How to distinguish rauchtopaz from citrine?

Smoky quartz (rauchtopaz) is a smoky variety of crystalline quartz from gray to dark gray and brown (but not yet black), necessarily a transparent mineral. Smoky quartz (rauchtopaz) has nothing to do with topaz. Mineralogically, smoky quartz is a crystalline variety of quartz and is the closest relative of rock crystal, amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz. In fact, rauchtopaz is an outdated name that remains mostly in everyday use. Unlike morion, smoky quartz is very popular in modern jewelry and is highly valued along with amethyst, citrine and other natural gemstones. It may even be valued on par with topaz. Its smoky-golden crystals are especially beautiful and valued. The color varies from a light grayish haze to a dark veil. It is impossible to pinpoint the boundary when quartz transforms from rauchtopaz into morion, but it is believed that rauchtopase is transparent, and morions in a thin layer are only translucent. It is also difficult to determine the boundary between light smoky quartz and pale yellowish natural citrines. Amethysts that have turned gray in sunlight can also be mistaken for smoky quartz. To diagnose questionable varieties of quartz, it is better to contact gemologists. Synthetic smoky quartz does not yet exist (its natural reserves are sufficient); it is not counterfeited in gold and silver jewelry, but it can be prohibitively expensive. You cannot believe the seller’s sworn assurances that this is natural topaz – topazes are never smoky. Rauchtopaz is nothing more than a trade name for smoky quartz. The smoky color of rauchtopaz is unstable – at a temperature of 300-320 oC it completely disappears. This property was used in the Urals back in the XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries, where morion or smoky quartz was baked in bread to obtain citrine. In crystals of smoky quartz, like amethyst, one can observe the phenomenon of anomalous pleochroism – a change in color from violet to greenish-smoky when the stone is rotated, which must be taken into account when jewelry processing and cutting the stone. Hardness – 7,0; density – 2,5 – 2,6 g/cm3. Main deposits
Swiss Alps, Spain (Cordova), USA (Pice Peak Mountain in Colorado, Maine), Brazil (Mannas Gerais), Namibia, Madagascar, Japan, Germany (Bavaria), Russia (Ural). An intergrowth of smoky quartz crystals with traces of growth on the edges; on the “top” of the largest crystal one can see the beginning of the formation of a scepter-shaped shape. Medicinal properties
Smoky quartz is believed to cure severe types of mental disorders: depression, obsessions, suicidal tendencies. In order to recover from these ailments, the crystal should be carried with you and, at the moment of exacerbation of the disease, squeeze it in your fist, mentally turning to it for help. Rauchtopaz helps to cope with diseases such as alcoholism and drug addiction. Helps make it easier to quit smoking. Smoky quartz affects the kundalini chakra, cleanses the mind, and gets rid of internal complexes. Magical properties
In earlier times, smoky quartz was considered one of the most powerful dark stones. People believed that the mineral was able to attract and retain the most formidable forces of evil, so it was often used in rituals of black magic. Using the stone, necromancers summoned the spirits of the dead. Sorcerers, through a smoky quartz crystal, sent damage to people and subjugated them to their will. Fortune tellers and oracles meditated with the mineral and guessed future events. Medieval manuscripts describe various magical experiments that were carried out with smoky quartz. With the help of the stone, alchemists tried to comprehend the secrets of the Universe and decipher signals sent to Earth from Space. These books noted the dangers of using the “dark” abilities of the stone. Chroniclers claimed that a smoky crystal (if used to the detriment of people) is capable of distorting the idea of ​​reality, attracting the disfavor of high-ranking officials to a person, and can even subjugate its owner to the forces of evil, which the stone concentrated in itself during sessions of black magic. Smoky quartz, if its energy and abilities are used for good, activates the primitive instincts of a person, making him more viable, resilient, courageous, capable of overcoming any obstacle. It makes its owner sexually active, cheerful, and tireless in work. Astrologers believe that only people born under the signs of Libra and Scorpio should wear smoky quartz jewelry as jewelry. All other zodiac signs should not wear this stone – you can only use it for medicinal purposes and to develop creative imagination. It is contraindicated for Cancers to wear it. Mystics believe that smoky quartz helps raise thoughts from the darkness of the subconscious into the realm of insight and superconsciousness. It is not for nothing that Buddhists call this mineral “Buddha stone”. Smoky quartz is one of the most “energetic” dark stones in the world. Ancient Hindus believed that it removes negative energy and toxins from the body. Smoky quartz jewelry is also believed to neutralize anger and relieve irritation. Talismans and amulets
As a talisman, smoky quartz helps its owner master the wisdom accumulated by humanity, develop natural abilities, and attracts good luck, success, and the sympathy of those around him. Nowadays, many different stones are used in jewelry. To be convinced of this, just go to any jewelry store. You will see rings, brooches, boxes, pendants, silver bracelets, earrings, decorated with stones of different sizes and shapes, opaque and transparent, of different colors and textures. At all times, people have tried to classify stones used in jewelry. This makes it more convenient to estimate the cost of stones and describe their properties. The main question that needed to be resolved was how to classify stones? By the place where they are found? By physical properties? By how often they occur in nature? By color? People have been searching for universal characteristics by which precious stones can be classified since ancient times. Now some attempts can only cause a smile, but some became the first step towards modern classification. For example, in the first millennium BC, people identified three groups of stones – terrestrial, planetary and stellar. People attributed to the planetary group those stones that were associated with the planets known at that time: topaz with the Sun, emerald with Venus, pearl