Gemstone Information A-Z

Number of Articles: 250

Abalone Pearls; Rare Iridescent Treasures o...

Abalone pearls are extremely rare pearls that come from a marine gastropod and often exhibit beautiful, iridescent blue and green colors, like their attractive sh...

About Agate Stone

Agate is a form of chalcedony quartz that forms in concentric layers in a remarkable variety of colors and textures.

About Amblygonite Gemstones

Amblygonite is a common mineral but a rare gemstone, since transparent specimens are unusual

Actinolite Cats Eye Gemstone Information

Actinolite cat's eye information; history, origin & sources: Actinolite gemological properties identification, mythology, cleaning care. Buy actinolite online.

Agate Gemstones Information

Agate Gemstone Info. Agates chalcedony quartz. Learn how to care for agate. Agate origins, crystal healing powers, agate mythology and sources of agate.

Agate Geode Gemstone Information

Agate Geode Gemstone Information: About Agate Geode value, origins, sources, powers and mythology. Identify and care for Agate Geodes.

Agatized Fossil Coral

Fossil coral is a natural stone that is formed when ancient coral is gradually replaced with agate. The proper name for this material is agatized fossil coral.

Alexandrite Gemstone Information

Alexandrite Gemstone Info: About alexandrite value, origin, sources, crystal healing power, mythology, and how to identify and care for alexandrite gems, rings an...

All about Garnet - More than January's Birt...

All about Garnet is a description of all the different gem types in the Garnet family - talks about the value of garnet in regards to collecting and jewelry.

Almandine Garnet Gemstones Information

Almandine Garnet Gemstone Information: Learn about almandine garnet value, origin, sources, crystal healing powers, mythology - how to care - almandine garnet.

Amazonite Gemstone Information

Amazonite Gemstone Information: Learn about amazonite value, origin, sources, crystal healing powers and mythology, and how to identify and care for amazonite and...

Amber Gemstone Information

Amber Gemstone Information. Learn about amber gemstone including origin, value, rings, jewelry and care. Amber is an organic gem often cut as cabochons

Amethyst Gemstone Information

Amethyst Gemstone Information: Learn about violet amethyst quartz history and value. Learn about treatments and how to care, identify for purple amethyst

Ametrine from Bolivia

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

Ametrine Gemstones Information

Ametrine Gemstone Information: Bicolor ametrine gem value, sources & crystal healing. Identify & care for ametrine (citrine and amethyst). Buy Ametrine Gemstone

Ammolite Gemstones Information

Ammolite Gemstone Information: Iridescent ammonite fossil value, origin, meanings & crystal powers. Buy, shop and identify organic ammolite gems fossils.

Andalusite Gemstone Information

Andalusite gemstone information; history, origin, sources & value. Learn gemological properties, identification, mythology, cleaning & jewelry care. Buy andalusit...

Andesine Labradorite Gemstone Information

Andesine Labradorite Information: Andesine origins, history, value, gemological properties & crystal powers and meanings - learn how to clean, identify & buy ande...

Apatite Gemstone Information

Apatite Gemstone Information: Learn about natural apatite: origin, value, sources & metaphysical crystal healing powers. How to identify & care for apatite

Apatite Gemstones

Apatite is an unusual mineral, being one of the few produced and used by the human body. As a gemstone, the neon blue-green color from Madagascar has become popular.

Aquamarine Gemstone Information

Aquamarine Gemstone Information: Natural aquamarine beryl gemstone origin & value. Crystal healing, metaphysical powers & how to care for gems - GemSelect

Aventurine Gems

Aventurine is used for several kinds of gemstones which bear a resemblance to aventurine glass from Italy.

Aventurine Gemstone Information

Aventurine Gemstone Information: Aventurine quartz value, gemological properties, crystal meanings; buying, identifying & caring for aventurine

Axinite Gems

Axinite is a gem notable for its strong vitreous luster and its unusual crystal structure

Axinite Gemstone Information

Axinite Gemstone Information. Axinite value, origin, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean, identify axinite gems at GemSelect.

Azotic Topaz Gemstone Information

Azotic Topaz Gemstone Information. Learn about Azotic topaz sources, origin, colors, and crystal powers. Buy 100 % natural Azotic Topaz at wholesale prices.

Azurite Gemstone Information

Azurite Gemstone Information: Azurite sources, origin and blue azure color. Learn about azurite gemology, crystal powers, and how to identify and care for azurite...

Beryl Gemstone Information

Precious Golden Beryl Heliodor Information. Yellow golden beryl origin, sources, properties, crystal powers and meanings. Learn to identify and care for beryl gems.

Beryl Gemstones: Emerald, Aquamarine, Golde...

Emerald is the best known variety of beryl, but the species includes a number of other fine gems, including aquamarine, golden beryl, morganite and bixbite.

Bixbite: Red Beryl

Also known as red emerald, bixbite is a very rare gemstone found only in the Wah Wah mountains of Utah

Black Opal Gemstone Information

Black Opal Gemstone Information: Black Opal value, gemological properties, crystal meanings; buying, identify & caring for black opal

Black Tourmaline

Very few gemstones occur in black. Onyx is the most common, but among the finer gems, black tourmaline can make stunning jewelry.

