The main feature of the precious sultanite is the absolute purity of the stone, the complete absence of even the slightest inclusions. Depending on the lighting, the mineral changes color from yellow-amber and brown in bright light to pale green at dusk.
For its ability to change shade in the light, the sultanite is called a chameleon stone. Other names for the mineral are zultanite, diaspora, thanatarin (thanatarite) and xarite.
Types and structure
Deposits of xarite have been found in the Urals. The first descriptions of crystals are dated 1801, but the diaspora was known even earlier. Due to the considerable cost, the sultans wore jewelry with him. The name of the stone came from the Turkish rulers. Limited mining of ideal minerals is carried out in Turkey to this day.
There are deposits of thanatarins in China, Azerbaijan, Russia and the United States, but small fragile crystals are used only to replenish mineralogical collections. Jewelers do not process them.
When heated, the mineral disintegrates, hence its name "diaspora", which in Greek means "crumble". A translucent gem turns into corundum when heated.
Alumina oxyhydrate is formed by alumina and water. The sultan has 3 varieties:
- thanatarite (thanatarin);
- diaspora;
- zultanite.
The most widespread and fragile is the diaspora. Under the influence of elevated temperatures, to which the gem is very susceptible, it becomes covered with cracks.
Usage and properties
The Ural is a deposit of semiprecious thanatarite, named after the Russian scientist Thanatar. Zultanite of ideal quality is mined only in Turkey.
Thanks to the impurities, the mineral gets the colors:
- yellow-brown or amber;
- bright yellow, bluish or red;
- translucent.
The latter variety distinguishes stones of the lowest quality, not used by jewelers. Sultanites of bluish, reds and bright yellows are also not popular. The bulk of the jewelry is made by craftsmen from amber or yellow-brown gems.
Esotericists assure that you can predict the future and look into the past by looking at the cracks in crystals. By its destruction, the gem warns of danger. The Sultan gives imagination to embody any creative ideas. Therefore, it suits people of creative professions.
Care
In lithotherapy, sultanite healers are used to cure and prevent colds, heal from mental disorders, reduce and treat cardio-diseases and headaches, and are used for back pain.
Set in gold or silver, the gem is in perfect harmony with transparent stones, pearls, onyx, aquamarine, diamond, turquoise and agate, but does not look with red crystals, garnets, rubies and tourmalines.
Synthesize stone and artificially. Products are no different from natural ones, surpassing them in ease of cutting and strength. Distinguish minerals by price. Hydrothermal crystals are marked "ppm" and are an order of magnitude lower than natural gems.
It is not difficult to take care of jewelry:
- they are stored separately from other products, wrapped in a soft cloth;
- protect from heat and chemicals;
- washed with cool water.
