Common Gems & Minerals
Green Aventurine: Green aventurine is a captivating variety of quartz known for its lustrous green color, which ranges from pale green to deep emerald hues, often with a sparkling or shimmering appearance due to tiny inclusions of minerals such as fuchsite or hematite. This gemstone exhibits a translucent to opaque appearance with a vitreous luster and can occur in various formations, including massive aggregates, nodules, and polished cabochons.
Located in India and China
Amazonite: Amazonite is a captivating gemstone characterized by its striking green to bluish-green color and attractive luster. Composed primarily of microcline, a potassium-rich feldspar mineral, amazonite's hues range from pale mint green to deep turquoise, often exhibiting mottled or streaked patterns. Widely used in jewelry making, amazonite is fashioned into cabochons, beads, and faceted gemstones, adorning rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Located in Russia, Madagascar, Brazil and the U.S. (Virginia, Colorado)
Amethyst: Amethyst is a violet to purple variety of quartz, known for its stunning beauty and spiritual significance. It is one of the most popular gemstones, valued for its rich color and affordability. The color of amethyst can vary from pale lilac to deep purple, depending on the presence of trace elements like iron and manganese during its formation. Historically, it has been associated with various myths and legends, often believed to possess protective and healing properties.
Located in North America, Brazil, Uruguay, Siberia, and Sri Lanka
Apatite: Apatite is a fascinating mineral with a wide range of colors, including shades of green, blue, yellow, and purple, often exhibiting a translucent to transparent appearance. Composed primarily of calcium phosphate, apatite is found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, with notable occurrences in phosphate-rich deposits and hydrothermal veins. Apatite is valued not only for its beauty but also for its significance in various fields, including geology, chemistry, and biomedicine
Located in Brazil, Burma, and Mexico
Banded Aragonite: Banded aragonite is a variety of aragonite, a calcium carbonate mineral renowned for its distinct banded or striped appearance. Composed of alternating layers of different colors or textures, banded aragonite forms through the deposition of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich solutions, often in caves, hot springs, or sedimentary environments. Its colors can range from white, beige, and gray to shades of brown, orange, and red, creating a mesmerizing display of natural beauty.
Located in Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Sicily, Greece, Spain, Japan
Black Jasper: Apatite is a fascinating mineral with a wide range of colors, including shades of green, blue, yellow, and purple, often exhibiting a translucent to transparent appearance. Composed primarily of calcium phosphate, apatite is found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, with notable occurrences in phosphate-rich deposits and hydrothermal veins. Apatite is valued not only for its beauty but also for its significance in various fields, including geology, chemistry, and biomedicine
Located in Brazil, Burma, and Mexico
Black Tourlamine: Black tourmaline, is also known as schorl. Composed of complex boron silicate minerals, It is often found in volcanic rocks and is black or dark brown in color. Black tourmaline typically forms in elongated prismatic crystals with striations along its length. Its opaque black hue is often interspersed with subtle variations and occasional flashes of vitreous luster.
Located in Brazil, Mozambique, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, and the United States
Blue Apatite: Blue apatite is a mesmerizing gemstone distinguished by its captivating shades of blue, ranging from pale, almost translucent hues to deep, intense tones reminiscent of the ocean's depths. Composed primarily of calcium phosphate, with trace elements like manganese contributing to its distinctive coloration, blue apatite often exhibits a transparent to translucent appearance with a vitreous luster.
Located in Brazil, Burma, and Mexico
Blue Aventurine: Blue aventurine variety of aventurine, a type of quartz known for its sparkling appearance and translucency. This particular variety showcases a stunning blue coloration, ranging from soft, sky-blue hues to deeper shades reminiscent of the ocean. The coloration is attributed to the presence of small inclusions of other minerals, such as fuchsite, hematite, or dumortierite, within the quartz matrix. These inclusions create a mesmerizing shimmer or iridescence known as aventurescence, which gives the gemstone its distinctive appeal.
Located in Brazil, Russia and India
Blue Celestite: Blue celestite, also known as celestine, The gemstone forms in clusters or geodes of prismatic crystals, which may vary in size from small, delicate needles to larger, more intricate formations. Celestite's gentle blue coloration is due to the presence of strontium within its crystal structure.
