The magical properties of stones are cat's eye, flint, labradorite, lapis lazuli, malachite. Afghan lapis lazuli

It seems that lapis lazuli reflects the entire endless blue of the heavens, which has been attracting the human gaze from time immemorial. In the old days, this stone was literally worth its weight in gold. Although lapis lazuli, in all its objective characteristics, is the most “ordinary” ornamental mineral: hardness - only 5.5; it has no transparency, no “game”, no bright shine. But the incredibly beautiful color alone made it a truly precious stone.

The best lapis lazuli is mined in the snow-capped mountains of northern Afghanistan, in the Badakhshan province. Here, near the sky, at an altitude of 4-5 thousand meters above sea level, in the oldest Precambrian rocks, there is a unique ancient Sar-e-Sang deposit, which served as a source of precious blue stone back in the 4th millennium BC. It is believed that until the end of the 18th century this place was the only source of lapis lazuli in the world.

The first written mention of Afghan lapis lazuli dates back to XIII century and belongs to the great traveler Marco Polo, who, talking about the ruby ​​mines of Badakhshan, wrote:

“In this country, know, there are also other mountains where there is a stone from which azure is mined; azure is beautiful, blue, the best in the world, and the stones from which it is mined are found in mines, like other stones.”

In ancient sources, the place from which lapis lazuli came was described very vaguely. A variety of countries were called the birthplace of the stone: Turkestan, Persia, Bukhara, Tibet, China, in which lapis lazuli was sold but not mined. Probably, the confusion is explained by the fact that in ancient times caravan routes passed through Badakhshan, along which the stone became widespread throughout the countries of the East. The true, geographically precise location of the deposit was established by scientific expeditions only at the beginning of the 19th century: Afghanistan, 70 km southeast of the adm. the center of Badakhshan province, the city of Fayzabad.

Afghan lapis lazuli. Photo by Gery Parent.

Afghan lapis lazuli is rightfully considered the most beautiful in the world. His best examples look luxurious and noble. The Belgian naturalist and scientist Boethius de Boot compared lapis lazuli from Badakhshan, strewn with golden shiny inclusions, to cold fire. In ancient times, all the blue stone mined in Sar-e-Sang belonged personally to the emir, and later, to the king of Afghanistan. Lapis lazuli is one of the symbols of this state.

Since ancient times Afghan lapis lazuli used to prepare ultramarine paints. To do this, the mineral was calcined and crushed into crumbs, which were then mixed with wax or resin and washed. The tiny blue powder that precipitated after drying was a ready-to-use mineral dye. Ultramarine from lapis lazuli was used by such famous masters as Michelangelo Buonarotti and Raphael. Until the 18th century, when new natural sources were found and artificial coloring pigments were invented, artists bought this blue powder for the price of gold.

Even in ancient times, lapis lazuli was one of the most sought-after minerals in glyptics. In Ancient Egypt, various figurines and relief images were made from it. The stone was also very popular in Eastern countries. If in Ancient China Figurines, bowls, boxes and amulets were often carved from lapis lazuli; in the countries of the Middle East, this stone was mainly used in mosaic work.

Best Afghan lapis lazuli rich of blue color with inclusions of white calcite and golden pyrite after polishing it looks like a starry sky. There are samples of the mineral pressed with snow-white marble. Many are made from this stone famous works art of ancient Egypt and ancient times. Magnificent vases and tabletops made from the famous Afghan lapis lazuli are presented in the Hermitage. In Russia in the 17th-19th centuries, blue stone from Badakhshan was equal in value to silver. Nevertheless, during the construction of St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, 1248 kg of Afghan lapis lazuli were used to line the columns of the altar.

Now lapis lazuli in Afghanistan is mined not only at the ancient Sar-e-Sang, but also at several other deposits in Badakhshan, the largest of which are: Jangalak, Pitawak and Chandak. Until recently, annual production was only a few tons. But in last years volumes have increased significantly and amount to over 500 tons of lapis lazuli per year. Heavy work is carried out in difficult high mountain conditions, mainly in winter and, of course, the most the old ways. Obviously, this has nothing to do with the fact that Afghanistan is not, today, an industrialized state. After all, precious stones around the world are traditionally almost always mined by hand.

Nowadays, lapis lazuli is not considered, although besides Badakhshan, there are only three places on the planet where significant deposits of this mineral are located: near Lake Baikal, in the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan and in the Chilean Andes. Stones from these regions are undoubtedly also very beautiful, but Afghan lapis lazuli is still valued above all others.

Azurite (copper azure, mountain blue) is suitable for lovers of something unusual. It is also called chessilite after the name of the place in France, Chessy, a famous deposit. The peculiarity of this mineral is its blue tint: from cornflower blue to dark blue.

This color is due to the presence of aqueous copper carbonate in the structure. The stone is popular among collectors due to its rarity and originality. The best and most valuable specimens are mined in Namibia.

There are deposits in Australia, Brazil, Mexico and the USA. We have deposits in Russia southern Urals The size of the mineral can reach 25 cm. Azurite is distinguished by its glassy luster and smooth edges. Over time, the mineral turns into malachite.

