What is Tiger’s Eye? Tiger’s Eye is a captivating and distinctive variety of quartz known for its rich golden-brown color and silky luster. This beautiful stone exhibits a unique optical phenomenon called chatoyancy, or the “cat’s eye effect,” which creates a reflective, light-catching band that seems to move across the stone. Tiger’s Eye is primarily […]
What is Sunstone? Sunstone is a captivating variety of feldspar known for its vibrant and warm colors, ranging from pale yellow to deep orange and red. This stunning gemstone is characterized by its sparkling aventurescence, which is caused by tiny inclusions of hematite, goethite, or copper. These inclusions reflect light, giving Sunstone a glittering, sunlit […]
What is Sodalite? Sodalite is a beautiful deep blue mineral often interspersed with white calcite veins, giving it a striking and unique appearance. This sodium aluminum silicate mineral is known for its rich royal blue color, which can sometimes feature shades of gray, green, or yellow. Sodalite is primarily found in Canada, Brazil, Russia, and […]
What is Smoky Quartz? Smoky Quartz is a captivating variety of quartz known for its translucent brown to black color, which is caused by natural irradiation or the presence of aluminum impurities. This stone can range from a light smoky gray to a deep, nearly opaque black. Smoky Quartz is found in many locations worldwide, […]
What is Shungite? Shungite is a unique and ancient black stone composed primarily of carbon, the same element that forms graphite and diamonds. This extraordinary mineral is primarily found in the Karelia region of Russia and is estimated to be around 2 billion years old. Shungite is known for its distinctive, almost metallic luster and […]
What is Serpentine? Serpentine is a captivating mineral group that comes in a variety of green shades, ranging from pale yellow-green to deep, dark green, often with interesting patterns and textures. The name “Serpentine” is derived from the Latin word “serpens,” meaning serpent or snake, due to its snake-like appearance. Serpentine can be found in […]
What is Selenite? Selenite is a transparent or translucent variety of gypsum, a calcium sulfate mineral, known for its soft, pearly luster that often gives it a moon-like glow. The name “Selenite” comes from the Greek word “Selene,” meaning moon, reflecting its luminous appearance. This beautiful stone can form in a variety of shapes, including […]
What is Rutilated Quartz? Rutilated Quartz is a captivating variety of quartz that contains needle-like inclusions of rutile, a titanium dioxide mineral. These inclusions can appear in various colors, including gold, silver, red, and black, giving the stone a unique and mesmerizing appearance. The rutile inclusions often form patterns within the clear or smoky quartz, […]
What is Rose Quartz? Rose Quartz is a captivating and soothing variety of quartz known for its soft pink hues. This beautiful stone ranges in color from pale, almost white pink to a deep rosy pink. The pink color is due to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese within the crystal. Rose Quartz is […]
What is Rhyolite? Rhyolite is an intriguing and visually striking volcanic rock composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals. It is known for its unique and vibrant appearance, often displaying a wide range of colors, including green, brown, yellow, red, and cream. These colors create intricate patterns, such as spots, bands, and swirls, giving […]
