Gemstones and crystals in their purest form are usually sought after by those who are interested in gems for therapeutic, medicinal and holistic alternative healing. Gem and mineral collectors also prize crystals and slices as they are as natural as possible, often being lightly polished and shaped only.
Geodes are valued and graded for the amount of crystals contained within them and also the height of growth too. Crystal clusters or crystal plates are also valued for the amount of crystal growth, but usually clusters and plates are more similar to druzy gems.
Druzy gemstones are usually found with very fine crystals that have been cut and processed with the matrix rock still attached. Examples of fine druzy gems include the
iridescent rainbow pyrite,
azurite druzy and
uvarovite garnet druzy.
For geodes and crystal clusters and plates, the quartz family is one of the most popular groups, offering a variety of crystals and colors. Banded agate, onyx, amethyst and citrine are the most common quartz members offered as crystals in geodes or plates. Gemstone slices are also very popular for gemstone collectors and for those who believe in the powers of metaphysical alternative healing and medicinal therapeutic use. Tourmaline slices are one of the most popular gemstones for this style of gem cut, especially bicolor and multicolor tourmaline. This is because the slice-cut style is designed to best showcase the unique color-zoning commonly found with tourmaline. Banded agate, onyx, fluorite and other patterned gems are also often cut into slices. Multicolor translucent to opaque gemstone types are perfect for slicing for the same reason as tourmaline, as the slice-cut is designed to showcase interesting color zones, patterns and banding exceptionally well.