Bloodstone Gems

Bloodstone is an opaque dark-green form of chalcedony quartz with distinctive red spots.

Bloodstone Gemstone Information

Bloodstone Gemstone Information: Heliotrope value, gemological properties, crystal meanings; buying, identify & caring for bloodstone gems & jewelry: GemSelect

Blue Topaz Gems: Learn About Blue Topaz Gem...

Blue topaz is one of the most popular colored gemstones. There are many trade names for the different shades of blue, including Swiss blue, London blue and Sky bl...

Boleite Gemstones

Boleite is a rare silver-bearing mineral first discovered in Baja, Mexico. Some transparent specimens have been cut as gemstones

Botryoidal Gemstones

The botryoidal crystal habit is interesting both for its unique shape, and the fact that is commonly adopted by a number of quite different minerals

Boulder Opal Gemstone Information

Boulder Opal Information: Boulder Opal value, origin, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean, identify boulder opal gems at GemSelect.

Calcite Gemstone Information

Calcite Gemstone Information: Calcite gem value, origin, gemological properties, crystal meanings. Learn how to clean, identify & buy calcite gems - GemSelect

Calcite Gemstones

Calcite, though somewhat soft, is popular with gem and mineral collectors for its luster and interesting colors

Carnelian Gemstone Information

Natural Carnelian Gemstone Information: Orange to red to brown Carnelian quartz gemstone value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to identify dyed car...

Cassiterite Gems

Cassiterite or tin oxide, is popular as a gemstone for its exceptional luster

Cassiterite Natural Gemstone Information

Cassiterite Gemstone Information: Cassiterite value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify cassiterite gems

Cat's Eye Apatite Gemstone Information

Cat's Eye Apatite Gemstone Information: Cat's Eye value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify apatite gems - GemSelect

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Gemstone Information

Cat's Eye Aquamarine Gem Information: cat's eye aquamarine origin, sources and value. Read about the metaphysical power and gemological properties of cat's eye

Cat's Eye Diaspore Gemstone Information

Cat's Eye Diaspore Gemstone Information: Cat's Eye value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify diaspore gems & jewelry: GemSelect

Cat's Eye Gemstones

The cat's eye effect is known as chatoyancy. It is common in a number of gem varieties and very rare in others.

Cat's Eye Moonstone Gemstone Information

Cat's Eye Moonstone Gemstone Information: Cat's Eye value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify moonstone gems & jewelry: GemSelect

Cat's Eye Scapolite Gemstone Information

Cat's Eye Scapolite Gemstone Information: Cat's Eye value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify scapolite gems & jewelry: GemSelect

Cat's Eye Tourmaline Gemstone Information

Cat's Eye Tourmaline Gemstone Information: Cat's eye value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify tourmaline gems

Chalcedony Gemstone Information

Chalcedony Quartz Gemstone Information: Blue to lavender chalcedony is a variety of quartz with a waxy luster. Learn how to care and buy chalcedony gems

Chalcedony Quartz

Chalcedony is used to refer to all types of cryptocrystalline quartz, but also to refer specifically to the blue or lavender variety.

Charoite Gemstone Information

Charoite Gemstone Information: Purple Violet Charoite value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify charoite gems

Chinese Chicken's Blood Stone

Chicken's blood stone, also known as Changhua stone or Balinyouqi stone is a rock that has a bright red color. It is often carved into ornaments, such as seals.

Chocolate Opal Gemstone Information

Chocolate Opal Gemstone Information: Chocolate Opal value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify opal gems

Chrome Diopside

All the choices in rich green gemstones are expensive: emerald, tsavorite and chrome tourmaline. But chrome diopside is changing the market for fine green gems.

Chrome Diopside Gemstone Information

Chrome Diopside Gemstone Information: Chrome green, forest green diopside is similar in color to tsavorite garnet, emerald and chrome tourmaline. Learn about chro...

Chrome Tourmaline Gemstone Information

Chrome Tourmaline Gemstone Information: Chrome Tourmaline value, gemological properties, crystal meanings; buying, identify & caring for tourmaline gems

Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye Gemstone Information

Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye Gemstone Information: Cat's eye value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify chrysoberyl gems

Chrysoberyl Gemstone Information

Chrysoberyl Gemstone & Jewelry Information: Chrysoberyl gemstones include cat's eye & color change alexandrite. Learn about value, gemological properties & crysta...

Chrysocolla Gems

Chrysocolla is one of the copper-bearing gems, and is often found mixed with malachite, azurite, turquoise or quartz.

