Deposits, description and properties of amethyst druse. Geode and druse: unusual jewelry with magical properties. What is the difference between a druzy crystal and a processed stone

During the natural processes of formation of the earth's crust or rock formations, spherical cavities are formed. In scientific language they are called geodes (from the Greek “geoda” - similar to earth).

In mineral mines, the internal cavity of the geode is filled with layers or crystals of gems, for which such formations are valued by jewelers and collectors.

Most often, geodes form in sedimentary rocks or limestone. This is due to the mechanism of their formation:

1. Under the influence of volcanic processes, cracks or cavities of rounded shapes constantly form in the bowels of the earth. The outer wall of such nodules may consist of silica, quartz, chalcedony, agate or.
2. The structure is durable, but has small cracks.
3. Groundwater flowing through such a cavity leaves a sediment of mineral salts.
4. When a high concentration of minerals in the sediment is reached, crystallization begins.
5. The large free space of the geode does not prevent the growth of crystals until they completely fill it.

The amethyst geode is especially famous for its beauty, from which both figurines and jewelry. Due to the largest reserves of amethyst, geodes larger than a man are also found there.

What is a druse

A druse is an accreted aggregate of crystallized minerals(translated from German as “brush”). This name was given for the similarity of the shape of the crystals connected in a chaotic order in the cavity of the sphere with bristles.

The direction of the tops of the stones can also be oriented in one direction, then the nugget looks very impressive.

Even the fusion of just 2 gems together is equivalent to druses, and their size can be no more than a few millimeters.

Types of drusen

By composition crystals and the base on which they rest, druses are classified as follows:

1. One-component. The formation of crystals occurs on a mineral of a similar composition. For example, lime spar stones grow on a base of the same spar, which has a granular structure.
2. Multicomponent. The crystal is formed by one mineral, and the layer on which it is fixed is formed by another. Thus, quartz druse often forms on gold ore.

By form:

1. Straight when the base has no irregularities.
2. Curved, as in spherical cavities.
3. A drusen is called a flower when the crystals grow from the center to the periphery of the cavity.
4. A brush is a druse made up of small crystals growing in a vertical plane.

The size of a drusen can be either miniature - a few millimeters - or large.

Interesting! The largest druse is more than 2 m high and consists of rock crystal. Such an exhibit is kept in the Mining Museum of St. Petersburg.

Differences between a geode and a druse

In mineralogy, geodes are any cavities in a rock filled with a mineral. The formation of such a formation is called secretion, since most often the gems penetrate into the rock, seeping through the walls along with water.

The mineral components inside the geode can either crystallize or be layered on the walls. The combined pattern of a layered pattern on the walls and crystals in the center looks beautiful.

Unlike druses, geodes are always multicomponent. The cavity itself is formed by the rock due to ruptures, cracks or solidification of gas bubbles. And minerals get inside when the geode comes into contact with groundwater, which bring with them microparticles of gems.

If a mineral crystallizes inside a closed cavity, then the formation will no longer be called a druse, but a geode.

Types of Geodes

Geologists distinguish between types of geodes depending on the mechanism of crystallization of minerals:

1. Recrystallized geodes. Their peculiarity is that under the influence of changing external conditions, already formed crystals dissolve. This solution is washed with thermal waters to remove excess impurities. Then the drusen begins to crystallize again from the concentrate. As a result, the body of the mineral turns out to be transparent, without suspensions or inclusions.
2. Limonite. Formed in iron ore rock. In cavities or cracks, when water enters, oxidative processes occur that form geodes.
3. Silica. Found in quartz limestone cavities. Most often it forms a druse - a brush of gemstones.
4. Metosomatic geodes. A subject of study for scientists, as they represent the process of replacing one mineral with another inside a cavity.
5. Ferromanganese. A promising object of study, as they are located on the ocean floor.

By size, geodes less than 1 cm are distinguished - tonsils.

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Shape and color scheme

The color of a geode depends entirely on the composition of the minerals that form it. Layered gems are more often found with alternating red-brown and white-gray layers. The pastel range is represented by blue and pink shades. Geodes with yellow-green citrine are often found, purple amethyst or smoky quartz.

Important! Too intense coloring of a stone should raise doubts about its authenticity. Sometimes common geodes made of colorless minerals are tinted and passed off as expensive gems.

The spherical shape of geodes is the least common in nature, but it is the one that is most valued. The crystals in it are arranged radially in the form of rays and can consist of celestine, calcite, gypsum or marcasite.

