Gem Info by Region

Afghanistan's Gemstone Odyssey: From Ancient Times to Modern

Afghanistan is a source for gems, particularly lapis lazuli from Badakhshan, emerald from the Panjshir Valley and ruby from Jegdalek

Africa Gems - Mining in Malawi

Some gems are mined from Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa surrounded by important gemstone sources

African Malachite Gems: Beauty & Origins

Malachite is a fascinating copper-bearing mineral with bands of bright and dark green.

African Tsavorite Gemstones - 100 per cent naturally green

Tsavorite is a rare vivid green grossularite garnet, colored by chromium or vanadium, with deposits mainly in East Africa.

Amazonite Locations - Can it be found in the Amazon Jungle?

Despite its name this delightful blue and green variety of microcline is not mined in either the Amazon Jungle or River. But where do we find this gemstone?

American Gemstones

The USA produces gemstones ranging from tourmaline and turquoise to peridot, sapphire, sunstone, opals and rock crystal

Amethyst Deposits

Amethyst is found all over the world, but South America is the most abundant source.

Ametrine from Bolivia: Exploring a Rare and Captivating Gem

Natural ametrine comes almost entirely from one location, the Anahi mine in Bolivia. New cutting styles are making this unique gem even more popular.

Australian Boulder Opal Info: Formation, Facts & More

Discover the unique beauty of Australian boulder opal, a precious gemstone from Queensland known for its vibrant play of color within ironstone matrix.

Australian Gemstones

Read about Australia as the leading source for opal and also about other gemstones that are mined in Australia, such as diamond, sapphire, amethyst, rhodon...

Brilliant Brazilian Gems

Brazil is an important gem source, particularly Minas Gerais, Paraiba and Bahia, where citrine, amethyst, topaz, aquamarine, Paraiba tourmaline and emerald...

California Benitoite

Benitoite is a very rare blue gemstone that has been designated that official state gem of California

Chinese Gems and Jewelry

China has a huge jewelry and gemstone market and several gemstone materials are producted there, such as cultured pearls, amber, turquoise, corundum and peridot

Desert Gemstones and Minerals

Gemstone deposits are found all over the world, even in inhospitable places such as deserts. Learn about desert gemstones found in deserts in America, Asia...

Discovery of Tanzanite: History & Market Emergence

Uncover the story of tanzanite's discovery in Tanzania, featuring adventurers like Manuel de Souza and the role of Tiffany & Co. in popularizing this gemstone

Emeralds Around the World: Exploring Sources & Deposits

Explore the diverse origins of emeralds worldwide, from Colombia's renowned mines to emerging deposits in Brazil, Africa, and beyond.

Emeralds from Zambia: Unique Qualities and Mining History

Explore the captivating world of Zambian emeralds, renowned for their rich green hues, exceptional clarity, and growing prominence in the global gemstone market as of 2025.

Famous Gems and Jewelry of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, has produced some of the most beautiful and valuable gemstones and jewelry in the world, including the Blue Belle of A...

Gem Mining in Tanzania - The richest source of gemstones?

A rich vein of barely exploited colored gemstones runs through east Africa from Kenya to Madagascar and at the heart lies Tanzania. We explore its potential.

Gemstones from Afghanistan - A glittering Past and Present

With a heritage of mining that compares with any country on earth we look at the gemstones found in this land of jagged mountain peaks and bleak valleys.

Gemstones from Afghanistan - Untold wealth beneath the earth

The history of mining in this challenging and mountainous country goes back thousands of years and as peace returns to this war torn area hopefully it will last

Gemstones from Africa - Diamonds and a whole lot more.

Forged in the volcanic fires that shaped this continent, gemstones are found the length and breadth of Africa. Discover why it is exciting the gem world.

Gemstones from Australia - digging in a land down under

There is so much more to Australian gemstones than just opals - diamonds, sapphires and topaz are just a few of the riches that are found in this land of plenty

Gemstones from Botswana: Diamonds, Mining & Economic Impact

Discover Botswana's gemstones, featuring renowned diamonds like the Lesedi la Rona, major mines such as Orapa and Jwaneng, and other gems like banded agate.

Gemstones from Madagascar - Africa's great treasure island

An almost endless list of the gemstones that can be found on this tropical paradise, full of weird and wonderful animals and plants, isolated for millions ...

Gemstones from Mozambique - There's wealth below the surface

This southern African country is blessed with national parks, endless white sandy beaches, amazing dive spots, exotic wildlife and an enviable list of gems...

Gemstones from Myanmar

Burma, Myanmar, is famous for some of the world's most valuable and beautiful gemstones, such as rubies, sapphires and imperial jade, others include spine...

Gemstones from Pakistan

Pakistan has enormous mineral wealth and may some day become a major force in the international gems trade.

Gemstones from Russia

Russia is an important producer of diamonds, alexandrite, demantoid garnet and emerald, as well as many lesser gemstones

Gemstones from Sri Lanka - A teardrop in the Indian Ocean

This island is home to legendary tales of untold wealth in gems and jewels and, guess what, the stories are all true! Sapphires, rubies, tourmaline and mor...