Chrysocolla Gemstone Information

Chrysocolla Gemstone Information: Chrysocolla gemstone value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify Chrysocolla gems

Chrysolite Information

Chrysolite was the name used in the ancient world for many gold and greenish-yellow gemstones, especially peridot, learn more about chrysolite gemstones

Chrysoprase Gemstone Information

Chrysoprase Gemstone Information: Chrysoprase gemstone value, gemological properties, crystal meanings. How to clean & identify Chrysoprase gems

Citrine Gemstone Information

Citrine Information: Citrine is November's birthstone and is popular for its yellow to golden orange color. Learn about natural citrine gemstones

Citrine Properties

Citrine is a gemstone famous for its positive energy, promoting success in business and relationships.

Clinohumite Gemstone Information

Clinohumite Gem and Mineral Info, learn about clinohumite gemstone sources, origin and gemological properties. Read about clinohumite's many metaphysical alternat...

Color Change Diaspore Gemstone Information

Color Change Diaspore Gemstone Information: Zultanite and Csarite are popular trade names for color change diaspore. Learn about diaspore origin, value, and more.

Color Change Sapphire Gemstone Information

Color Change Sapphire Gem Information, learn about color change sapphire gemstone gemology, sources, origin and value; metaphysical and healing powers of color ch...

Color-Change Garnet Gemstone Information

Color Change Garnet Gem Information, learn about color change garnet gemology, sources, origin, value; metaphysical and crystal healing properties of color change...

Conch Pearls, The Flamed Pink Queens

Conch pearls are extremely rare pearls that come from marine gastropods, like the queen conch, are often oval and pink with a porcelain-type luster or flamed pattern

Coral Gemstone Information

Precious Coral Gemstone Information: Coral gems are very rare & highly sought-after; learn about natural precious coral & agatized fossil coral sources, origin & ...

Cultured Pearl Info

Cultured pearls are produced by mollusks, helped along by humans. Both freshwater and saltwater species are produced

Danburite Gemstone Information

Danburite Gemstone Information, Learn about rare white danburite gemstones and gemology: sources, origin & value, and the metaphysical & crystal healing meanings ...

Danburite Gemstones

Danburite is a colorless to light pink, yellow or brown gemstone first discovered in Danbury, Connecticut

Demantoid Garnet Gems

Demantoid is the rarest and most valuable of all the garnets, and is one of the rarest of all colored gemstones.

Demantoid Garnet Gemstone Information

Demantoid Garnet Gem Information, learn about demantoid, the green andradite garnet: gemology, sources, origin, mythology, jewelry and how to care for demantoid g...

Dendritic Agate

Dendritic agate is a whitish-gray or colorless chalcedony with fern-like markings known as dendrites.

Dendritic Agate Gemstone Information

Dendritic Agate Gem Information, learn all about dendritic agate gemstones, sources, origin and value. Read about the metaphysical and crystal healing powers of d...

Diamonds Gemstone Information

Diamond Gem Information: Learn about fancy color & white diamond gemstone value, sources & history. Read about metaphysical crystal healing & how to care for diam...

Dumortierite Quartz Gems

Quartz intergrown with the mineral dumortierite is a vivid blue or violet blue, and is often used as a gemstone or for carving

Dumortierite Quartz Gemstone Information

Dumortierite Quartz Gem Info: Learn about blue dumortierite quartz value, sources & properties. Learn metaphysical crystal healing & how to care for dumortierite ...

Emerald Gemstone Information

About natural emerald, the most precious beryl, and one of the rarest and most valuable of all gemstones. The green color of emerald is unparalleled.

Enstatite Gemstone Information

Learn about enstatite gemstones; history & origin, how to identify enstatite, gemological properties, related gems, enstatite mythology; how to care for enstatite...

Epidote Gemstone Information

Epidote Gemstone Info: Learn about epidote gems, epidote gemology, identification, origin, metaphysical properties & how to care for epidote gems.

Feldspar Gemstone Info

Feldspar is the most abundant mineral in the world, and includes gem varieties such as moonstone and andesine.

Fire Agate Gemstone Information

Fire Agate Gemstone Information: Learn about fire agate history, gemology & identifying; buying fire agate gems & about metaphysical crystal healing

Fire Opal Gemstone Information

Fire Opal is an unusual variety of opal with colors ranging from yellow to orange and orange-red. Like other opal, fire opal is hydrated silicon dioxide and are o...

Fluorite Gemstone Information

Fluorite Gemstone & Mineral Information: Learn About Fluorite Origin, Sources, Gemstone Value & Properties; Fluorite Varieties, Metaphysical Crystal Healing & Car...

Fluorite: The Collector's Stone

Fluorite is very popular with collectors, due to its wide range of colors. But fluorite also has some fascinating properties and some useful practical applications.

Fossil Coral Gemstone Information

Fossil Coral Gemstone Information: Learn about agatized fossil coral quartz gem sources, origin, value & gemological properties. Learn how to identify & buy fossi...

Garnet Gemstone Information

Garnet is a popular and affordable gemstone. Red garnet is the most well-known but green tsavorite & demantoid are the rarest and most valuable.

Gaspeite Gemstone Information

Gaspeite Gemstone & Mineral Information: About green gaspeite value, sources, gemological properties & metaphysical crystal healing meanings; Learn about gaspeite...

Gemstone Names

The names of many semi precious stones seem confusing and awkward. But accuracy of naming is extremely important in the gemstone industry.