Application in jewelry

Azurite is rarely used in jewelry due to its fragility and color instability. In the absence of experience in mineralogy, this stone can be confused with lapis lazuli stone. It is easily identified by its ability to boil in hydrochloric acid. Azurite itself is not a high-value stone. At the same time, it is sometimes used in the manufacture of cufflinks, beads, pendants, and earrings.

The mineral splits even under slight mechanical stress. A more durable stone is azure-malachite, which is more often used in the jewelry industry. In addition to malachite, compounds of azurite with cuprite (burnite) and chrysocolla (blue copper) are found in nature.

Magical properties of azurite

Since ancient times, azurite has been revered in Egypt as a stone that enhances the spiritual essence of a person, raising consciousness to a level close to cosmic forces and subtle energies. Lithotherapists believe that the mineral stimulates the appearance and activity of the “third eye.” In their opinion, azurite has healing energy at all levels of human existence. Starting from the physical component and ending with the subtle matters of the soul. The stone normalizes energy flows and removes blocks. It helps to transfer a person’s thoughts from the subconscious into the field of consciousness.

Indian yogis believe that the main chakras influenced by azurite are the frontal (Ajna) and throat (Vishuddha). According to some reports, the stone has a beneficial effect on the head chakra Sahasrara.

In Ireland, this stone was used by the Druids to put young men into a state of hypnosis in order to make them experience specific experiences, sensations, and feelings. This process is called the ritual of visualization. It was carried out to test young man for courage, rage, strength. The young man clearly imagined himself in the role of a warrior and decided whether he could cope with the responsibilities assigned to him.

The healing properties of the mineral

Azurite has many useful properties. There is evidence that it has a beneficial effect on the condition of asthmatics. It is believed that the mineral helps normalize blood pressure and condition nervous system, for example, relieves melancholy, hallucinations, epilepsy, etc. The presence of azurite nearby promotes calm, allows you to overcome stress, fear, anger, and excessive excitement.

It is believed that the stone helps with infectious skin diseases and problems with the eyes, intestines, bladder, and liver. The mineral accelerates the healing of wounds, various injuries, bruises, abrasions, burns. In addition, the stone increases the activity of the thyroid gland and helps cleanse the blood and bile.

Methods of treatment with azurite

To enhance the healing effect, it is recommended to meditate with the stone. It is advisable to carry out this procedure twice a day in the morning and evening.

This process is carried out as follows:

1. The stone is applied to the sore spot, in the area where the unhealthy organ is located.
2. You need to close your eyes and feel the aura of the stone.
3. Mentally say a request for healing.
4. Imagine how the field of the mineral penetrates the diseased organ and “cleanses” it, getting rid of the disease.
5. It is necessary to visualize the process, that is, for example, the black affected area in the body brightens and becomes blue or white.

This mineral is important for enhancing psychic abilities. It is used by those who practice fortune telling and predictions. Special balls for meditation and entering trance are made from Azurite.

The meaning of azurite in zodiac signs

Azurite has feminine Yin energy. It is recommended for air signs such as Libra and Aquarius. Some sources indicate that it is suitable for Sagittarius and Taurus. It is believed that this mineral will be especially useful for people involved in law, judicial and advocacy practice, and journalism. There is one feature of azurite - “help” in establishing justice.

This stone can cause significant harm to the owner when trying to slander someone or deliberately harm a person. Therefore, the mineral is not suitable for scammers and helps to quickly expose them. Azurite helps to correctly assess the situation, weigh all the facts, and make the right and objective decision. Azurite allows motorists to maintain composure while driving and composure when stuck in traffic. The element of this stone is water, the planet is Jupiter.

It should be noted that this stone helps Libra even if you do not carry it with you, but keep it at home. Others who want to use it need to constantly work with it and not forget about it. Its magical origin and energy may dry out if it is not used.

How to handle stone

About once a month, Azurite is discharged using hematites. It is enough to put them together overnight. To charge the stone, dark rocks are laid out in the sun. Light species are placed next to them, but not separately. The latter can be placed overnight along with rock crystal. It is best to buy Azurite on Thursday or Friday; these days are considered optimal for wearing the mineral on the body.

In this article you will find out full description these stones and their healing properties.

cat's eye

Characteristic. A variety of chrysoberyl, cymophane.

Magical properties. An excellent amulet against all types of damage, the evil eye and enemies. How a talisman helps its owner get to the enemy and be unnoticed, but will not allow enemies and wild harmful animals. It protects property, develops in a person the ability to foresee events, gives sensitivity to the slightest manifestations of aggression, loyalty, prudence and love.

The cat's eye becomes a faithful servant of all who strive for high spiritual goals, while choosing honest paths. It has predictive abilities; it has been considered a mysterious and magically powerful stone in all centuries. It makes both the owner and those around him frank to the point of paradox, but it gives the owner invincibility. The cat's eye is super-aggressive towards the enemies of its beloved owner and can cause them a lot of trouble if you just draw their attention to the stone.