Located in Brazil, Burma, and Mexico
Blue Quartz: Blue quartz is a variety of quartz characterized by its stunning blue coloration, which ranges from pale sky blue to deep azure hues. This gemstone derives its color from microscopic inclusions of other minerals, such as dumortierite, tourmaline, or rutile, within the quartz crystal lattice. These inclusions create a mesmerizing shimmer or iridescence, enhancing the gemstone's beauty and allure. Blue quartz often exhibits a translucent to transparent appearance with a vitreous luster, giving it a radiant glow when polished.
Located in Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Madagascar, and the United States
Chevron Amethyst: Chevron amethyst is distinguished by its unique banded or chevron-like patterns of purple and white quartz. These distinctive bands form as a result of alternating layers of amethyst and milky quartz.. The deep purple hues of amethyst contrast beautifully with the milky white bands, resulting in patterns that resemble the chevrons found on military insignia. Chevron amethyst is often found in elongated, prismatic crystals or in massive formations, and its colors can vary in intensity from light lavender to deep violet.
Located in Brazil, Russia, and India
Citrine: Citrine is a radiant gemstone renowned for its warm golden to yellow-orange hues, reminiscent of the sun's glow. This variety of quartz owes its color to traces of iron within its crystal structure. Citrine's colors can range from pale lemon to deep amber, with some specimens exhibiting a transparent clarity that allows light to pass through, enhancing their brilliance. Often found in crystal form, citrine can also occur as clusters, geodes, or polished cabochons.
Located in Bolivia, Madagascar, Mexico, Spain and Uruguay
Clear Quartz: Clear quartz, often referred to as rock crystal, is a versatile and widely appreciated variety of quartz known for its transparent or translucent appearance and remarkable clarity. It forms in a variety of environments, from igneous rocks like granite to sedimentary rocks like sandstone, and can even be found in hydrothermal veins and as geode formations. Clear quartz crystals can vary in size from small to quite large and can exhibit a range of shapes including prismatic, pointed, or tabular formations.
Located in the Alps; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Madagascar; Japan, and United States
Dalmatian Jasper: Dalmatian jasper, named for its resemblance to the distinctive black spots on the Dalmatian breed of dog, is a unique and visually striking variety of jasper. Composed primarily of quartz and feldspar, dalmatian jasper is characterized by its creamy beige to light gray base color, often punctuated by scattered spots or patches of black or brown mineral inclusions.Dalmatian jasper is typically found in nodular or vein-like formations within sedimentary rocks
Located in Chihuahua, Mexico
Emerald: Emerald is a stunning and highly prized gemstone renowned for its vivid green color, which ranges from rich forest green to vibrant grass green hues. This variety of beryl derives its green coloration from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium within its crystal structure. Emeralds are often found in association with other minerals, such as quartz and mica, in sedimentary rocks and hydrothermal veins.
Located in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Australia, and United States
Fire Quartz: Fire quartz, also known as hematoid quartz or strawberry quartz, is a captivating variety of quartz characterized by its distinctive red or orange inclusions of hematite or iron oxide within a clear or milky quartz matrix. These inclusions create fiery streaks, specks, or clouds of color, resembling flames or smoldering embers against a backdrop of quartz.
Located in Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Mexico, Madagascar, and South Africa
Fuchsite: Fuchsite, also known as chrome mica or chrome muscovite, is a striking mineral known for its vivid green color and shimmering appearance. It is a variety of muscovite, a common phyllosilicate mineral, with chromium impurities responsible for its distinctive green hue. Fuchsite typically forms in tabular or platy crystals, often found in association with other minerals such as quartz, albite, or calcite. Its color can range from pale green to deep emerald green, with a pearly or metallic luster that gives it a captivating sparkle.
Located in Brazil, India, Zimbabwe, Ural - Russia and in the Alps.
Green Calcite: Green calcite is a mesmerizing variety of calcite distinguished by its soothing green coloration, which ranges from pale mint to deep forest hues. Composed primarily of calcium carbonate, green calcite often occurs in massive formations, exhibiting a translucent to opaque appearance with a vitreous or waxy luster. Its coloration is attributed to trace amounts of other minerals, such as copper or manganese, within the crystal lattice.
Located in India, Mexico, Namibia, Pakistan, and the United States
Green Quartz: Green quartz, also known as prasiolite or vermarine, is a captivating variety of quartz distinguished by its delicate green coloration. This unique gemstone derives its hue from the presence of iron impurities within the quartz crystal lattice. It can also be found in crystal form, with prismatic or tabular structures, and can also occur as polished cabochons or faceted gemstones.