Gemstone Silica

Gem Silica or gem chrysocolla is a rare form of chalcedony colored by copper

Gemstone Type List: Guide to Precious & Sem...

List of precious & semi-precious gemstones: With over 130 gem varieties, our gemstone index will help you find the perfect colored stone for your jewelry & crysta...

Goshenite Gemstone Information

Goshenite Gemstone Information. About goshenite, a colorless white beryl: sources, value, gemological, crystal meanings, identifying, buying & caring for beryl gems.

Goshenite Gemstones

Goshenite is the colorless form of beryl, often cut as a gemstone due to its excellent clarity and transparency

Grandidierite Gemstone Information

Grandidierite is one of the top 10 rarest gems, first discovered in 1902 by French mineralogist, Alfred Lacroix, then named in honor of Alfred Grandidier

Grossular Garnet: Grossular Garnet Gemstones

The grossularite garnet group includes grossular, hessonite, leuco, hydrogrossular and tsavorite.

Grossularite Garnet Gemstone Information

Grossularite Garnet Info: About green grossular gemstone value, sources, gemological properties; metaphysical crystal healing & meanings; buying & caring for gros...

Hackmanite Gemstone Information

Hackmanite gem and mineral info: Learn about hackmanite gemstone origin, value, sources and properties. Learn about hackmanite tenebrescence and its many metaphys...

Hackmanite Tenebrescence

Hackmanite exhibits an unusual phenomenon known as reversible photochromism, where a mineral changes color when exposed to sunlight

Hambergite Gemstone Information

Hambergite Gem and Mineral Info: Learn about hambergite gemstone origin, value, sources and properties. Learn about hambergite's metaphysical abilities

Hambergite Gemstones

Hambergite is a nearly colorless gemstone with some distinctive properties, such as a very low density and a very high double refraction

Hawk's Eye Gemstone Information

Hawk's Eye Gemstone Information: Hawk's eye is a blue gray chatoyant variety of quartz, related to tiger's eye & pietersite. Learn about rare hawk's eye gems

Hematite and Pyrite

Hematite and Pyrite are among the only gemstones which exhibit a metallic luster.

Hematite Gemstone Information

Hematite Gemstone and Mineral Information: Learn about hematite gem origin, value, sources and properties. Learn about hematite's metaphysical abilities, and iden...

Hemimorphite Gemstone Information

Hemimorphite Gemstone, Mineral and Jewelry Information: Learn about hemimorphite gemstone origins, value, sources and metaphysical properties.

Hessonite Garnet Gemstone Information

Hessonite Garnet Gemstone Info: Learn about hessonite grossularite garnet gemstone origin, value, sources and properties. Learn about buying and identifying hesso...

Hiddenite Gemstone Information

Hiddenite is a form of spodumene containing chromium, but is rare and for the most part known only to collectors. The green color varies from a yellowish to a blu...

Hornblende and Gems

Hornblende is an important mineral in the gem industry. It is mostly famous for being an impurity found in gemstones such as anyolite, ruby-zoisite, moss opal and...

Howlite Gemstone Information

Learn about howlite gemstones; history and origin, how to identify and buy howlite, gemological properties, related gems, howlite mythology, jewelry ideas and car...

Howlite Gemstones

Howlite is an interesting mineral that is more famous for imitating turquoise

Idocrase Gemstone Information

Idocrase Gem and Mineral Info: Learn about idocrase gemstone origin, value, sources and properties. Learn about idocrase's metaphysical abilities

Idocrase Vesuvianite Gemstones

Idocrase is a rare gemstone, usually found in shades of green. Transparent specimens are very rare.

Imperial Topaz Gemstone Information

Learn about imperial topaz; history and origin, how to identify imperial topaz, gemmological properties, related gems, imperial topaz mythology, and how to care f...

Iolite Gemstone Information

Iolite Cordierite Gemstone Information: Learn about Iolite's unique color pleochroism: violet blue, yellow gray and light blue in the same stone.

Jacinth Gemstones

Jacinth is a traditional name for orange or red zircon. Though no longer in use, it is part of the history of gemstones

Jade Gemstone Information

Learn about jade; jadeite and nephrite, history and origin, how to identify jade, gemmological properties, related gems, jade mythology and how to care for jade

Jadeite Gemstone Information

Jadeite Gemstone and Jewelry Information; Jade history and origin, how to identify jadeite, gemological properties, mythology, and caring for jadeite gems

Jasper Gemstone Information

Jasper is usually considered a chalcedony, but scientists put it in a group by itself because of its grainy structure. Learn all about Jasper here at GemSelect

Kornerupine Gemstone Information

Kornerupine, or prismatine, is a rare pleochroic collector's gemstone known to occur in variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, brown, green and blue.

Kornerupine Gemstones

Kornerupine is a rare gemstone found in Greenland, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Tanzania

Kunzite Gemstone Information

Pink Kunzite Gemstone Information: Learn about pink to violet spodumene kunzite history and origin, gemological properties, mythology and jewelry ideas

Kyanite Gemstone Information

Kyanite is a layered crystal with a luster that is vitreous to almost pearly, and is usually found in a sapphire-like blue.