Extraction and processing

If the extraction of solid stones occurs on an industrial scale, then the discovery of druses often becomes a matter of amateurs. Searchers manually reseed rocks in already explored mines and river soils and rely only on their intuition and experience. Their finds are often small in size, and there are not always already formed druses inside.

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In Russia, quartz geodes have decorative value. They contain agate, chalcedony, or hematite. Most of them are found in northern Asia and the Urals.

Interesting! In the local dialect of the Urals, geodes are called “znoryshki”. The druses in them most often consist of rock crystal.

The meticulous work of finding geodes is only a small part compared to further processing. The plaque covering the cavity is in most cases removed by long soaking in concentrated acids. Next, you need to be able to saw the geode in the correct place without destroying the tops of the crystals or displacing the center of the cavity.

Legends and myths

Over the centuries-old history of gems, their properties have been shrouded in many myths and legends.

Smoky quartz druses were considered the most powerful dark amulet in ancient times. Black magic rituals were carried out after receiving energy from this stone, and oracles used them to look into the future.

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All Druze, regardless of composition, are credited with the magical property of giving harmony. Symbolically, they are a positive example of the interaction of many individual elements, forming a single whole. In the house, such a figurine is placed in the most visible place, purifying energy flows from negativity.

It is believed that charging the mineral with sunlight during the day and moonlight at night can attract wealth into the home. You just have to remember that ultra-violet rays discolor minerals.

Mystical properties of druzes

The magical properties of druse are determined by its composition.

For example, amethyst druse reduces anxiety, fights depression and loss of strength, frees a person’s thoughts from negativity and cleanses his living space of bad energy.

Protect the owner from the influence of enemies, energy vampires. They are chosen if the work involves communicating with a large number of people. Suitable as a talisman for small children.

They are considered stronger than a single stone, due to the preservation of its natural shape.

Concentrate in yourself large volume energy. It is believed that if you shout your wish into such a cavity, it will definitely come true.

Charms and jewelry made from druzes and geodes

Geodes with semi crystals precious stones used by jewelers to make jewelry. Large nuggets are valuable to collectors, and the largest specimens are displayed as exhibits in mineralogy museums.

Jewelry made from natural stone druses is valued for the natural shape of the crystals, so the processing of such a find is very careful. They are only framed in metal to make jewelry. Tonsils (geodes less than 1 cm) are first sawn in half.

Video about the magical and healing properties of mineral geodes:

An amethyst druse is a cluster of gems that are attached to the rock. At its core, druse is an untreated stone that is used in the jewelry industry. It is not difficult to choose a frame for her. It is mainly supplemented with silver or gold. Amethyst particles attached to the rock look very impressive; druses such as quartz or rock crystal are found in nature. But only amethyst is used to make jewelry, and only it is so incredibly popular.

An amethyst druse somewhat resembles a bunch of grapes; the crystals intricately grow together and turn into a cluster of stone. At the same time, it does not require any processing, has a lavender shade, which is so characteristic of amethyst, and for which it has been valued and loved for many years.

Amethyst druse

Crystals fused together rarely have a pink tint. Such druses are quite expensive, they are equated in value to precious stones, although amethyst is a semi-precious stone and is inferior in value to diamonds and sapphires.

Stones attached to the rock have unique properties:

1. They tolerate high temperatures well.
2. Lose color in water.
3. They brighten under the rays of sunlight.

If we talk about real amethysts, and not artificial ones, then they withstand exposure to high temperatures quite well. You can heat the stone to 200 degrees, it will lighten a little, but after cooling the shade will be restored. If you heat a gem to a temperature of 250 degrees, it will become colorless; The color of the mineral will be partially restored after cooling, but it will not be able to completely return the shade.

If you immerse an amethyst in water, it will become colorless around the edges. In this way, the stone was checked for authenticity hundreds of years ago.

A distinctive feature of the mineral is its ability to change color. Few stones have the chameleon effect; along with amethyst, only alexandrite can boast of similar characteristics.

In the light of the sun, the druse pleases with the iridescence of a purple hue, but in the light of lamps the crystals shine with a delicate pink color.

Place of Birth

Druse amethyst may be found in deposits in the Urals. The lands of this region are rich in various minerals; if we talk about the most popular variety of quartz, then it is in the Urals that stones of the classical purple. The lavender hue makes the crystals priceless; they are known to jewelers around the world under the trade name “deep Siberian”.

