- Amber :-
Amber is one of the few gemstones that is not a mineral and is, in fact, organic. It is essentially fossilized wood resin and can contain a wide range of inclusions from wood to insects.
The most common colors associated with amber are yellow, orange and brown but there are some highly rare and valuable amber specimens that are red, green and blue.
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Lapis Lazuli:-
Lapis lazuli is, in fact, a rock and not a mineral. The difference is that a rock is made up of multiple minerals, which is why lapis lazuli doesn’t present a single color. The most prized lapis lazuli is the one that features an intense blue color with golden flecks that are the result of pyrite inclusions.
Lapis lazuli, once polished, is used in jewelry, various carvings, ornaments, vases, mosaics and even in architecture to clad walls.
- Coral :-
Coral is another organic gemstone that is in fact made up of many tiny marine organisms that live in compact colonies. History shows that it has been a popular adornment since prehistoric times and was believed to protect the wearer from evil, heal wounds and even bestow wisdom.
The most common color is white, however pink, orange, red and black coral can be found. The rarest and most prized is red coral, which is often mistakenly confused with fire coral.
- Ammolite :-
Ammolite is one of the rarest gemstones on earth and it is an organic stone that is similar to opals. It is made up of the fossilized shells of ammonites which are made of a mineral found primarily in the nacre that makes up pearls.
It is highly prized due to the number of diverse combination of colors which can range from red to green, purple and blue, or even crimson, violet and gold. The most valuable gems feature three or more intense, primary colors.
- Onyx :-
According to legend, it was believed that onyx was, in fact, the fingernail clippings of Venus that were turned into the gemstone by the Fates so that no part of the goddess would ever perish after Cupid cut her nails with an arrow in her sleep.
This black gemstone is used for jewelry and carvings due to its high durability that allows it to stand up to even the most intricate designs.
- Tanzanite :-
Tanzanite is a stunning gemstone that varies in color depending on the angle the crystal is viewed at. It features sapphire blue, violet and burgundy at different angles. This gemstone is quite rare and found mainly in the hills around Mount Kilimanjaro. It is named after the country it was found in, namely Tanzania, in 1967.
- Tourmaline :-
Tourmaline is a mineral that features aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium or potassium inclusions. Thus, this amazing gemstone features a wide range of colors from vivid red and pink to bright green and blue.
History shows that tourmaline has always been favored by royalty and ancient mystics believe that this gem could improve creativity due to the myriad colors it features.
- Turquoise :-
Turquoise is an opaque, blue – green mineral that is one of the oldest gemstones in existence, having been mined since 3200 B.C. It was believed to have healing powers as well as being a promoter of wealth and a protector against evil. It is also a symbol of good luck.
Turquoise requires special care because it has a tendency to absorb almost anything it touches because it is a porous mineral. This means you should not allow it to come into contact with perfumes or cosmetics.
- Jade :-
Jade is an ornamental stone that has been considered the royal gem of China since 2950 B.C. It was believed that jade would preserve the body after death and thus accompanied emperors’ in their eternal resting places.
The English name of the stone is derived from a Spanish term which translates to “loin stone”. This is because it was considered to be very efficient in curing sicknesses associated with the loins and kidneys.
While jade can be found in a variety of colors from blue to lavender and pink, the most prized is the translucent emerald-green jadeite, which is also the rarest.
- Topaz :-
This amazing gemstone features a brilliant golden color and was believed by ancient Egyptians to have been colored by the golden glow of the sun god. It was believed that topaz could dispel enchantments, increase strength and improve eyesight.
There are some extremely rare yet amazing specimens of pale pink to sherry red topaz gemstone that are highly prized.
- Iolite :-
The name of this gemstone is derived from the Greek word for violet. It is also referred to as “Viking’s Compass” because it was used by these seafarers to determine the direction of the sun on overcast days, which allowed them to navigate the seas.
Iolite ranges in color from bright, sapphire blue to violet and it is often used as a more affordable substitute to sapphires.
- Morganite :-
This gemstone is a rather recent discovery as it was first mined in California at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was so named by George Kunz of Tiffany & Co. in honor of his biggest client, J.P. Morgan, the bank tycoon.
Morganite features a pastel yet brilliant pink color and it is a durable gem that is ideal for daily wear.
- Zircon :-
Zircon is a nesosilicate mineral whose natural color ranges from colorless to golden, red, brown, blue and even green. The colorless variety of this gem is a popular more affordable substitute for diamonds.
History shows that zircon was believed to help with sleep, promote honor and wisdom and also bring prosperity.
- Sunstone :-
Sunstone features a stunning spangled appearance that has led to it being prized as a gemstone. The first recorded reference to this gem dates to the 1500’s when it is believed that Pope Clement VII wore such a stone.
Sunstone contains minute inclusions of metallic minerals which create a glittery, star-like effect when light hits the stone.
- Moonstone :-
Moonstone is most commonly formed from the adularia mineral. Due to various inclusions, this gemstone features a stunning sheen that is caused by light reflecting within the stone. In fact, this shimmer made the ancient Romans believe that this amazing gem was in fact made from frozen moonlight, hence its name.
The gemstone comes in a variety of colors from gray and brown to yellow, green or pink. The most prized moonstones have exquisite clarity, which can range from transparent to translucent, are colorless and feature a blue sheen.