Gemstones in the UK

The UK, including Britain, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales has seen some mineral and gemstone finds, such as diamond, sapphire and Blue John ...

Global Sapphire Sources: Where These Gems Are Mined

Discover the top sapphire mining regions worldwide, from Kashmir to Madagascar. Learn about their unique traits, historical significance, and cultural impact

Hetian Jade Jewelry and Carvings

Jade is one of the most treasured gemstone jewelry materials in Asia, and one of the most important sources of jade is Hotan, or Hetian in Xinjiang Provinc...

Idar-Oberstein; German Gemstone History

Idar-Obserstein has a history of mining and gem-cutting dating back hundreds of years

Indonesian Gemstones

Indonesia has long been a source for gemstones, including diamonds, jasper, quartz, obsidian, pearls, amber and more. Learn more about Indonesian gems and ...

International Gemstone Market in Chanthaburi, Thailand

Take a tour of the famous international gemstone market in Chanthaburi, Thailand. There are great deals in natural ruby, sapphire and other popular gems.

Kashmir Sapphires: Unveiling the Mystique of a Legendary Gem

Discover the allure of Kashmir sapphires, renowned for their rare cornflower blue hue and velvety texture.

Kyanite from Nepal: Vibrant Blue Gems Properties & Mining

Discover the qualities of Nepalese kyanite, a stunning blue gem rivaling sapphire in color. Explore its formation, physical properties, mining locations & More.

Mexican Fire Opal: Properties, History, and Care Guide

Explore the vibrant Mexican fire opal, a gemstone renowned for its fiery colors from orange to red. Learn about its unique characteristics, historical significance, mining locations, and essential care tips in this comprehensive guide.

Mining Sapphire in Australia: Regions & Methods | GemSelect

Sapphire mining in Australia, from Queensland’s Anakie fields to New South Wales. Learn about mining methods, processing & the iconic Black Star of Queensland.

Mozambique Tourmaline Gemstones - One man's lucky strike.

Moussa Konate's luck changed in 2003 when bought some rough tourmaline in Mozambique that turned out to rival the world famous Paraiba tourmaline in color...

Out of Africa - On the hunt for the best of the best gems

This vast continent is possibly the best source of the world’s finest gemstones. All the classics are here plus a few surprises

Red Hot Rubies in Ice Cold Greenland

We have all heard of 'Ice Cold Gold', but what about red hot rubies? Astounding finds have been made under the icy earth of Greenland

Sapphire and Ruby Gemstone Mining in Madagascar

Madagascar has some of the richest gemstone resources in the world, especially in sapphire and ruby gems. Madagascar is also a source for tourmaline, aquam...

Sapphire Gems from the Golden Triangle: History and Mining

The blue sapphires of the Golden Triangle in Laos. Explore Huay Xai’s mining history, gem varieties & tourism in this gem-rich region along the Mekong River.

Sierra Leone's Diamonds: History, Mining, & Insights

Discover the rich history of diamonds in Sierra Leone, from their role in civil conflicts to modern mining techniques and notable discoveries.

Sources for Fine Rubies: Origins, Characteristics and More

Discover the world's top sources of ruby gemstones, from the legendary mines of Burma to emerging deposits in Mozambique and Madagascar.

Sources for Fine Sapphire Gemstones

Fine sapphires are found in only a few locations in the world: principally Burma, Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Thailand.

Sri Lanka Sapphires: Beauty of Ceylon Sapphire | GemSelect

Explore the world of Sri Lanka sapphires, known for their stunning cornflower blue and diverse colors. Learn about their historical significance & More.

Sri Lanka's Gem and Jewelry History

Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is one of the most important places in the world with regard to gems and jewelry, Ceylon is a rich source for gemstones with a ...

Thai Gold in Bangkok and Urban Gold Diggers

Gold is a universally valuable commodity used for investment and jewelry making. One of the main centers of gold trade is Chinatown (Yaowarat) in Bangkok, ...

Thai Rubies in Trat

Rubies from Mogok in Burma are famous, but the small town of Bo Rai in Trat, Thailand is not so well-known for rubies

Tourmaline in America - The US's home grown colorful gems.

The world of colored gemstones always seem to be centered in the exotic lands of Burma, Brazil or Mozambique but America was once the source of a boom in gems.

Unearth the Wonders of Cambodian Gem Mountains Today!

Cambodia is known for blue sapphire, mined from Pailin on the Thai-Cambodian border, but other gemstones, such as blue zircon are mined there

Vietnam Gemstones

Vietnam has pearl farms and several gemstone deposits such as ruby, sapphire, spinel and tourmaline, from the far north to the south

What Gemstone represents my Country? - A Complete Guide

Columbian emeralds, Indian rubies, Sri Lankan sapphires - some countries are forever linked to a certain gemstone but how about Finland, Canada, Mali . . .?

What gemstones are found in Brazil? The list is endless

It may be easier to ask which gems do NOT come from Brazil. This tropical paradise is blessed with gemstones from the humble quartz to the mighty emerald.

Where Is Topaz Found the Most: Exploring Mining Locations

Discover the primary regions where topaz is mined, from Brazil's leading deposits to emerging hotspots in Pakistan and Russia.