Labradorite Gemstone Information

Learn about labradorite; history and origin, how to identify labradorite, gemological properties, related gems, labradorite mythology, jewelry ideas

Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Information

Information about lapis lazuli including variety, color, source, treatment, gemology, buyer's guide, buy lapis lazuli online at Gemselect

Lapis Lazuli: Stone of the Ancients

Lapis, the original blue gemstone of antiquity, has a long and romantic history. It has been mined continuously in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years.

Larimar Gemstone Information

Learn about Larimar; history and origin, how to identify Larimar, gemmological properties, related gems, Larimar mythology, jewellery ideas and how to care for La...

Lemon Quartz Gemstones

Lemon quartz is a trade name for transparent color-enhanced yellow quartz, sometimes called 'Oro Verde' and often confused with citrine quartz, read on to learn a...

Lepidolite Gemstone Information

Learn about lepidolite; history and origin, how to identify lepidolite, gemmological properties, related gems, lepidolite mythology, jewellery ideas and how to ca...

Malachite Gemstone Information

Learn about malachite; history and origin, how to identify malachite, gemmological properties, related gems, malachite mythology, and how to care for malachite

Malaya Garnet Gemstone Information

Malaya garnet is rare hybrid variety of garnet. It is mix pyrope-spessartine and almandite. It is also known under other trade name variations include malaia garn...

Mali Garnet Gemstone Information

Learn about Mali garnet; history and origin, how to identify Mali garnet, gemological properties, related gems, Mali garnet mythology, jewelry ideas and how to ca...

Mali Garnet Gemstones

Mali garnet is a mixture of grossular and andradite garnets. It was first discovered in the West African nation of Mali in 1994

Marcasite and Pyrite

Pyrite and marcasite have the same chemical composition, but different structures. Only one of them can be used as a gemstone

Maw-Sit-Sit from Burma

Maw-sit-sit is one of the more unusual gemstones in the world, from its curious name to its variable chemical composition.

Maw-Sit-Sit Gemstone Information

Learn about maw-sit-sit; history and origin, how to identify maw-sit-sit, gemological properties, related gems, maw-sit-sit mythology, and how to care for maw-sit...

Melanite Gemstone Information

Learn about melanite; history and origin, how to identify melanite, gemmological properties, related gems, melanite mythology, and how to care for melanite

Mexican Fire Opal

Fire opal is unique in the opal family because high grade material is transparent enough to be cut in facets.

Moldavite and Tektite

Moldavite is a green to brown form of natural glass resulting from meteorite impact. It is a rare mineral often used as a gemstone

Moldavite Gemstone Information

Learn about moldavite; history and origin, how to identify moldavite, gemmological properties, related gems, moldavite mythology, and how to care for moldavite

Moonstone Gems

Moonstone is one of the most abundant and affordable of the gemstones with unique optical properties.

Moonstone Gemstone Information

Moonstone Gem Information: Moonstone sources, origin, gemological properties and value. Read about varieties and crystal powers of moonstone gems

Morganite Gemstone Information

Morganite Gemstone Information: Pink beryl history, origin, mythology and jewelry ideas. Identifying gemological properties & caring for morganite gems

Moss Opal Gemstone Information

Moss opal is a milky white opal with unique inclusions of green hornblende in moss-like patterns. Read more about moss opal in the GemSelect buyer's guide.

Mother of Pearl Gemstone Information

Mother-of-pearl is a gemstone formed by the nacreous inner shell coating of pearl-producing mollusks, it has an attractive pearly luster and beautiful iridescence

Mother-of-Pearl Gemstones

Mother-of-pearl is a gem made of the nacre that coats the inside of mollusk shells, its pearly luster and iridescence makes it ideal for jewelry use, such as cameos

Muscovite and Fuchsite

Muscovite is a mica that is found in many types of rocks. The green chromium-rich variety is known as fuchsite

Mystic Quartz Gemstone Information

Learn about mystic quartz and the high-tech film disposition enhancement applied to colorless quartz and topaz to created Mystic Gems and Azotic quartz and topaz ...

Mystic Topaz Gemstone Information

Mystic Topaz Gemstone Information: Mystic Topaz value, gemological properties, crystal meanings; buying, identify & caring for mystic gems

Natural Carnelian

Carnelian, one of the oldest known gemstones, is a brownish red to red-orange variety of chalcedony or cryptocrystalline quartz.

Nephrite Jade Gemstone Information

Learn about nephrite jade; history and origin, how to identify nephrite jade, gemmological properties, related gems, nephrite jade mythology, and how to care for ...

