EILAT-STONE
Eilat Stone — Blue and Green with Roots in Israel
Eilat stone takes its name from its place of origin: the Eilat and Timna region in southern Israel. It is also known as King Solomon Stone, a traditional name associated with the designation “King Solomon’s Mines” for the copper mines at Timna. The name does not establish that the mines belonged to King Solomon.
Its blues and greens come from a mixture of copper minerals, including chrysocolla and malachite. Eilat stone is not a single mineral, but a material in which several minerals meet to form patches, veins and individual patterns.
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Material | An aggregate of copper-bearing minerals |
| Composition | Variable; may include chrysocolla, malachite and other copper minerals |
| Colours | Blue, green and combinations of these colours |
| Hardness | Approximately 2–6 on the Mohs scale, depending on the constituent minerals |
| Refractive index | Approximately 1.50–1.61; indicative readings depend on the area measured |
| Specific gravity | Typically approximately 2.8–3.2; varies with composition |
| Characteristic appearance | Mottled colours, patches and veins |
These are indicative reference ranges. Eilat stone is a mixture of minerals, so properties can vary between specimens and between areas within one stone.
Timna and the History of Copper Mining
Copper was mined at Timna in antiquity, and Egyptian mining expeditions operated there during the time of the pharaohs. The modern copper mines closed in the 1980s for economic reasons. Remaining stocks of genuine Eilat stone are limited, adding to its distinctive connection with the landscape and history of Israel.
It is important to distinguish Israeli Eilat stone from similar materials found elsewhere: not every malachite, chrysocolla or blue-green mixture is genuine Eilat stone. Similarity in appearance does not establish geographical origin.
Colour and Pattern
The meeting of blue and green creates the character of each stone. Some pieces show a gentle blend, while others have strong contrasts and distinct veins. Cutting and polishing reveal the pattern rather than the sparkle associated with transparent faceted gems.
Quality and Price
Colour, the arrangement of the pattern, the quality of the polish and the stability of the material all matter. Attractive colour alone is not enough: crumbly areas, open cracks or uneven strength can affect both the appearance and suitability for jewellery.
Treatments and Identification
Similar-looking materials may be dyed, stabilised with resin or assembled from fragments. It is important to understand what the material is and whether it has been treated. Its trade name alone is not proof of Israeli origin.
Choosing a Setting
Eilat stone can be particularly attractive in pendants and settings that protect its edges and avoid excessive pressure. Before setting, we examine the individual piece and plan the jewellery around its condition and structure.
Sources Around the World
Eilat stone is associated with copper deposits in the Timna area of southern Israel. Similar copper minerals occur in other countries, but colour resemblance does not establish a Timna origin.
Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning — Beliefs and Traditions
In contemporary crystal symbolism, Eilat stone is associated with balance, grounding, roots and a sense of home. Its connection to Israel can give it an additional personal meaning: a landscape, a memory or a place carried close to the body.
These meanings belong to the realm of belief and symbolism. They can give jewellery personal significance, but they are not proven gemological properties or a promise of healing, protection or a change in health.
Your Stone, Your Jewellery
At TzurGems Jewelry & Gemstones, we combine Guy’s gemological knowledge with the craftsmanship of Rafael, an artisan goldsmith, to create jewellery that suits both the stone and the person who will wear it.