the condition.

Spiritual practices

In occult rituals, mudstone is used to stop violent energy flows. At the same time, the depth of comprehension, observation increases, intuition sharpens.

Petrified clay amulets are recommended for very active, sociable people. And those who are closed in on themselves can become depressed.

If a person is far-sighted, then a mineral talisman can make him clairvoyant due to the accumulation of cosmic energy and the connection of petrified clay with the Moon, which is in the last quarter. Keep a charm made of sedimentary rock at home. He will drive away diseases, enemies, help to avoid the evil eye. Travelers take the stone with them, it shows the way and predicts dangerous places.

Figurines are made for esoteric purposes, although raw rock can also be used.

Astrological purpose

Argillite has a certain effect on each sign of the zodiac. Patronizes the signs of the air and water elements, helping to reveal hidden talents. For Gemini, sediment is the best way to restore mental balance and physical health. The signs of the earth element are influenced by petrified clay in the prevention of diseases on the growing moon. For water signs, it helps to improve relationships. But for Pisces, it is better not to wear an amulet, as they can go into apathy. Also a negative effect on the elements of fire. Troubles will be attracted.

For men named Alexander, argillite refers to the patron stone. But one should not fatally believe in stone-like clay. It is easy to check the amulet for a positive effect on the owner. Put it in your hand, try to feel it. If he is YOURS, then there will be a feeling of response, and sometimes warmth.

Having familiarized yourself with the characteristics and properties of pressed clay, with the recommendations of astrologers and healers, you can buy yourself a talisman, for example, from gray mudstone. But remember, not varnished, the stone is easily destroyed in the air in a short period of time. Keep your amulet in the dark, and it will protect you.

Photo stone Argillite