Medicinal properties.

As a healer, the cat's eye is indispensable in the treatment of mental disorders, depression, excessive aggressiveness, phobias, fears, and skin diseases. It perfectly helps the healing of wounds, bruises, fractures, all colds and helps the body acquire persistent protective reactions. It relieves fatigue well, so you can keep vases, boxes and other items on display at home. The stone has the property of predicting the state of health and life events: it becomes different to the touch. Cat's eye has a beneficial effect on the pancreas and spleen, promotes concentration, enhances regeneration and relieves pain. Gives the owner great endurance and patience. Develops will.

Flint

Characteristic.

A mixture of cryptocrystalline and amorphous silicas: chalcedony, quartz and opal, very faintly translucent. There are chalcedony-quartz, quartz chalcedony and opal-chalcedony flints. Color from gray to black. Lots of colorful specimens. Flint has great hardness (6-7), which is why mortars and large plates for cladding are made from it. Beautiful patterned flint is used as a jewelry stone.

Magical properties.

He is a talisman for people who want to increase their knowledge, discover new things, for purposeful people. Flint provides a strong energy boost, so it is very useful for people engaged in intense activities, both intellectual and otherwise. As an amulet and talisman, flint provides protection from enemies, ill-wishers who seek to suspend human activity. It helps to overcome obstacles and persevere in difficult circumstances. The stone is very good to wear on the body: it harmonizes a person and generously imparts strength.

Medicinal properties.

As a healer, he helps get rid of very serious diseases such as hepatitis, diabetes, diabetes insipidus, erysipelas, tuberculosis, leprosy, goiter, encephalitis, helps restore bones, restores mineral balance in the human body. Flint water, saturated with energy, is an excellent preventative against colds, infections, and helps destroy viruses. It works great in massage.

Labrador

Characteristic.

Group of plagyclases. One of the names is bull's eye (purple-brown). The stone has an iridescence and can be classified as a moonstone. It is believed that Labradorite is the stone of the Hyperboreans, the ancient people on the planet.

Magical properties.

Labrador is a wonderful amulet for the home and

all households, it should be kept on the surface so that it sees people, the house itself is noticeable. Wrong advice is to place a stone under the threshold of the house. Talisman of practicing magicians and all “wizards” high level. Labrador hates those who strive for evil, but will not interfere with them, but sooner or later it will lead such people to a very sad end. The stone becomes very attached to the owner, loves him and strives to help in all, especially very unpleasant, situations, therefore the Labradorite is an excellent amulet for people who have to take a lot of risks. He is an irreplaceable talisman of people who are searching, but who stand firmly on their feet and always analyze matters and situations, and are able to make at least minimal forecasts. Labrador will connect its owner with the past, help to see the connection between the present and the past, and draw the right conclusions. The stone will also contribute to foresight, but only for those who are naturally inclined to this activity, who have been given a certain gift and this gift is not spent immorally. Labradorite contributes to a person striving to mystically comprehend the world and activities in it.

As a healer, the Labrador is excellent at treating prostate diseases, infertility, diseases of the spine and joints, and drug addiction. It promotes the removal of stones, improves general activities all organs. Its impact most affects the emotional and mental state, through the improvement of which the Labrador begins its specific therapeutic work.

Lapis lazuli

Characteristic.

Sodium and calcium aluminum silicate. It has another name - lapis lazuli. Its color ranges from blue to bluish-gray or greenish-gray, but the best stones are, of course, blue or blue-violet, as well as deep blue.

Magical properties.

This is a talisman for diplomats and all people who have to be in large societies or often receive strangers, for example, doctors, etc. The stone brings knowledge of the truth, reveals secrets, gives good luck and prosperity. Lapis lazuli is also an amazing talisman of love: it protects human relationships from the invasion of “outsiders”, strengthens faith in each other, pacifies and promotes mutual understanding. The stone also serves well for those who want to renew their lives, test their capabilities, discover new things, including helping to reorganize financial affairs. As a talisman, it protects the owner from insults and undeserved attacks of slander, slander, and evil people makes you repent and obey, becoming a sincere and kind person.

Medicinal properties.

As a healer, lapis lazuli calms violent manifestations of the psyche, relieves depression, and helps pregnant women bear a child if trouble threatens. It destroys warts, removes spots from the skin, helps with leprosy, relieves skin itching, heals the brain, lymphatic system, and relieves swelling. Lapis lazuli is a good cleanser not only of the body in general, but also of energy and the human biofield. The scope of its influence is very large precisely because of its cleansing properties: it treats eyes, insomnia, endocrine glands, rheumatism, dermatitis, allergies, baldness, cleanses blood and body fluids, heals the kidneys. Lapis lazuli can reduce pain, often removing it completely. This stone is one of the few that helps with epilepsy. It works just great when used in acupressure or general massage.

Malachite

Characteristic.

Copper carbonate. In Russia it has always been considered a precious stone, although there was quite a lot of it in the Urals.