The stone is also mined in the following countries:

1. Mexico.
2. South America.
3. Africa.
4. Uruguay.

The palette of amethyst shades is quite diverse, but the rarest and most expensive ones are mined in the deposits of Uruguay. These gems have a black tint. Brazil has quite a lot of amethysts compared to other countries in the world, but not all of them are of high quality and can be used to make jewelry.

In terms of prevalence, amethyst ranks almost first in the world; it is used not only for the production of jewelry; a low-quality gem acts as ornamental stone. It is not transparent and may have inclusions in the structure.

Despite its good characteristics (hardness on the Mohs scale 7 points, ease of cutting and processing), amethyst is classified as semiprecious stones, although it is undoubtedly very popular.

Legends and myths

It is believed that the most popular variety of quartz favors widows. In fact, amethyst is a symbol of love and fidelity. In the old days, it was given to a wife or bride in order to preserve feelings.

If a loved one died, the woman would put a ring inlaid with this gem on her finger. Like a symbol eternal love and fidelity, such decoration testified that feelings had not yet cooled down.

The belief that amethyst is a widow's stone arose from a legend that spoke of a woman's endless love for her husband. One day, a man simply did not return from work; his inconsolable wife looked for her beloved everywhere, but never found him. She changed a lot, stopped looking after herself and her children, and one morning she went to the sea and disappeared. Residents of the village where the woman lived were looking for her and when they came ashore, they discovered stones of a beautiful purple hue.

Amethyst has long been considered the companion of a person who is distinguished by a sober mind and clear memory. For this reason, the gem was always inserted into crowns and goblets. The monarchs believed that the stone would save them from bad habits and help avoid poisoning.

The Druze were especially loved by members of the clergy; priests decorated icons and crosses with clusters of crystals, and they also wore a large ring with an amethyst on their finger, which was considered a symbol of purity.

Druze magic

In the old days, magicians and sorcerers endowed stones with one or another magical properties. Esotericists of that time believed that minerals that had been in the bowels of the earth for years had various properties. Amethyst is no exception and it has a lot of properties that attract magicians and sorcerers.

So what magical qualities does a druse have?

1. Acts as the guardian of family happiness and well-being.
2. Cleanses energy.
3. Attracts love and enhances feelings.
4. Gives harmony and tranquility.
5. Helps get rid of bad habits.

The amethyst crystal druse is a true guardian of the family. It must be kept in a visible place in the house. Gems fused together will absorb negativity and help preserve good attitude to each other. Over the years, feelings will not fade away, but, on the contrary, they will become even stronger.

Amethyst in any form is a powerful energy magnet. It absorbs everything bad, takes away negative emotions, protects the owner or his home from evil people, envious people, and ill-wishers.

Since ancient times, pink stones have been considered a symbol of love and fidelity. Since pink and even red amethysts exist in nature, they attract love and make feelings stronger and brighter. To win the favor of a girl, to make her fall in love with you, it is enough to present the beauty with a gift of jewelry inlaid with druse.

The stone is used in spiritual practices; it is placed in close proximity to the place of meditation. To find a way out of the situation, just look at the mineral and ask it for advice. The gem will help you find a way out difficult situation and solve problems.

Translated from Greek, amethyst means “not drunk.” For this reason, it was believed that the gem protects the owner from bad habits; it helps to overcome alcohol addiction and addiction to alcoholic beverages.

A druse made from amethyst crystals is capable of accumulating not only positive, but also negative energy. For this reason, it must be cleaned periodically. Cleansing with water will help restore the energy of the stone. It is enough just to place the jewel in water for a few minutes, after a short “bathing” the gem will be restored and completely cleansed of negativity.

There are quite a few stones in the world that are not suitable for everyday wear; amethyst is not one of them. It could be a good addition for evening look or a business suit.

Among all the wonders of nature, the world of stones and minerals is distinguished by its fantastic diversity and harmony of color and shape. Perfection contrasts with fragility, and the geometry of the forms can bewitching. Nature is the most talented artist, her works are priceless, they are endowed with ancient energy, strength and divine beauty. The world of stones is represented by thousands of types of shapes and colors. And the structure of a mineral can often only be seen under a microscope, since crystalline formations are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye.

The variety of crystals is as great as the variety of human faces. Like us, crystals have not only individual appearance, but also internal energy. Each stone has its own character and strength. The color of minerals is diverse and changeable, this is primarily due to the inclusion of various elements in the crystal lattice. Each mineral is formed as a result of synthesis, which occurs through strict laws physics and chemistry.