Nuummite Gemstone Information

Learn about Nuummite; history and origin, how to identify Nuummite, gemmological properties, related gems, Nuummite mythology, and how to care for Nuummite

Obsidian Gemstone Information

Learn about obsidian; history and origin, how to identify obsidian, gemmological properties, related gems, obsidian mythology, and how to care for obsidian

Obsidian Volcanic Glass

Obsidian is the only natural gemstone which is actually glass, formed from lava that cools without crystal growth

Omphacite Jade Gemstone Information

Omphacite jade is a variety of jade that is composed of omphacite and jadeite. It is similar to other jade varieties such as jade-albite and maw-sit-sit

Onyx Gemstone Information

Learn about onyx; history and origin, how to identify onyx, gemmological properties, related gems, onyx mythology, jewellery ideas and how to care for onyx

Onyx Stone - Gemstones

Most people think of onyx as solid black. But onyx actually refers to layered stones that exhibit different colors in multiple layers.

Opal Gemstone Information

Opal Gemstone Information: Precious and common opal varieties, value, color, gemological properties; buyer's guide to buying loose opal and fine opal

Opal: Fire of the Desert

Australia has the largest opal deposits in the world, and the finest opals as well.

Orthoclase Gemstone Information

All about orthoclase, a transparent yellow feldspar resembling citrine quartz or yellow beryl, found primarily in Madagascar.

Paste Gemstones

Paste is the term used to denote gemstones created from cut glass. The art of paste jewelry reached its peak in the 18th century

Pectolite Gemstone Information

Learn about pectolite; history and origin, how to identify pectolite, gemological properties, related gems, pectolite mythology, and how to care for pectolite

Peridot Gemstone Information

Peridot Gemstone Information: Peridot, sometimes referred to as olivine, is idiochromatic and as a result, is found only in green color.

Pietersite Gemstone Information

Pietersite Gemstone History; About Pietersite gemstone history, value and sources. Gemological properties, buying & identifying guide to pietersite gems

Pietersite Gemstones

Pietersite is a breccia aggregate of hawks eye and tigers eye, with swirling colors of blue, rusty red, gold and brown

Prehnite Gemstone Information

Learn about prehnite; history and origin, how to identify prehnite, gemological properties, related gems, prehnite mythology, and how to care for prehnite

Prehnite Gemstones

Prehnite was the first mineral named after an individual. New deposits of this intriguing gem are making it more widely available.

Pyrope Garnet Gemstone Information

Pyrope Garnet Information: Learn about the history of red garnet, gemological properties, value & sources for natural pyrope garnet; Buying & Caring for Pyrope Gems

Quartz Gemstone Information

Quartz Gemstone Information: Quartz is one of the most important gemstones in the world, and comes in many forms. Learn about Quartz Gemstones

Rainbow Moonstone Gemstone Information

Learn about rainbow moonstone; history and origin, how to identify rainbow moonstone, gemmological properties, related gems, rainbow moonstone mythology, jeweller...

Rainbow Pyrite Gemstone Information

Learn about rainbow pyrite; history and origin, how to identify rainbow pyrite, gemmological properties, related gems, rainbow pyrite mythology, jewellery ideas a...

Rainbow Scapolite Gemstones

Rainbow scapolite is a trade name for scapolite gems containing iridescent inclusions, these gems are often cut en cabochon and can display the full spectrum of c...

Rare Alexandrite Gems

Alexandrite, a color-change chrysoberyl, is one of the rarest of all colored gemstones.

Rare Ammolite

Ammolite is the fossilized shell of ammonites, which are composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral that makes up nacreous pearls

Rare Chrome Tourmaline

Chrome tourmaline is a distinct variety of tourmaline, colored by chromium and vanadium.

Rare Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye

Chrysoberyl cat's eye is a rare and exotic gemstone, combining excellent hardness with an especially vivid cat's eye effect.

Rare Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase is considered the rarest and most valuable gemstone in the chalcedony quartz group.

Rare Fire Agate

One of the rarest forms of agate is the so-called fire agate, found only in the southwestern USA and Mexico.

Rare Garnets: Tsavorite, Spessartite and Rh...

The popular image of garnet is that of an inexpensive dark red gem. But there are some rarer varieties -- tsavorite, spessartite and rhodolite -- that have stunni...

Rare Sillimanite Gems

Sillimanite is a rare collector's gemstone that is colorless, grayish-white, green, bluish or brownish hues. Transparent, faceted sillimanite gems are extremely rare

Rare Spinel

Natural spinel is rare and can be difficult to find. The traditional source of the best spinel is Burma, but African spinel is starting to make the gem more avail...

Rare Tourmaline Gemstones: from Chrome to P...

Tourmaline is famous for its rainbow of colors, but some tourmaline are very rare. These include chrome tourmaline, paraiba tourmaline and watermelon tourmaline.

Red Cinnabar

Cinnabar, a mercury sulphide that is usually a vivid red, has some unique gemological properties

Rhodochrosite Gems

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate with an attractive soft pink color and interesting variegated markings.

Rhodochrosite Gemstone Information

Learn about rhodochrosite; history and origin, how to identify rhodochrosite, gemmological properties, related gems, rhodochrosite mythology, jewellery ideas and ...

Rhodolite Garnet Gemstone Information

Rhodolite Garnet Gemstone Information: Rhodolite is a Purplish Red Pyrope and Almandine garnet mix, often lighter in color than other red garnets. Rhodolite gems ...