Magical properties.

Malachite is an excellent talisman for children, as well as their amulet: it gives children complaisance, develops curiosity in them, endows them with talents, that is, helps them discover them. The best stone should have numerous curls, like lambs on the water or the tendrils of bindweed, and generally resemble greenery in both color and “composition” - soft and beautiful. This is a talisman for people who are not very lucky in life, who seem to lack happiness, without which a person becomes melancholic and sad. Malachite is an amulet of wise people, guarding and warning them, people who know how to listen to advice and draw conclusions from microscopic observations. Malachite attracts people to its owner, which is why it is a talisman for lonely people. It is also a magical stone, a stone of alchemists, and it requires constant communication with its owner. It is good for writers, artists, journalists, travelers, for anyone who needs to behave correctly in any situation: malachite helps to purify emotions, enlighten perception, and be peaceful. The energy of the stone is very strong.

Medicinal properties.

How a healer absorbs negative energy, why the stone should be placed under running water at least once a week, at least for 1-2 minutes. It acquires energy well if the stone is left overnight on a friend of rock crystal crystals, amethyst and other minerals. Malachite harmonizes all human energy flows. Malachite helps pregnant women bear a child, promotes a successful birth, and helps children with almost all diseases. The stone is used as a powerful antidote, although it itself is poisonous. Malachite promotes general regeneration, establishes processes in the body that promote rejuvenation, heals vision and is used in cosmetic and eye ointments. The stone skillfully reduces background radiation in the area, helps with leukemia and removes heavy elements from the body. He loves his owner very much, and each individual can agree with malachite on almost everything he wants.

Flint

There are opal-chalcedony and chalcedony-quartz varieties of flint. The color of the mineral can be white, light brown and dark brown (almost black) with various shades. The shine is glass. The mineral's hardness is 7.0 on the Mohs scale, and its density is only 2.6 g/cm3. Flint mining sites are scattered throughout the world and are among the most widespread mineral deposits.

The name “flint” comes from the Latin word “cremare”, which means “to burn”, because in addition to its strength, this mineral was used to strike sparks and ignite fire.

The shape of these stones is very diverse. There are round, finger-shaped, lamellar and other shaped specimens. It is interesting that flint appears in nature like a pearl around some pebble or grain of sand. This black pearl often has growths, holes and voids filled with small quartz crystals.

The main consumer of flint is the abrasive and ceramics industries. Sandpapers are made from this mineral and are also used in road construction.

In addition to its everyday service to humans, flint also performs medicinal functions. Traditional healers believe that water infused with opal-chalcedony flint has amazing healing properties. This water has antimicrobial, hemostatic and antiseptic effects; in some countries it is used in treatment and prevention various infections. Preparing flint water is not difficult. Before the first use, it is enough to rinse the flint with running water and leave for 2-3 days. It is advisable to drain the lower layer of water covering the stones. Periodically, the stones must be washed with running water to remove any impurities that have settled on them. For full effect, it is advisable to change silicon every 6-8 months.

Mongolian healers believed that if you apply a flint product to the solar plexus area, you can cure some gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, if you suffer from digestive problems, wear something made of flint around your neck, the main thing is to make sure that the product hangs at the right level. In European countries, amulets and pendants made of flint were worn to prevent colds.

Perhaps due to its ability to turn into fire, flint is a stone with very strong energy. Having such an energy reserve, it makes its owner courageous, strong and enterprising. Remember, primitive men had no other friends among the stones, and boldly went into battle with animals, which were sometimes several times larger than the hunters themselves. Flint will also help if you have depression or blues, because... in these states people are most often lethargic and lazy. The stone will make a person feel a surge of strength, activity and efficiency. These qualities will quickly disperse gloomy moods.

Since ancient times, flint has been considered a faithful assistant to travelers. It is believed that it protects a person from any obstacles that come along the way, protects against possible violence, and warns against fraud and deception. If you remember to take the flint with you on the road, then put it in your pocket on the left side. In addition to its protective effect, the mineral will have a positive effect on your heart and help you restore strength faster.

There is one more little trick that may be useful to you in life. If someone is negatively disposed towards you, then approach this person so that the stone lying in your pocket is on his side, and the stone will force him to change his anger to mercy.

Wearing a flint around the neck also has its positive aspects. Placed in this way, it gives a person the ability to firmly defend his opinion, convince people that he is right, and also develops the gift of eloquence, enlightens the mind and helps to quickly make the right decisions even in the most difficult situations.

It is also irreplaceable as a talisman for the home. This seemingly simple stone is an excellent keeper of the hearth. It draws out all the negative energy that enters the house and keeps it within itself. Therefore, do not forget to occasionally rinse the stone with cold running water so that it has a chance to clean itself.

Astrologers believe that this stone has a good effect on all signs of the Zodiac, but only Pisces should be careful. If you were born under this sign and carry a flint amulet with you, watch yourself to see if you have become overly irritable and aggressive. If this is the case, then try removing the stone from yourself for a while. And if we are talking about talismans, then flint is most suitable for people in military professions, as well as lawyers, teachers, doctors and politicians. It helps improve professional skills, makes them honest, fair and courageous.