with the Moon, ruby ​​with Mars, sapphire with Jupiter, diamond with Saturn. In many cultures, planets were associated with mythological figures and gods. People also associated the corresponding precious stones with them. Star group – hyacinth, agates, turquoise, garnets, beryl, jasper, onyx. The terrestrial group – corals and amber, as well as pearls, which were also related to the planetary group. In the 11th century, the Persian scientist Al Biruni proposed to classify stones by color. Red stones – garnets and rubies – were considered the most valuable.. Then came diamonds, followed by green stones (primarily emerald) and blue stones (lapis lazuli, jade, turquoise). Despite the fact that now this classification seems naive, the scientist was able to describe many important properties of precious stones and divide the stones into groups according to these properties. For that time this was a serious achievement. There were classifications according to the degree of transparency of the stone. People classified transparent stones as precious, and all others as semi-precious. In the 20th century, the division of stones according to their rarity and popularity in society became widespread. But such trends should not be considered scientifically substantiated. For a long time, the classification of the Soviet scientist Kievlenko was used. He divided precious stones into three groups according to their value on the world market. The first group included precious stones – ruby, blue sapphire, emerald, diamond (first order), black opal, green, orange and purple sapphires, alexandrite (second order – white opal, demandoite, spinel (third order), peridot, citrine, turquoise , amethyst (fourth order). The second group is jewelry and semi-precious stones – agate, rock crystal, jadeite, amber, jade, etc. The third group is semi-precious stones (colored marble, onyx, jasper, etc.). etc.). Silver jewelry with these inserts can be found on our website. Nowadays, the most popular are two fairly understandable and convenient classification systems. One of them was created by V.I. Sobolevsky. According to this classification, stones are divided into two categories – precious and colored. In turn, these categories are divided into classes. Second classification – the simplest. According to it, stones are divided into: – first grade precious stones (chrysoberyl, alexandrite, sapphire, ruby, diamond); – precious second grade (hyacinth, zircon, opal, aquamarine, topaz); – semi-precious (moonstone, rock crystal, tourmaline, turquoise, amethyst, garnet); – gems (coral, mother of pearl, jasper, rose quartz, amber, lapis lazuli, jade). Of course, the greatest interest is caused by stones that belong to the first two groups. These are the most valuable stones. They are traditionally considered noble. But semi-precious stones are also very beautiful. They have many interesting properties. They are credited with magical powers. For example, everyone has heard about moonstone. This is a fairly common mineral. It belongs to the feldspar group. The stone owes its name to its color: lilac, bluish and white crystals, shimmering with mother-of-pearl and silver, evoke associations with moonlight. The most valuable are blue stones. In nature they are quite rare. The moonstone seems to shine from within. This is due to adularization (light is reflected from the inner layers of the stone). Such stones are processed as cabochons. They are given the shape of a sphere. This method of processing allows the best expression of the depth of color, shimmer and beauty of the stone. Moonstone many novelistic magical properties are attributed. This stone is considered a talisman of love. People believe that it brings understanding and fidelity to lovers, and reacts to the subtlest shades of feelings. Moonstone also gives a person success in creativity, balance and eloquence. Another semi-precious stone that is very common is rock crystal. It is silicon oxide, translucent colorless quartz. It can be found as polished pebbles (river sediments) or as crystals that can be several meters in size. This mineral is very beautiful even without additional processing. It is transparent, has a bright shine, and has no inclusions. After rock crystal is refined, it can be used to make not only jewelry, but also various souvenirs. The rock crystal bowls are very beautiful. The shape of the crystals resembles a pencil, which is sharpened at one end. Each crystal has 6–7 faces. Crystals generally do not grow alone. They unite to form so-called drusen. This stone has special physical properties. It transmits ultraviolet rays, is hard and durable (7 on the Mohs scale), and has piezoelectric properties. Therefore, people use stone in different fields – to create optical glass, in watches, to measure the depth of the sea, etc. In ancient times, people believed that rock crystal was filled with the energy of the Cosmos and enhanced a person’s telepathic abilities. It is not for nothing that the balls of soothsayers and fortune tellers are made of rock crystal. The stone is believed to cleanse space. Pointed crystals are best for this. A very interesting stone – garnet. Its crystals resemble the grains of this beautiful and tasty fruit. It is this similarity that the stone owes its name. Garnet has dark red crystals, with many natural facets. In general, grenades are a series of stones. But most often this is what they call almandines and pyropes – red transparent stones. Jewelers widely use garnet. Like any gemstone, garnet is credited with many magical powers. It is believed that garnet is a stone of passion, love, fun, and sincere feelings. People believe that the pomegranate gives its owner endurance, courage, self-esteem, and increases power over people. But this stone is suitable only for determined, honest people. Red garnet will bring success to an emotional, active, enthusiastic person. But this stone is contraindicated for people without initiative. A green garnet will give its owner the ability of divination. And hessonite (orange or yellow garnet), although valued much lower than its red “relatives,” helps the triumph of justice and can reconcile enemies. Of course, every person wants to have the most valuable thing. This can fully be attributed to precious stones that are used in jewelry. But it is not in vain that people have studied the properties of minerals at all times. Now we can say that each stone is beautiful in its own way, each has its own mysterious power and its own fans.