Located in Brazil, Bolivia, and United States.
Honey Calcite: Honey calcite is a variety of calcite distinguished by its warm, honey-like coloration, which ranges from pale golden-yellow to deep amber hues.This gemstone derives its distinctive color from the presence of iron or other mineral impurities within the calcite crystal lattice. Honey calcite often exhibits a translucent to transparent appearance, allowing light to pass through and imparting a luminous quality to the gemstone. It can occur in a variety of formations, including crystalline clusters, scalenohedral crystals, and massive aggregates.
Located in Brazil, Mexico, the United States, and Iceland
Kiwi Jasper: Kiwi jasper is an intriguing variety of jasper characterized by its unique combination of colors and patterns, reminiscent of the vibrant hues of a kiwi fruit. This gemstone typically features a base of creamy beige or light green, adorned with swirls, speckles, and streaks of deeper green, yellow, brown, and sometimes even pink or orange. The swirling patterns and variegated colors create a dynamic and eye-catching appearance that sets kiwi jasper apart from other varieties of jasper.
Located in New Zealand (only discovered in 2015)
King Quartz: also known as milky quartz, is a variety of quartz distinguished by its opaque, milky-white coloration. This quartz variety gets its appearance from numerous microscopic inclusions of gas, liquid, or mineral impurities within the crystal structure. These inclusions scatter and reflect light, giving the quartz a cloudy or hazy appearance. Milky quartz can occur in various formations, including crystalline clusters, massive aggregates, and veins within host rocks.
Located in Siberia, the Alps, Brazil and Japan
Labradorite: Labradorite is a mesmerizing gemstone revered for its iridescent play of colors, known as labradorescence, which shimmers and shifts hues when viewed from different angles. This variety of feldspar typically displays a base color of gray, black, or dark green, adorned with flashes of blue, green, gold, and sometimes even orange or purple. The stunning play of colors is attributed to the presence of microscopic inclusions, known as lamellae, within the crystal structure.
Located in Canada, Poland, Norway, and Finland
Moss Agate: also known as milky quartz, is a variety of quartz distinguished by its opaque, milky-white coloration. This quartz variety gets its appearance from numerous microscopic inclusions of gas, liquid, or mineral impurities within the crystal structure. These inclusions scatter and reflect light, giving the quartz a cloudy or hazy appearance. Milky quartz can occur in various formations, including crystalline clusters, massive aggregates, and veins within host rocks.
Located in India, Brazil, Uruguay, central European countries, and the United States
Orange Calcite: Orange calcite is avariety of calcite distinguished by its warm, vibrant orange coloration, which ranges from soft peach hues to deep tangerine shades. This gemstone derives its distinctive color from the presence of iron oxide or other mineral impurities within the calcite crystal lattice. Orange calcite often exhibits a translucent to opaque appearance, with a vitreous or waxy luster that enhances its natural beauty. It can occur in various formations, including crystalline clusters, scalenohedral crystals, and massive aggregates.
Located in Iceland, Mexico, United States, China, and Madagascar
Obsidian: Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as a result of the rapid cooling of lava. It is typically dark in color, ranging from jet black to dark brown, and exhibits a smooth, glassy texture. Obsidian lacks a crystalline structure due to its rapid cooling process, resulting in a conchoidal fracture pattern, which produces sharp edges when broken. This unique characteristic has made obsidian historically valuable for crafting tools and weapons by various ancient cultures.
Located anywhere volcanic activity has occurred.
Orchid Calcite: Orchid calcite is a ariety of calcite distinguished by its delicate pink to lavender coloration, reminiscent of the petals of an orchid flower. This gemstone derives its unique hue from the presence of manganese or other mineral impurities within the calcite crystal lattice. Orchid calcite often exhibits a translucent to opaque appearance, with a subtle pastel tone that exudes a sense of tranquility and elegance. It can occur in various formations, including crystalline clusters, scalenohedral crystals, and massive aggregates
Located in United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and China
Peach Moonstone: Peach moonstone is a variety of moonstone distinguished by its peach or orangish-pink coloration, which exhibits a soft, almost ethereal glow when viewed under certain lighting conditions. This gemstone belongs to the feldspar group and is composed of orthoclase and albite minerals. The peach hue of moonstone is caused by the presence of trace amounts of iron oxide or other mineral impurities within its crystal structure. Peach moonstone often displays adularescence, a captivating phenomenon where the gemstone exhibits a milky or bluish sheen that seems to float just below the surface,
Located in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka and the United States
Rainbow Flourite: Rainbow fluorite is a variety of fluorite distinguished by its array of colors, which often display as bands or zones of purple, blue, green, yellow, and sometimes even pink or clear sections. This gemstone is composed of calcium fluoride, with the vibrant hues caused by various mineral impurities present during its formation. Rainbow fluorite typically exhibits a translucent to transparent appearance, with a vitreous luster that enhances its natural beauty. The combination of colors in rainbow fluorite creates a mesmerizing and iridescent effect, reminiscent of the colors seen in a rainbow.