Rhodonite Gemstone Information

Learn about rhodonite; history and origin, how to identify rhodonite, gemmological properties, related gems, rhodonite mythology, jewellery ideas and how to care ...

Rhodonite Gemstones

Rhodonite is a rose pink to red gemstone with black dendritic inclusions of manganese oxide

Rose Quartz Gemstone and Jewelry Informatio...

Pink Rose Quartz Information. Soft milky pink rose quartz is unique in the gems world. It is associated with love and healing. Read about Rose Quartz Gems & Jewel...

Rubellite Tourmaline

Rubellite is a pink to red variety of tourmaline, though there are different opinons about exactly what defines rubellite gems, some say it is red and others say ...

Ruby Gemstone Information

Read all about Ruby a red corundum. All other corundum colors are considered to be Sapphire. Corundum is the second hardest natural material. Learn about Ruby

Ruby in Fuchsite Information

Ruby-in-fuchsite is a colorful gemstone composed of ruby (corundum) and fuchsite, sometimes confused for ruby-in-zoisite because of its green and red contrasting ...

Ruby Zoisite Gemstone Information

All about ruby-zoisite, the natural combination of ruby and zoisite crystals in a single specimen.

Ruby-in-Zoisite

The vast ruby deposits at Longido in Tanzania are the world's source for anyolite or ruby-zoisite.

Rutilated Topaz

Rutile topaz displays golden needle-like inclusions. But these are actually limonite, not rutile

Rutile Topaz Gemstone Information

Learn about rutile topaz; history and origin, how to identify rutile topaz, gemmological properties, related gems, rutile topaz mythology, jewellery ideas and how...

Sapphire Gemstone Information

Sapphire Gemstone Information: Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9. It is one of the hardest materials, second to diamond. Read about sapphire gems at Gemselect.

Sard and Sardonyx

Sard is a type of chalcedony quartz, similar to carnelian, but darker in color. Sardonyx is a type of banded agate with a brown base

Scapolite Gemstone Information

Scapolite gemstone information: Learn about scapolite sources, origin, gemmological properties and value. Read about the metaphysical crystal powers of scapolite ...

Scapolite Gemstones

Scapolite is not well known, but makes an attractive gemstone. The cat's eye variety is rare and valuable.

Selenite Gemstones - Massive Crystals and C...

Selenite is a transparent and colorless form of crystalline gypsum. Some extraordinarily large crystals have been found in Mexico

Semi Precious Turquoise

Semi precious gems including turquoise have been mined, cut, worn and treasured by cultures all over the world for centuries

Seraphinite Gemstone Information

Learn about seraphinite; history and origin, how to identify seraphinite, gemmological properties, related gems, seraphinite mythology, jewellery ideas and how to...

Serpentine Gemstone Information

Learn about serpentine; history and origin, how to identify serpentine, gemmological properties, related gems, serpentine mythology, jewellery ideas and how to ca...

Sillimanite Gemstone Information

Sillimanite is an extremely rare collector's gem and polymorph of kyanite and andalusite, which is more often seen as cat's eye sillimanite than as faceted sillim...

Sillimanite Gemstones

Sillimanite is an aluminum silicate, related to both andalusite and kyanite. Cat's eye specimens make lovely rings.

Smithsonite Gemstone Information

Learn about smithsonite; history and origin, how to identify smithsonite, gemmological properties, related gems, smithsonite mythology, jewellery ideas and how to...

Smithsonite Gemstones

Smithsonite is one of two zinc-containing minerals discovered by the British mineralogist James Smithson. The other is hemimorphite

Smoky Quartz and Smoky Topaz: Learn About S...

Smoky quartz is sometimes sold under the misleading name of smoky topaz. Smoky topaz is not an official gemstone type because there is no such gemstone. Learn mor...

Sodalite Gemstone Information

Sodalite Gemstone and Jewelry Information; Learn about sodalite sources, gemological properties, mythology and more. Buying, cleaning and caring for Sodalite gems...

Spectrolite Labradorite Gemstones

Spectrolite is a rare variety of labradorite with an iridescence that displays a full spectrum of colors

Spessartite Garnet Gemstone Information

Spessartite Garnet Gemstone Information: When it comes to spessartine, Mandarin Garnet is the most valuable. Learn about spessartite garnet.

Sphalerite Fire

Sphalerite has fire or dispersion greater than diamond, but gem-quality specimens are rare.

Sphalerite Gemstone Information

Learn about sphalerite; history and origin, how to identify sphalerite, gemmological properties, related gems, sphalerite mythology, jewellery ideas and how to ca...

Sphene Brilliance

Sphene is one of very few gemstones with an adamantine or diamond-like luster. Sphene's dispersion or fire even exceeds diamond.

Sphene Gemstone Information

Sphene Gemstone Information:, Brilliant yellowish to golden green sphene exhibits high luster and intensive fire. Learn about Sphene gems and jewelry at GemSelect.