Everyone knows that appearances can sometimes be deceiving. That the bird with the bushiest tail sings disgustingly, and the nightingale is gray and homely. Perhaps nature sometimes jokes with us in the same way. Flint good for that proof. An inconspicuous, commonly found mineral has very useful healing properties, and can have a very positive effect on a person’s entire life.

Labrador

Labradorite is a mineral from the group of calc-sodium feldspars. Gloss - from matte to glassy. Hardness 6.0-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Density 2.7 g/cm3. Other names: black moonstone, bull's eye, spectrolite, caryatite.

Whether the ancient legends and occult scientists were right or wrong, we do not know. However, it is enough to look at Labradorite to feel how different it is from other gems. The unusual property of the bull's eye - iridescence, or the ability to shimmer with different colors at different angles of view - is rare in the nature of minerals, and never manifests itself so brightly and clearly: in the case of Labradorite, this quality is even highlighted by a special name - labradorization. The main color of Labradorite is, as a rule, gray, black or brownish-yellow, but on the surface of the stone it casts cold green, blue, light blue and violet tones, sometimes flaring up like fire, sometimes dissolving in the opaque black darkness with sapphire glimpses - it’s not for nothing that it is found in India called peacock stone for its resemblance to the colorful outfit of a peacock.

There are Labradorite stones that are milky white, fiery red, and green - but they are all united by a beautiful iridescent shimmer, accompanied by a pearlescent sheen, so that it seems as if the stone is glowing from within. Mineralogists classify Labradorite into the rare category of “solid solutions” due to its strange structure, full of voids and heterogeneous cleavage.

Labradorite has become widely known in Europe since 1770, when it was found on the island of Labrador in northern Canada - soon Parisian and London fashionistas were wearing rings, earrings and brooches with the “peacock stone”. And during the construction of the Hermitage in 1781, several blocks with labradorite eyes were suddenly discovered in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, which provoked a surge in the popularity of the gem in Russia - tabletops made of labradorite appeared in the royal residences, the St. Petersburg nobility fell in love with golden snuff boxes with rainbow stones, and even ball gowns to match the jewelry were made from iridescent “tausin silk” (in the old Russian dialect the word “tausin” meant “peacock”). “Tausin fashion” lasted half a century - in mid-19th century, a rich deposit of labradorite was found in Ukraine, and since then the stone has been actively used in the cladding of interiors and exteriors: for example, it was used in the decoration of the Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin, some metro stations in Moscow and many monumental buildings And architectural monuments. Today, labradorite is one of the most popular ornamental stones, and it is used both for inserts into jewelry - rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, cufflinks and much more - and for creating interior sculptures and small decorative items. Labradorite is still mined there - the deposits are still not exhausted in Burma, and in Ukraine, and on the island. Labrador is in Canada, but its availability has once again become a thing of the past - today only a person whose fortune is truly royal in wealth can afford a large statue, and especially the façade cladding made of spectrolite.

Lithotherapists consider Labradorite to be a universal healer, helping to improve the functioning of all internal organs and overall strengthening of the body - for this they not only wear it as a decoration, but also drink water infused with it. To relieve pain in the spine and joints, massage with a heated bull's eye is practiced, and a piece of stone is placed under the mattress. The gem has a powerful effect on problems with the genitourinary system - it relieves infertility and impotence, solves problems associated with the prostate gland, promotes the removal of kidney stones, increases libido and restores lost sexual functions; for such purposes it is worn in the belt area. Rings (which should be worn on the middle finger) and pendants with Labradorite can even help a drug addict get rid of a painful addiction - in addition, they can easily relieve nervous stress in their owner, calm them down during feverish excitement, lift them out of depression and restore the body after nervous exhaustion. A figurine or a piece of stone, located next to the head of the bed, will relieve obsessive nightmares and cure insomnia, and normalize the body’s “natural clock”.

The magical power of the gem has not been fully revealed - however, it is reliably known that, like no other, it enhances foresight and the ability to mystical awareness of the world, helps to develop extrasensory abilities and has long been considered a talisman of healers and sorcerers. Labrador awakens hitherto hidden talents in a person and helps to develop them, bestows bright dreams and forces its owner to try to “embrace the immensity”, to accomplish what previously seemed unattainable - this is exactly the talisman with the help of which you will make the impossible possible. It is considered an amulet of creative people - writers, poets, musicians, artists; it brings them inspiration, the ability to “catch the wave,” and at the same time fame, recognition and patronage of patrons. The stone becomes very attached to its owner and protects him from all sorts of unpleasant situations and negative people. It is recommended as a guardian of peace and well-being in the home - but the labradorite figurine or crystal should be kept in plain sight, and in no case should it be placed under the threshold, as some sources advise: when the gem “sees” the situation every day, it actively processes any negative energy into positive vibes.