Located in China, Mexico, and the United States
Red Jasper: Red jasper is a captivating variety of jasper characterized by its rich, earthy red coloration, ranging from deep brick red to reddish-brown hues. This gemstone is composed primarily of silica and typically contains iron oxide impurities, which give it its distinctive red color. Red jasper often exhibits a smooth, opaque appearance with a dull to vitreous luster. It can occur in various formations, including nodular or banded structures, and is commonly found in sedimentary rocks and hydrothermal veins.
Located in India, Russia, Indonesia, Madagascar, Australia, Brazil and the United States
Rose Quartz: Rose quartz is a gentle and soothing variety of quartz characterized by its delicate pink to rosy hues, evoking the softness and beauty of a blush-colored rose petal. This gemstone gets its color from trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese within the quartz crystal lattice. Rose quartz typically exhibits a translucent to opaque appearance, with a vitreous luster that enhances its natural beauty. It can occur in various formations, including massive aggregates, crystalline clusters, and polished cabochons.
Located in North America, Madagascar, India and Brazil.
Ruby: Ruby is a gemstone renowned for its vibrant red color, which symbolizes passion, love, and vitality. It belongs to the corundum family of minerals, with its coloration primarily attributed to the presence of chromium within its crystal structure. Ruby's hue can vary from deep crimson to lighter shades of pink, with the most prized specimens exhibiting a rich, intense red known as "pigeon's blood." This gemstone is highly prized for its exceptional clarity, brilliance, and durability, boasting a hardness second only to diamond on the Mohs scale.
Located in Afghanistan, Australia, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam
Smokey Quartz: Smokey quartz is a variety of quartz characterized by its distinctive smoky brown to black coloration, which ranges from translucent to opaque. This gemstone gets its unique hue from natural irradiation and trace amounts of aluminum within the quartz crystal lattice. Smokey quartz often exhibits a vitreous or slightly resinous luster, with some specimens displaying chatoyancy or a cat's eye effect when cut and polished. It can occur in various formations, including prismatic crystals, massive aggregates, and polished cabochons.
Located in Mozambique, Switzerland, Brazil, the United States, Madagascar, Australia and Scotland
Sodalite: Sodalite is a gemstone known for its deep blue coloration with white calcite veins, resembling the night sky speckled with stars. It belongs to the feldspathoid mineral group and is composed primarily of sodium, aluminum, silicon, and chlorine. Sodalite typically exhibits a vitreous to greasy luster and a translucent to opaque appearance. This gemstone is often cut into cabochons or beads and used in jewelry, decorative objects, and carvings. Sodalite's rich blue color is attributed to the presence of sulfur within its crystal structure.
Located in Greenland, Afghanistan, Brazil, and Canada
Tigers Eye: Tiger's eye is a captivating gemstone renowned for its striking chatoyancy, which creates a shimmering band of light that moves across its surface as it is viewed from different angles. This gemstone is a type of quartz with fibrous bands of crocidolite, iron oxide, and silica that form during the replacement of crocidolite by quartz. Tiger's eye typically exhibits a golden to reddish-brown color with parallel bands of lustrous yellow, brown, or red-brown. It often has a silky or fibrous appearance and a vitreous to waxy luster..
Located in Australia, Burma, India, Namibia, South Africa, the United States, Brazil, Canada, China, and Korea
Zebra Calcite: This gemstone typically exhibits alternating layers of white, gray, and black, creating a bold and eye-catching contrast. Zebra calcite gets its unique appearance from the presence of different mineral impurities within the calcite crystal lattice, which form during its formation process. It often displays a translucent to opaque appearance with a vitreous or pearly luster, depending on the specific composition of the bands. Zebra calcite can occur in various formations, including crystalline clusters, stalactites, and polished specimens.
Located in Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, and the United States