The imagination of nature gives crystals bizarre shapes, be it a bunch of Mesolithic stems, a sandy rose of gypsum, a mysterious labyrinth of bismuth, or a whole universe inside an agate geode. It's no surprise that these treasures become coveted collectibles. In this case, I was no exception. My set of minerals can hardly be called a collection, but it contains stones dear to me that are with me for a long time, feed me with strength and inspiration.

And today I would like to talk about the main and most common types of crystals: druses, geodes and single crystals.

Druze(translated from German druse means "brush")
- this is a lot of fused crystals. However, not all crystalline intergrowths are considered druses. Drusen are usually understood as fused crystals, randomly located on one base. The size and number of crystals in a drusen may vary. For example, a druse whose crystal size is several millimeters is called brush. A druse with a flat base and crystals directed to the sides from the center is called flower. Such formations line the walls of voids, grow on the walls of cracks and are found in open rock cavities. Aggregates in the form of druses of crystals are characteristic of many minerals - quartz, calcite, fluorite, pyrite, barite, feldspars, garnets, etc.

Druze in a more global sense is a set of crystals coexisting together in harmony and peace. This is the personification of a developed society, where each member is unique and perfect, but they all live on a common basis, solving common problems. Each crystal influences its neighbors both with its own energy and that which it received from its loved ones. By charging each other, druzy crystals emit powerful energy into the surrounding space. Drusen are great for cleaning a room because they absorb, transform and radiate energy.

Geode(from Greek geodes, which means “earthy”, “earth-like”)
- these are geological formations, voids in rocks ah, the walls of which are usually lined with druses of crystals or spherulitic structures. A geode can have any shape, but more often it is round or ellipsoidal. Their sizes can range from several millimeters to several meters. The largest geodes can reach a size of more than 1 meter and are called caves. Small ones, less than 1 cm in size are called tonsils. Geodes consisting of minerals of the quartz group (amethyst, rock crystal, agate, citrine, chalcedony, etc.) are especially common, but they are also typical for many other minerals deposited in voids. The largest amethyst geode (Empress of Uruguay) weighs 2.5 tons and is more than 3 meters in size.

Due to their round shape, geodes collect energy inward, structure, purify and radiate it outward through crystals. Due to the concave shape and multiple crystals, the energy is amplified, but unlike single crystals and druses, it is emitted more softly. Geodes are considered shamanic stones and are used to obtain visions and enter altered states. Geodes are great not only for decorating your home, but also for cleaning up space. negative energy. Like druses, geodes can and should be charged with the energy of the sun, moon or candle (fire).

Monocrystal
- This is a separate homogeneous crystal having a continuous crystal lattice. The external shape of a single crystal is determined by its lattice and the conditions (mainly speed and uniformity) of crystallization. A slowly grown single crystal almost always acquires a well-defined natural cut. And at a high crystallization rate, instead of a single crystal, homogeneous polycrystals (or crystal grains) are formed, consisting of many small single crystals. Examples of faceted natural single crystals include single crystals of quartz, rock salt, Iceland spar, diamond, topaz, fluorite, etc.

Monocrystals are excellent concentrators, conductors and energy converters. Double-ended single crystals, unlike crystals with one vertex, can simultaneously conduct energy in both directions. In lithotherapy, single crystals are used to restore energy channels, for a clear direction of the energy of the stone to certain organs. Monocrystals are able to remove negative and at the same time fill with new positive energy. They are great for restoring and structuring the personality, unifying consciousness and spirit.

What do we know about crystals? For some, crystals are associated with a museum rarity, and for others - with a magical mystery.

In ancient times, only one mineral was called a crystal - transparent quartz (other names: rock crystal, Arabic diamond, Bohemian diamond). Due to its transparency and glassy sheen, the Greeks named it “krystallos”, which means “ice”. Rock crystal was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that it froze so much that it lost the ability to melt. Along with pearls and amber, rock crystal was one of the most popular talismans - vessels and cups, dishes and mirrors, and fortune-telling balls were made from it and decorations. Even then, crystal was considered something divine and magnetic, captivating the minds of representatives of various walks of life.

*Rock crystal vase*

Only in the 17th century did the first scientific views on the nature of crystals begin to take shape. Crystals are not only minerals and gems that the earth’s crust is rich in. They surround us everywhere, and many common substances for us are crystals (ice, salt, sugar, etc.). Thus, crystals are solids that have the natural shape of regular polyhedra. They are formed from melt, solution and gas. In nature you can often find minerals consisting of many single crystals. Large homogeneous crystals are rare.

