Rainbow calsilica is a synthetic material specifically created for the gemstone market.
Highly distinctive and very easily recognizable, the stone was first seen in 2002 and since then has proved to be a stone of much interest and debate, popular with gemstone collectors and lovers of unique jewelry alike.
In the following article, we cover everything you need to know about the unusual and unique rainbow calsilica.
What is Rainbow Calsilica?
Rainbow calsilica is a man-made gemstone with a very distinctive, highly individual appearance.
It has an interesting background, originally passing as a natural stone before tests declared it as a synthetic material created for the gemstone market.
Its origins remain the subject of debate twenty years after its first appearance on the market.
Its unique appearance is mostly thanks to the bright bands of different colours that mark its surface.
It is often made into jewelry or decorations to display its distinctive, unusual markings and bright colors including yellow, orange, and green.
Where Can Rainbow Calsilica Be Found?
When rainbow calsilica was first displayed on the gemstone market in 2002, many claimed the stone was originally mined in Chihuahua in Mexico.
The original claim was that the stone was found in the seams of volcanic rhyolite found in the mine, although there is much debate as to the truth of this claim.
Over the years, access to the mine has been denied countless times, with the original supplier claiming access would lead to overexploitation.
This has made it even more difficult to confirm their claims and calls into question the claims of other deposits existing in China and Brazil.
As such, the stone has been the subject of much debate and testing over the years, all of which have attempted to verify whether it is man-made or natural.
Some have claimed the stone is actually made from crushed carbonate which is dyed and stabilized in plastic resin.
Testing has confirmed some of this, although it is difficult to say with any certainty.
How Can Rainbow Calsilica Be Identified?
The rainbow calsilica is easily identified by its striking appearance.
It is a very colorful stone with layers of different colors stacked one after the other.
Its appearance is very unique and makes it easier to tell the stone from others, as very few other stones are similar in appearance to the calsilica.
Chemically, the stone is made up of crushed calcium carbonate.
It is in then dyed using artificial pigments and set using a plastic resin to stabilize it.
These chemicals and pigments can help to identify the stone on a chemical level.
Alongside this, tests have found particles of other materials, including hematite and calcite.
How Can You Tell Rainbow Calsilica From Other Stones?
There are few stones that can be mistaken for rainbow calsilica, in part because it is so unique.
However, one stone it is often confused with is malachite; rainbow calsilica has often been used as a substitute to malachite, mostly because malachite is typically quite expensive.
In terms of appearance, rainbow calsilica and malachite are usually both quite colorful and contain bands of color.
However, despite the similarities, it is possible to tell the two apart using their respective appearances.
Typically, malachite has more vibrant colors compared with the duller colors of the calsilica, which usually has less of a shine to it.
Another way to distinguish the two is by holding them; malachite is usually heavier than rainbow calsilica, due to its metal component.
For the same reason, it is also likely to be colder to the touch.
As such, it is possible to tell the two apart using touch and initial appearance.
What Is The Rainbow Calsilica Used For?
The stone has a number of uses and has been used in jewelry and for decorative purposes since it arrived on the market.
Its unusual appearance makes it an interesting and popular choice for creating distinctive jewelry and decorative pieces that are bound to be conversation starters.
Rainbow calsilica is also often used for meditation, with some claiming it is a potent guide in helping to create a clearer meditative practice.
The stone is thought to be particularly helpful for clearing the mind and helping to improve mental function and clarity.
Many keep it around the house as both a decoration and a meditative tool.
What Is The Meaning Of Rainbow Calsilica?
Some claim that the rainbow calsilica has benefits for the health of the wearer or user.
The physical benefits are believed by some to alleviate pains or health problems with the heart, drawing on positive energy that is thought to regulate energies in the body.
The metaphysical properties of the stone include mental clarity and aura cleansing, with some claiming it is capable of calming the mind and balancing energy.
Some believe the rainbow calsilica is able to influence emotions and settle problems the wearer may be experiencing.
How Should The Rainbow Calsilica Be Cared For?
Rainbow calsilica should be cleaned using only warm water and a very soft cloth; there is no need for anything stronger than this.
It is also very important that you are gentle with cleaning this very delicate stone.
As it is made of carbonate, calsilica is very sensitive to harsh products and acids, which can cause surface damage.
It also means that the stone is prone to scratching and it can easily be damaged if anything too harsh is used.
For this reason, it is important that you are gentle and take care to choose suitable products.
Proper storage is equally as important; remember that the stone is prone to scratches and so must be stored securely in a dry, soft environment.
Ensure that the stone is completely dry before storing as excess moisture can cause problems when it is stored away.
Summary
Rainbow calsilica has been the source of much debate and testing over the years.
Man-made or natural, there is no denying that it is a unique and interesting material, making it a striking stone for use in jewelry, decoration and meditation.
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