The mineral can be white, gray and brownish with a yellowish or greenish reflection. Red, dark cherry steatites are rare. Steatites are minerals with a silky, matte shine.
The apparent fat content of a mineral is not its only difference. The density of the mineral is high, but the structure itself is soft, and if they are carried along the billet, it will leave a trace. By the way, they can also be written as chalk. From this mineral, decorations for houses, miniatures, figures of people, animals have been made from time immemorial.
"Soap" or "ice" stone can be a saponite crystal. Its name is due to the Latin word "sapo", which means "soap". Saponite is, in its composition, a water aluminosilicate. When it is fresh, its structure is soft and resembles oil, and when it dries, it becomes brittle. Saponite can be of various colors, its shade ranges from greenish to white, from reddish to bluish. The crystal is negative, biaxial. Its specific gravity is approximately 2, 30, the refractive index is 1, 52 (1, 48).
Place of Birth. Steatite deposits can be found, practically, on all continents. The main mineral deposits are located in Finland. Russia is also rich in steatite mines. They are developed in Karelia. Saponite deposits are found in Canada (Ontario province), in Lizard, in the USA (Michigan), in Scotland.
Therapeutic and magical properties of steatite
Medical properties. Healers of traditional medicine in many countries, including Finland, believe that steatites can heal radiculitis, sciatica, osteochondrosis. They use stone as a natural warmer because of its ability to store heat for a long time. Steatite is also used as an excellent biostimulator.
From this mineral are made convenient and simple to use at home heaters. There is an opinion that steatites possess powerful energy Yan. The frequency of its vibration is close to cerebral vibrations. It is this steatite property that is the basis of his work as a biostimulator made from this valuable breed.
The sacral chakra is under the steatite influence.
Magical properties. The properties of steatite are used as tools for the awakening and development of paranormal abilities. Steatite is considered a stone of sorcerers and shamans. Modern sorcerers claim that, indeed, steatite energy vibrates at the same frequency as the human brain. And because he has a powerful Yan-energy, he is used in meditation sessions. A mineral can help develop abilities for clairvoyance, clairaudience and other supernatural possibilities.
What sign of the astrological Zodiac is patronized by steatite, practicing astrologers say difficult.
Talismans and amulets. Steatite talismans should be those who are engaged in research, as well as mediums and magicians. A talisman can be a steatite ball or a small figurine of an animal. The steatite talisman helps its owner to get rid of evil thoughts and aspirations, gives clarity to thoughts and judgments, reveals the riddles of the Cosmos and the secrets of the Universe.
Steatite wards protect their possessor from the forces of Darkness. The amulet will come to the aid in establishing a connection with the other world, the world of subtle matter.
Steatite was known in ancient Egypt. During the archaeological excavations of the burials of the era of the Old Kingdom, various steatite products are constantly found.
Application of steatite . Since ancient times, steatite has been used as a building material and raw material for the manufacture of various items. Vikings made steatite decorations, kitchen utensils, pots.
Steatite can have different properties depending on the region in which its deposit is located. For example, in the northern regions, steatite is mined, which is used for furnaces and fireplaces. This "northern" material is characterized by its fire resistance and hardness. Steatite from Europe is not suitable for such treatment because of its fragility. That is why it is crushed in the form of other ceramic impurities and used as an insulating material in the manufacture of medications. In Africa, China, Australia and Thailand, steatite is produced with a softer consistency. This material is widely used by sculptors in their work - the creation of works of art - sculptures.
In Finland, steatite is considered a national crystal and is called "tulikivi", which means "hot stone", and this name is not accidental, since steatite minerals have a high degree of heat resistance. Steatite material is ideal for its refractory feature: it can be heated quickly, and it will cool down quite slowly. For example, if a small steatite stone is dropped into hot water for five minutes, it will cool down for about an hour. For this property, steatite is deservedly considered the best natural warmer given to us by nature.