*Ideal shape diamond octahedron*

Natural crystals can vary in size: from huge to microscopic. For example, in one of the corners of the Republic of Buryatia a smoky quartz crystal weighing about 70 tons was found, and in the Baikal region valuable lapis lazuli crystals only 2 centimeters long were discovered. The appearance of the same mineral can vary depending on how it grew. Most crystals in nature grow over centuries. However, there are exceptions - crystals of rock (table) salt and copper, sugar and potassium alum. Such specimens can also be grown at home.

*Home-grown copper sulfate crystals*

Druze

Crystals nucleate on the substrate (base) in groups or individually. Fusing together, they form drusen. Druse (from German druse - “brush”) is a mineral aggregate of many tightly fused crystals. That is, each of the crystals of the group has an independent shape, and their general arrangement can be absolutely chaotic. The sizes and number of crystals on the substrate can be any. For example, drusen with low crystals (a few millimeters) is called a “brush”. And minerals that resemble appearance buds with crystals directed in different directions are called “flowers”. Such formations fill the walls of voids, and are also found on open surfaces among rocks of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary origin. Drusen often line the walls of cracks and also serve as filling for many geodes.

*Andradite, crystal brush, 7cm*

*Druze of scolecite crystals*

It is interesting that some crystals are formed not only in the earth’s crust, but also come to us along with meteorites. These space stones include millerite, which is an irregularly shaped grain. Millerite usually grows together with other minerals—crystals in calcite veins look especially beautiful.

*Millerite*

*Excellent specimen of millerite crystals*

The crystals inside the drusy live in harmony, representing a living organism that forms slowly and gradually. Each crystal influences its neighbors with its own energy, creating powerful energy for the entire group. Therefore, mineral druses are ideal for creating the right atmosphere in the home.

Many of us have probably felt a certain vibration coming from the crystal in our hand. Each mineral has its own energy, which can carry with it positive and negative emotions. But this is a topic for another article. And now I suggest just admiring the fantasy of nature.

*Rose quartz, druse*

*Rhodochrosite*

*Druze of rhodochrosite"

*Large aragonite druse mined in 1980*

*Druze of amethyst*

*Druze of alexandrite*

*Druze of emerald green crystals and fluorite twins*

*Citrine crystal*

Natural crystals... They are also called beautiful, rare stones or solids. We imagine a crystal stone in the form of a large, bright, transparent or colorless polyhedron with ideal shiny edges. In life, we more often encounter such solid substances in the form of irregularly shaped grains, grains of sand, and debris. But their properties are the same as those of perfect large crystals. Plunge with us into Magic world natural stones crystals, get to know their structure, shapes, types. Well, let's go...

The mystery of crystals

The world of crystals is beautiful and mysterious. Since childhood, multi-colored pebbles have beckoned and attracted us with their beauty. We feel their mystery on an intuitive level and admire their natural natural beauty. People have always wanted to know as much as possible about natural solids, the properties of crystals, the formation of their forms, growth and structure.

The world of these stones is so unusual that you want to look inside them. What will we see there? A picture of endlessly stretching, strictly ordered rows of atoms, molecules and ions will open before your eyes. All of them strictly obey the laws that rule in the world of crystal stones.

Crystalline substances are very widespread in nature, because all rocks are composed of them. And the entire earth's crust consists of rocks. It turns out that you can even grow these unusual substances at home yourself. It is important to note that "crystal" in ancient Greek meant "ice" or "rock crystal".

What is a crystal stone?

What do school textbooks say about crystals? They say that these are solid bodies that are formed under the influence of natural or laboratory conditions and have the appearance of polyhedra. The geometric structure of these bodies is infallibly strict. The surface of crystalline figures is made up of perfect planes - faces that intersect along straight lines called edges. Peaks appear at the intersection points of the edges.

The solid state of matter is a crystal. It has a certain shape, a specific number of faces, depending on the arrangement of the atoms. So, solids in which molecules, atoms, and ions are arranged in a strict pattern in the form of spatial lattice nodes.

We most often associate crystals with rare and beautiful gemstones. And this is not in vain, diamonds are also crystals. But not all solids are rare and beautiful. After all, particles of salt and sugar are also crystals. There are hundreds of substances in their form around us. One of these bodies is considered to be frozen water (ice or snowflakes).

Formation of various crystal forms

In nature, minerals are formed as a result of rock-forming processes. Mineral solutions in the form of hot and molten rocks lie deep underground. When these hot rocks are pushed to the surface of the earth, they cool down. Substances cool very slowly. Minerals form crystals in the form of solids. For example, granite contains the minerals quartz, feldspar and mica.

