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Celestine is named after the Latin word caelestis, meaning “heavenly.”  It is a mineral consisting of strontium sulfate. The mineral is named for its occasional delicate blue color. Celestine occurs as crystals, and also in compact massive and fibrous forms. It is mostly found in sedimentary rocks, and often associated with the minerals gypsum, anhydrite,…

Cat’s eye is also known as “chrysoberyl cat’s eye,” or cymophane, from the Greek – waving light.  All other cat’s eye is designated with a different name.  Cat’s eye forms fine parallel inclusions that produce a silver-white line that appears as a moving light ray in a cabochon cut stone; resembling the pupil of a cat.  The…

Calcite is the most common form of calcium carbonate. It is known for its great variety and the beautiful development of its crystals. Calcite is also called limespar. The name is derived from the Latin word calx, meaning “lime.” More than 300 forms of calcite crystals are known, and they combine into a thousand different…

At Gemstoneindex you can find information on gemstones, minerals, jewelry, birthstones and more. It is intended as a guide to the beautiful and fascinating world of gemstones. Throughout history gemstones have been admired and worn as amulets and talismans; believed to have powers to protect against evil, disease, and as safeguards of health. Gemstones have…

At Gemstoneindex you can find information on gemstones, minerals, jewelry, birthstones and more. It is intended as a guide to the beautiful and fascinating world of gemstones. Throughout history gemstones have been admired and worn as amulets and talismans; believed to have powers to protect against evil, disease, and as safeguards of health. Gemstones have…

At Gemstoneindex you can find information on gemstones, minerals, jewelry, birthstones and more. It is intended as a guide to the beautiful and fascinating world of gemstones. Throughout history gemstones have been admired and worn as amulets and talismans; believed to have powers to protect against evil, disease, and as safeguards of health. Gemstones have…

Aventurine is a variety of quartz that has a spangled appearance due to sparkling internal reflections from uniformly oriented tiny inclusions of other minerals.  Aventurine quartz is named for the type of glass discovered in Italy at the beginning of the 1800s; it was called Ventura because the glass was discovered by accident or luck. A…

Aquamarine’s name derives from the Latin for water of the sea named because of its seawater color. Aquamarine is a blue-green variety of beryl, at its best quality it’s a sky blue color. Beryl is a mineral. The name Beryl is derived from the Greek beryllos, applied to many green stones. One of the best known…

At Gemstoneindex you can find information on gemstones, minerals, jewelry, birthstones and more. It is intended as a guide to the beautiful and fascinating world of gemstones. Throughout history gemstones have been admired and worn as amulets and talismans; believed to have powers to protect against evil, disease, and as safeguards of health. Gemstones have…

Amethyst’s name derives from the ancient Greek amethustos, meaning “not drunk.” It was believed to guard or protect against the drunkenness. Amethyst is one of the most highly valued stones in the quartz group. Ancient Mesopotamia civilizations highly valued amethyst and so did the ancient Egyptians. Amethyst has been used in jewelry for thousands of…