Hyacinth - a stone for ornaments

The traditional name for a variety of orange-red and reddish-brown zircon is hyacinth. The precious stone is a zirconium silicate - a fairly common substance associated with pyrogenic, metamorphic, even sedimentary rocks.

About zircons have known since ancient times. It is found in many colors, it may be colorless, however, specimens of orange-red, red-brown color are not so common in the world of precious stones. Under geological conditions, pink, red and purple zircons are formed over hundreds of millions of years. During this period, the crystals receive enough trace elements for coloring.

Today, a certain number of stones are known in this color range, but none of them was mentioned as zircon in the ancient world. But hyacinth is one of the twelve precious stones that adorned Aaron's confidant. However, it was not a modern red gemstone, but a blue hyacinth.

He is famous for the apocryphal "Book of Enoch": in his first journey through the earth to the underworld, Enoch encounters a huge hyacinth mountain.

Renaissance artists used hyacinth mostly yellowish color, which was then at their disposal, in relief works.

Its name, as it is easy to guess, comes from the ancient Greek word "hyacinth", the flower of the same name.

For the manufacture of jewelry, it has been used for hundreds of years, they were decorated with weapons and armor in many cultures. Today, the attitude towards him is selective, in comparison with other varieties of zircon. It is often subjected to faceting, although sometimes it is processed in cabochon forms. Used in many jewelry, but the best hyacinth is suitable for coulombs, necklaces, brooches and earrings. Often you can see it in the rings, but in this case the stone is usually encased in an original frame that protects it from damage.

Hyacinths are not always found in areas characteristic of zircon deposits. In India, Australia, Brazil and Florida (USA) are the main places where hyacinth is extracted. The stone ranks seventh in the Mohs hardness scale. It is strong enough, however it requires good care and proper storage. Being exposed to direct hard blows, it can not only crack, but even break.

Particular attention should be paid to how to clean the hyacinth. The stone does not accept any chemicals, just like hot water. It is perfectly permissible to use a mild detergent specially designed for precious stones.

Some people compare hyacinth to Mexican opal because of its color, golden shine and glow, even with the pink-orange sapphire padparadzha, which, perhaps, is the most expensive stone in the world.

There are many imitations of hyacinth, from synthetic spinel to sapphire glass. Therefore, all jewelry purchased from the hyacinth must have a corresponding certificate.

Most precious stones have metaphysical characteristics, not an exception and hyacinth. Stone, as believed in ancient times, protects from danger, helps to protect property from theft. Some even believed that he was able to ward off sorcery spells.

It is believed that hyacinth has medicinal properties. If he loses brightness, it could mean that his owner is sick or in danger. It is said that this stone helps relieve pain, improves appetite, heals from insomnia. It is an excellent amulet for travelers, people associated with trade.

Psychics claim that the stone gives the owner spiritual clarity. Hyacinth is the stone of Capricorn.