Each crystal contains a million individual elements (monocrystals). A crystal lattice cell can be represented as a square with atoms at the corners. These can be atoms of oxygen or other elements. It is known that crystals can react to various energies and remember people’s attitudes towards them. This is why they are used for healing and cleansing. Crystals can come in all kinds of shapes. Depending on this, they are divided into 6 large types.

Different types and types of natural solids

Crystal sizes can also vary. All solids are divided into ideal and real. Ideal bodies include bodies with smooth edges, strict in a long way, determined by the symmetry of the crystal lattice and other parameters. Real crystals include those that are found in real life. They may contain impurities that reduce the symmetry of the crystal lattice, the smoothness of the faces, and optical properties. Both types of stones are united by the rule of arrangement of atoms in the lattice described above.

According to another division criterion, they are divided into natural and artificial. For natural crystals to grow, they need natural conditions. Artificial solids are grown in laboratory or home conditions.

According to aesthetic and economic criteria, they are divided into precious and non-precious stones. Precious minerals are rare and beautiful. These include emerald, diamond, amethyst, ruby, sapphire and others.

Structure and forms of accumulations of solids

Single-point crystals refer to hexagonal stones with a pyramidal top. The base of such generator minerals is wider. There are crystals with two peaks - Yin and Yang. They are used in meditation to balance the material and spiritual principles.

Minerals in which 2 of the 6 side faces are wider than all the others are called lamellar. They are used for telepathic healing.

Crystals formed as a result of impacts or cracks, which then decompose into 7 shades, are called rainbow. They relieve depression and disappointment.

Minerals with various inclusions of other elements are called ghost crystals. First they stop growing, then other materials settle on them, and then growth around them resumes. Thus, the contours of a mineral that has stopped growing are visible, so it appears ghostly. Such crystals are used to attract crops in garden plots.

Unusual Druze

The Druze are a very beautiful sight. This is a collection of many crystals on one base. They have positive and negative polarity. With their help, the air is purified and the atmosphere is recharged. In nature, druses of quartz, emerald, and topaz are found. They bring peace and harmony to people.

Drusen is also called fused crystals. Most often, garnets, pyrites, and fluorites are susceptible to this phenomenon. They are often exhibited as museum exhibits.

Small fused crystals are called a brush, large minerals are called a flower. Very beautiful variety drusen are geodes. They grow on the walls. Drusen can be very small or large. These are very valuable finds. Druze of agate, selenite, amethyst, citrine, and morion are highly valued.

How do crystals store information and knowledge?

Scientists have found that there are triangles on the edges of the crystals, indicating the presence of knowledge in them. Only a specific person can receive this information. If such a person appears, the stones will give him their true insides.

Crystals are capable of transmitting vibrations, awakening higher powers of consciousness, and balancing mental forces. Therefore, they are often used in meditation. Previous civilizations stored information in stones. For example, rock crystal was considered the precious stone of the gods. Crystals were revered as living beings. Even "cosmos" had the original meaning of "precious stone."

Gems

It is important to note that gem crystals in their raw form are not that beautiful. They are also called stones or minerals. They are called precious because they are very beautiful when cut and are used in jewelry. Many people are familiar with the precious stones amethysts, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

Diamond is considered the hardest stone. A fragile crystal of grassy green color - emerald. A variety of the red mineral corundum is ruby. Deposits of this crystal exist on almost all continents. What is considered his undeniable ideal? Burmese rubies. Ruby deposits in the Russian Federation are located in the Chelyabinsk and Sverdlovsk regions.

What other expensive minerals are there? Sapphires are transparent precious crystals of various colors - from pale blue to dark blue. Although this is a rare mineral, it is valued lower than ruby.

An expensive variety of quartz is the beautiful gemstone amethyst. It was once inserted by the high priest Aaron among the 12 stones of his pectoral. Amethyst has a beautiful violet or lilac tint.

Russian diamonds

So, the hardest crystal - diamond - is mined from kimberlite pipes formed as a result of underground volcanic eruptions. Crystal cell this stone is formed under the influence high temperature And high pressure carbon.

Diamond mining in Russia began in Yakutia only in the middle of the last century. Today, the Russian Federation is already a leader in the extraction of these precious stones. Every year billions of rubles are allocated for diamond mining in Russia. It is worth noting that there are several carats of diamonds per ton of kimberlite pipes.