Spinel Gemstone Information

Spinel Gemstone Information: Spinel gems have excellent hardness, clarity and value. Spinel is one of the best jewelry gemstones. Learn about spinel gems and jewe...

Spodumene Gemstone Information

All about spodumene, a rock-forming mineral in granite and pegmatite that bears other lithium minerals.

Star Garnet Gems

Star garnet is one of the rarer gems exhibiting asterism, found only in Idaho and India.

Star Gemstones

Star sapphire and star ruby are examples of gems that exhibit asterism or the star effect. Learn why some gemstones exhbit this rare phenomenon.

Star Moonstone Gemstone Information

Star Moonstone Gem Information: Learn about star moonstone sources, origin, gemological properties and value. Read about the many metaphysical and crystal powers ...

Star Ruby Gemstone Information

All about Star Ruby, a ruby which displays asterism, a six-rayed star that shimmers over the surface of the stone when it is moved.

Star Sapphire Gemstone Information

All about Star Sapphire, a sapphire which contains unusual tiny needle-like inclusions. Aligned needles that intersect each other at varying angles produce a phen...

Strawberry Quartz

Quartz with red inclusions of iron oxide is rare, and is often sold under the name strawberry quartz or red fire quartz.

Sugilite Gemstone Information

Learn about sugilite; history and origin, how to identify sugilite, gemmological properties, related gems, sugilite mythology, jewellery ideas and how to care for...

Sunstone Gemstone Information

Learn about sunstone history and origin, how to identify sunstone, gemological properties, related gems, sunstone mythology, jewelry ideas and how to care for sun...

Sunstone: History of Sunstone, Feldspar Gem...

Sunstone, or aventurine feldspar, is a unique gemstone sought-after for its spangled appearance caused by hematite inclusions. Learn about popular sunstone gems a...

Tanzanite Gemstone Information

Tanzanite Gemstone Information: Tanzanite ranges in color from blue to purple. The best is a deep blue with purple shimmer. Learn about tanzanite gems & jewelry a...

Tanzanite Prices

How did tanzanite become so popular and so expensive? Is tanzanite good value at today's prices?

Tashmarine Diopside Gemstone Information

Tashmarine is the interesting trade name for a rare green diopside gemstone colored by iron. It is one the most important gemstone discoveries of the 21st century.

The Mystery of Andesine-Labradorite

An attractive red feldspar called andesine has attracted a lot of attention in the gems world. What is really known about andesine?

The World of Quartz Gemstones

Quartz is a very common mineral but the quartz family is incredibly diverse and endlessly fascinating.

Tiger's Eye Gemstone Information

Tiger's Eye Gemstone Information: Tiger's eye is an opaque, chatoyant quartz, closely related to hawk's eye and pietersite. Learn about tiger's eye quartz gems an...

Topaz Gemstone Information

Topaz Gemstone Information: Pink, Yellow, Precious Topaz; Mystic, Imperial Topaz and Blue Topaz are very important jewelry stones. Learn about topaz gems & jewelr...

Tourmaline Gemstone Information

Tourmaline Gemstone Information: Tourmaline is one of the most versatile gems, available from colorless to blue to black. Read more about fine tourmaline gems

Tsavorite Garnet Gemstone Information

Tsavorite Garnet Gemstone Information: Learn about green grossular Tsavorite garnet, found in only place in the world; Fine tsavorite gems and Jewelry: GemSelect

Turquoise Gemstone Information

Turquoise is one of the most popular green blue jewelry gemstones today. Natural turquoise is rare, but still affordable and highly sought-after for silver jewelr...

Unmistakable Andalusite

Andalusite has a such distinctive combination of colors and such pronounced pleochroism that it is rarely mistaken for any other gem.

Variscite Gemstone Information

Learn about variscite; history and origin, how to identify variscite, gemmological properties, related gems, variscite mythology, jewellery ideas and how to care ...

Variscite Gemstones

Variscite is a green phosphate mineral that is used as a gemstone and for carvings. Notable deposits are found in Utah

Verdite Gemstone Information

Verdite is a translucent to opaque collector's gem, typically light to dark green in color. As a member of the mica group, it is closely related to fuchsite.

What's Special about Chrysoberyl Gemstones?

Chrysoberyl is a rare gem with some outstanding characteristics, but it is so little known that even many gem dealers don't stock it.

What's Special about Spessartite?

Spessartite is no ordinary garnet. With its striking mandarin orange color and its high refractive index, it is one of the finest gems in today's market.

Zircon Gemstones Information

Zircon Gemstone Information: Zircon has great brilliance and intensive fire, due to its refractive index and dispersion. Read more about natural zircon gems.

Zircon Stone - Excellent Gemstones

Zircon is an important jewelry stone, recognized for its exceptional brilliance and fire.

Zoisite Gemstones

Zoisite was first discovered in Austria in 1805. Three gemstone varieties are known: tanzanite, thulite and anyolite (or ruby-zoisite).

Zultanite, Csarite and Diaspore: Color Chan...

Zultanite, Csarite and Diaspore are all names for a color change gemstone from Turkey. What is color change diaspore and why does it have many names?