Agalmatolite is a rock-forming mineral, a subspecies of pyrophyllite. It consists of multiple inclusions of finely flared minerals similar in structure and physical properties. The color of opaque stones, expressed in white, gray, yellow, green and brown shades depends on their presence and quantity. Transparent samples and crystals of red color, sometimes reaching up to cherry tones, are less often found in nature. In terms of chemical composition, agalmatolite acts as an aluminum silicate with specific impurities of talc, mica or kaolin. The physical properties of the stone depend on its structure and composition, but the general characteristics are: softness, density, fire resistance, high hardness after firing, fine-grained structure, smooth and greasy surface, similar to soap. The mineral was officially recognized in 1797, but its history began earlier for tens of centuries.
Agalma is a sculpture or statue and lithos is a stone. There are also other names of the stone: picture stone, bicharite, wax stone, Koreite, fatty acids. In fact, this stone is a metamorphic rock.
There are Agalmatoliths of different colors, among them there are white stones, gray with a yellowish-greenish hue, gray with a brown hue. Stones with shades of red are rarer, even rarer with shades of dark cherry.
Hardness of Agalmatolite is low 2.0 - 3.0 and its density is 2.6 g/cm3. It is not a transparent stone. It is formed due to the results of hydrothermal processes at low temperature regardless of its composition.
Agalmatolite deposits are found in Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Romania, Czech Republic and the USA. In Russia, they are mined in the Southern Urals.
Jewelry made of agalmatolite:
Agalmatolite has various applications: in the form of an ornamental stone, in the form of decorative and facing stone. As an ornamental stone it is used in its culture by folk craftsmen of Buryatia, Japan and Korea. Seals and artworks were carved from the stone.
Magical properties of agalmatolite:
Because of its insignificant hardness and density, Agalmatolite has become a necessary stone for magicians. It was used to make various kinds of cult magic amulets and figures of deities for sacrifice. Through Agalmatolite, requests were made to the deity, which was recreated from this stone.
Agalmatolite also has its magical properties. In ancient times, people noticed that wearing this stone with us strengthens intuition and promotes its development. They noted that Agalmatolite is able to help those who are gifted with some talent and have the gift of prediction. In addition, the stone is able to appeal to the feelings of its owner and call for compassion for others. Hence the belief that the sculpture of Agalmatolith, presented as a gift to the powerful will be able to protect subordinates from the wrath of the Lord, and can soften his soul and heart.
Jewelry and sculptures from Agalmatolith are very much loved by children, they are very pleasant to the touch and pleasing to the eye. And if you take in your hands a figure of wax stone, its unique smoothness will calm down in difficult moments of excitement and calm down, reminding you that all the problems and troubles with time pass.
Therapeutic properties of agalmatolite:
In folk medicine of Mongolia Agalmatolite was used to treat rheumatic diseases. Figures or pieces of this stone were used to relieve joint pain.
It is believed that Agalmatolite has a receptive energy of Yin
They use it in wushu and qigong classes, as well as in reflexotherapy. Lithotherapists are recommended to use Agalmatolite for acupressure massage. The stone activates acupuncture and acupressure points.
Astrology of agalmatolite:
Reliable zodiacal correspondence in Agalmatolite is not defined. However, it is believed that the stone is friendly with fire signs, which are known for their activity and impulsivity.
It is an interesting fact:
Agalmatolite has another interesting nickname - pagodit. It comes from miniature decorative pagodas made by Buryat, Mongolian and Chinese masters. All fairs in Siberia were full of these pagodas before the revolution.
In China, household items, small artwork and decorative items were carved from Agalmatolith back in ancient times. And in Kievan Rus Agalmatolite was used in architecture, in the period of X-XIII centuries it was carved into details of temples and even the image.