Gem experts distinguish Labradors “by gender”: lighter ones with a golden-blue tint are considered male, dark ones with a brownish-green tint are considered female. It is best to purchase a “family couple” of minerals - they will not only help you run your household competently and efficiently, but will also protect your family hearth and teach you to be more careful about your “other half.” The Labradorite derives its strength from the moon - it is recommended to place it on the windowsill every full moon so that, having absorbed the moon's rays, it "gets to work" with new strength. It should be remembered that Labradorite cannot be carried on you all the time, and under no circumstances let strangers touch your talisman - aimless touches destroy the friendly power of the stone. Astrologers recommend it to all zodiac signs without exception, but it is especially useful for Leos, Scorpios, Aries and Virgos. Labradorite is energetically connected to the heart, sex and throat chakras.

Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a sodium and calcium aluminosilicate, a mineral from the sodalite group. Hardness 5-6 on the Mohs scale, density 2.3-2.9 g/cm3, opaque, silky, glassy luster, strong white fluorescence. Another name is lapis lazuli, lapis lazuli, Bukhara stone, Armenian stone.

Alas, in the ancient great empires the love of beauty was combined with cruelty, and precious stones were valued much higher than human lives. Our distant ancestors gave preference to gems, because they are able to survive more than one generation of people - this is what happened with lapis lazuli, which was truly the favorite stone of Egypt, Sumer, Akkad, Persia and many other great states that have now sunk into oblivion. Thanks to the knowledge of archaeologists, we know that lapis lazuli was especially loved in Egypt, where it was called the “son of heaven” and was dedicated to the pharaoh as the viceroy of the sun god Ra on Earth. The blue stone became a measure of value; it was used to cover statues of rulers and gods, and bracelets, necklaces and rings made of lapis lazuli set in gold are constantly found in Egyptian tombs. We cannot find out the scale of the worship of lapis lazuli, because for many centuries tomb robbers were looking for items made from this mineral, especially gems with the image of a scarab beetle, because they believed that such a scarab would bring even a thief happiness and longevity; we will add that they extracted lapis lazuli beetles from the very hearts of the dead, where they were placed before burial...

So the Sumerians, who lived nearby, were not inferior to the Egyptians in their love of lapis lazuli - and perhaps even surpassed them, because lapis lazuli was a symbol of their supreme sky deity Inanna, in whose honor they even wanted to erect a temple in Mesopotamia entirely from blue stone, a temple to this day did not live, but it is reliably known that the royal regalia, jewelry, clothes, hairstyles, household items and the very walls of the palaces were literally strewn with lapis lazuli, for which expeditions had to be sent to the distant Pamirs - after all, in Sumer itself there are deposits of lapis lazuli, which is born only high in mountains, never existed... And for less selfless kingdoms there were Badakhshan mines, which already 7000 BC. supplied ancient world such a coveted gem, from which, according to some researchers, even the Tablets of Moses with the Ten Commandments were made. An ordinary person did not have the right to even approach the mines - this was punishable by death, overseers kept order, and the miners themselves were chained to the walls of the mines so that they would not be able to steal a piece of lapis lazuli, sacred in Badakhshan, which only the emir had the right to own.

However, although the Badakhshan deposit has always been the most famous and high-quality, it is by no means the only one. In addition to the Pamir mines, lapis lazuli was mined in China, where blue balls on the headdresses of mandarins were a sign of power, and in South America, where jewelry made of gold, silver and lapis lazuli were actively used in the culture of Indian civilizations. Lapis lazuli was also loved in ancient Greece and Rome, where gems, figurines, small household items were cut out of it, and even bright blue paint was made by grinding it into powder.

During the Renaissance, lapis lazuli triumphantly regained its former popularity - now large interior items began to be made from it: sets, vases, tabletops, sculpture stands could be seen throughout Europe. Particularly beautiful were the mosaic panels using lapis lazuli - the blue stone was used in almost every product of the newly invented Florentine mosaic. Lapis lazuli “reached” Russia in full only in the 18th century, and for the most part came, according to tradition, from Badakhshan. Huge vases, bowls, floor lamps made using the Russian mosaic technique, tabletops still serve as decoration for the Hermitage and other Russian palace museums, and the greatest lapis lazuli work was two five-meter high lapis lazuli columns installed in St. Isaac's Cathedral. In addition, lapis lazuli was used to make table sets, snuff boxes, ashtrays, boxes, candlesticks and many other household items for wealthy residents of Russia. Faberge also often used lapis lazuli - it looks extremely elegant as the petals of the famous “stone flowers” ​​- semi-precious forget-me-nots and cornflowers, which seem real to the viewer; “lapis lazuli” is also present in some of the “Easter eggs”.

