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Rose quartz is a variety of crystalline quartz. Rose quartz is a pale pink to deep peachy pink color gemstone. It is rarely found in crystals, and when these occur, they seldom exceed ½ or (1 cm) in length. Its coloration has been attributed to traces of titanium, while its milky appearance may be due…

Rhodochrosite was named in 1800, its name derives from the Greek rhodokhros, meaning “of rosy color.” It is a manganese carbonate found in hydrothermal ore veins formed at moderate temperatures, in high-temperature metamorphic deposits, and as a secondary mineral in sedimentary manganese deposits. Gem-quality transparent rhodochrosite crystals have a bright pink color. They occur in…

Pyrite is also known as “fool’s gold.” Pyrite’s name derives from the Greek word pyr, meaning “fire,” due to the sparks it emits when struck by iron. It is also called iron pyrite or simply pyrites. Pyrite is hard, brittle and often crystalline. Pyrite occurs in igneous rocks, and is found in hydrothermal veins associated…

Peridot is the name variety of the mineral olivine.  It is believed that the name derives from the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem.  Peridot has been mined for over 3,500 years on the former John’s Island in the Red Sea, now called Zabargad Island and is located in Egypt. The Greek name chrysolite, meaning gold…

The word opal derives from the Indian word “stone.” There are three categories for opal; precious opals, yellow fire opals, and common opals. The special characteristics of opal are their play of color, a display of rainbow like hues which changes with the angle of observation. Opal is a form of silica but different from…

Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass that forms when lava solidifies so rapidly that mineral crystals do not have time to grow. Its color is usually black, but sometimes with the presence of hematite (iron oxide) it can be Indian red to brown. Obsidian has a bright, vitreous luster on smooth surfaces, and is sometimes…

Malachite is a common secondary mineral with a vivid green color; formed by the gathering of copper deposits, where it is usually accompanied by lesser amounts of azurite, that have a deep azure blue color. It is normally found in opaque green masses that are granular, knobby, and massive. Malachite’s name derives from the Greek…

Labradorite is a colorful stone that offers a range of colors and optical effects. It is named after its source the Peninsula of Labrador in Canada, where it was found. Labradorite displays a metallic rainbow effect similar to that of black opal except with larger color spots, often blue and green, although specimens with the…

Kyanite’s name derives from the Greek kyanos, meaning “dark blue.” It occurs in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss associated with garnet, staurolite and micas; and in eclogites. The presence of kyanite in rocks indicates that they have undergone moderate temperatures and medium to high pressures during metamorphism. Associated minerals include andalusite, corundum, and…

Jet is a hard gem variety of lignite (a type of coal), which is often carved or faceted, and takes a good polish. Jet has high carbon content and a layered structure. It is black to dark brown, and sometimes contains tiny inclusions of pyrite, which have a metallic luster. Jet’s name derives from the…