The medical use of lapis lazuli began a very long time ago - back in Ancient Egypt, medicines were made from the powder of this stone to remove poisons from the body, and in the Middle Ages, tablets from crushed lapis lazuli were in use, which were prescribed for eye diseases. Of course, you shouldn’t swallow lapis lazuli chips, but just regular contemplation of its deep, soothing blue will really have a beneficial effect on your vision. For high blood pressure, insomnia, stress, and asthma, lapis lazuli beads are recommended, and a piece of stone pinned to a pregnant woman’s stomach in the form of a brooch or placed in her pocket will protect her from premature birth and alleviate attacks of toxicosis. In general, lapis lazuli has a beneficial effect on the state of the blood, as well as on the metabolism in bone tissue - therefore it is used for rheumatism, radiculitis, and joint pain. Like its “little brother” sodalite, lapis lazuli is extremely beneficial for those suffering from diseases of the thyroid gland and lymphatic system. A bracelet or ring with lapis lazuli improves blood circulation and helps with diseases of the genitourinary system. Massage with lapis lazuli in lithotherapy is used to treat epilepsy.

Energetically, lapis lazuli serves as a real spiritual guide for its owner, teaches him mercy and empathy, makes him wise and fair, develops the mind and soul. This is a talisman for philosophers, scientists, judges, and those involved in charitable activities. Lapis lazuli is also useful for doctors, especially psychologists and psychotherapists - it helps to feel the pain of others. In addition, lapis lazuli “cleanses” the owner of the negativity, grievances, and bad thoughts that have accumulated over the course of his life. At the same time, lapis lazuli does not at all turn a person into a disinterested person, and nothing human is alien to him - having made this stone your assistant, you will gradually feel how your existence becomes brighter and more prosperous, because in addition to wisdom, lapis lazuli also attracts mutual love And material well-being. IN family life lapis lazuli revives faded feelings, creating a new round of relationships, and protects the couple from the interference of outsiders. Being dedicated to Jupiter, lapis lazuli, like other blue stones, is an amulet of those holding power, it makes its owner significant person capable of getting to the heart of things. For businessmen starting a new business, lapis lazuli will provide an unlimited supply of energy, help them react quickly but competently and make the right decisions, and contribute to the emergence of interesting ideas. Astrologically, lapis lazuli suits everyone, and most of all Taurus, Libra, Sagittarius and Capricorn.

Malachite

Malachite is an aqueous copper carbonate salt. Hardness 3.5-4.0 on the Mohs scale, density 4.0 g/cm3, silky, glassy luster. Other names: copper green, peacock stone, satin ore, murrine.

Oddly enough, malachite did not appear in Russia at all - its first steps on the planet were taken in ancient times, when among Neolithic people it was considered not decorative material, and with a craft tool: from ground malachite mixed with soda, azurite, acacia juice and other natural binders, bright green and blue paint was first of all made. The ancient Egyptians used eyeliner, painted glass, painted ritual objects and the walls of buildings; the brightness of these dyes, which have not faded after many centuries, is still legendary. However, although the oldest malachite craft is 10,500 years old, initially this stone was not considered precious - in addition to paints, they also began to mine valuable copper ore with its help and sparingly evaporated malachite to get some more expensive copper. However, despite this, beads, amulets, and mosaic ornaments were made from the green mineral. Interesting fact: in order to secretly smuggle emeralds mined in Egypt to India, they were hidden in malachite rings. In Greece during the time of Alexander the Great, malachite appeared after the latter visited the countries of the East; the result was that Greece, and then Rome, became seriously interested in both malachite jewelry and the decoration of halls and galleries with malachite plates. One of the seven wonders of the world - the Temple of Artemis-Diana in Ephesus - had giant columns lined with malachite; some sources claim that after the destruction of the temple, the columns were somehow transported to Constantinople and used for the St. Sophia Cathedral.

By the beginning of the Middle Ages, the richest reserves of malachite eastern countries almost run out, after which the stone quickly becomes a rarity and increases in price.

In India, already during the Middle Ages, malachite mosaics decorate the famous Taj Mahal; in Ming Dynasty China, malachite flowers marked the headdresses of empresses. In Europe, malachite rings, crosses, and earrings are rarely found. Malachite becomes an amulet, which is credited with such fantastic properties as the ability to make the owner invisible or teach him the language of animals.

But the heyday of the “malachite” history is associated with Russia, where in the 18th century, in the Urals, along with other gems, sources of the richest deposits of “copper greens” were found. At first, Russian aristocrats became seriously interested in mineralogical collections, where the leading role was occupied by various malachite crystals - entire rooms were given over to the “fashionable disease”, which made them feel feverish high society. Then, with the opening of cutting factories, a whole range of magnificent large-scale products began to be made from malachite - floor lamps and vases, bowls and lamps, fireplaces and columns, tabletops and mosaics, not counting numerous small household items, the creation of which became one of the major sources of income in the Urals . Brooches, beads, earrings, rings, Easter eggs, boxes and candlesticks were cut in almost every home, and in big cities nobles and industrialists competed for the right to possess the most interesting collection of malachite trinkets. The most famous collection of several hundred pieces, from snuff boxes to combs, from watches to lamps, was collected by N. Demidov - a manufacturer and connoisseur of malachite in one person, it was thanks to him that a considerable amount of Russian malachite came to Europe, and France, Italy and England also became interested in green stone, inlaid with it into sets and silverware, making cameos and brooches from it, complemented with diamonds and emeralds. The interior was also lined with malachite - today in Russia only the Malachite Hall in the Hermitage has been completely preserved, richly decorated using the Russian mosaic technique, a special technique invented by Ural craftsmen specifically to save precious malachite by covering the base with thin plates of patterned stone. “Alive” and decorated with malachite in the personal office of Alexander I in Tsarskoe Selo. However, at one time, many high-ranking houses sparkled with malachite - the Empress’s office in the Mikhailovsky Castle, the Demidov Palace and the residences of the Yusupovs and Sheremetyevs in St. Petersburg. In the Hermitage you can still see a lot of products that previously served the color of the Russian aristocracy - mantel clocks, candlesticks, candelabra, stands for sculptures, floor vases and bowls; especially work offices could be decorated with malachite - these are malachite paperweights, ink sets, blotters , paper boxes, knife handles and much more. The church also did not abandon malachite with its attention - crosses and home lamps made of malachite, green columns, and today St. Isaac's Cathedral can boast of a huge malachite rotunda, which once stood in the Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, has now been moved to the Hermitage.

Of course, such a huge popularity of malachite was associated with the unique external properties of the stone - it is the only green mineral with its own unique ornament. Its color pleasantly soothes the eye - from bluish-leafy to dense emerald, and on the surface of the stone extraordinary patterns bloom, as if painted with a thin brush by an unknown master, either landscape, or randomly diverging in a network of radial influxes. It is believed that the more curls there are on a stone, and the closer it is in color to natural greenery, the more powerful its magical background. For all its beauty, malachite is quite fragile - it must be protected from falls, sudden changes in temperature, and can only be cleaned with soapy water and in no case use the popular ultrasonic or steam treatment.

Gradually, malachite became available to more modest buyers - merchants, intellectuals, and small nobles. For wide consumption, so-called large and small sets were produced - the second included a variety of rings, earrings, two necklaces, pendants, hat pins, bracelets, a powder compact and a snuff box, as well as a tiara; the first, in addition to the above, consisted of a mirror framed in malachite, candlesticks, a vase, a writing pad and a jewelry box. The most popular goods were malachite boxes, lined with velvet or satin inside, with a mirror on inside covers. A buyer who took a lot of malachite crafts at once was sure to be gifted easter egg from the same material.

Over time, malachite wealth became scarce in the 20s. malachite was already mined exclusively for export, after which the stone “ran out” altogether. Now the development of malachite mines in the Urals is sluggish - in general there is nothing to develop, as if Copper Mountain is the mistress, the patroness of the Ural miners, in Once again closed her storerooms from prying eyes. Therefore, malachite is used mainly for small fine jewelry - usually pendants, earrings or rings, as well as interior items such as table sets, boxes, Florentine mosaic paintings, coffee and tea table tops, which are usually decorated in classic style, repeating the elegant products of palaces and estates of past centuries.

The healing properties of malachite have been known for a long time, and most of all it is useful for various skin diseases - allergies, urticaria, inflammation, acne. It is best to wear malachite bracelets to cleanse your skin, but green stone beads will help if your hair has become dull and split ends, or you want to speed up its growth. In addition, a pendant, pendant or necklace made of malachite is useful for asthma and colds. A green cross should be worn by women preparing to get rid of a burden - it will make childbirth safe and make it easier. Bluish varieties of malachite improve vision and serve as a preventive measure for eye diseases - malachite earrings are intended for this, and a large item or crystal on which your gaze will regularly fall throughout the day will also come in handy. And those suffering from rheumatic attacks are recommended to apply malachite plates to aching parts of the body. Stomach colic is also susceptible to the influence of malachite. Note that malachite, among other things, reduces the background radiation of the area, removes heavy elements from the body and is useful for cancerous tumors, and especially for blood cancer.

Malachite was used as a talisman even when its production dropped to almost zero. For example, he was tied to a cradle so that the baby would not be disturbed by unpleasant dreams or evil spirits. Pieces of malachite were worn by those who worked at high altitudes (for example, builders on scaffolding) - it was believed that the stone protected against unexpected loss of balance and falling; today it can also be recommended to industrial climbers, pilots, lovers of parachuting and hang gliding. The image of the sun engraved on it gives malachite special power - such a talisman becomes a barrier against everything that can cause harm to a person, including poisonous snakes and insects and witchcraft spells. For women who dream of crowds of admirers, malachite will attract them in even excessive quantities; representatives of the fair sex are advised not to set malachite in gold, otherwise male attention will be excessive and aggressive. Malachite is also good for lonely people - it will attract new and loyal friends to them, help them organically integrate into new company and establish mutual language with any stranger. Malachite is very useful creative individuals– artists, writers, musicians, especially if the frame is copper. But artists, in order to achieve the heights of success in their careers, need to wear malachite framed by light metals - silver, platinum or even aluminum. Astrologically, malachite is suitable for almost everyone, especially for Capricorns, Libra, Virgos and those born in May and June.