Gemstone Encyclopedia

Topaz: The Gem of Purity, Strength, and Radiant Beauty

Topaz has spent two thousand years being mistaken for other stones, from the peridot of its naming island to a Portuguese crown diamond. Learn what Imperial topaz means, how Sky, Swiss and London B...

Tourmaline: The Gem of Infinite Colors and Magical Energy

Tourmaline is a family of minerals, and every famous color name from rubellite to Paraiba is a label within it. Its full story, from Dutch ash pullers to the Chinese empress who moved a market.

Zircon: The Brilliant Gemstone with a Rich History

Zircon is a natural gem with fire approaching diamond and a pedigree reaching 4.4 billion years, sharing nothing with synthetic cubic zirconia but a syllable. Learn how radioactivity creates two ge...

Cabochon: The Timeless Cut That Enhances Natural Gem Beauty

The cabochon is an elegant and historical cut that enhances the natural beauty of gemstones. In this article, we explore its advantages, ideal gemstones, and famous jewelry featuring this cut.

Chrysoprase Information

Chrysoprase is probably the least known member of the microcrystalline group, but it is generally considered to be the rarest and most valuable.

Gem Silica or Chrysocolla Chalcedony Information

The vivid greenish blue material known as gem silica is quite rare, and high quality specimens are coveted by collectors and jewelry designers. 

Chalcedony Information

Chalcedony, the beautifully colored cryptocrystalline quartz that could be precisely carved into seals and amulets, was a treasured gem of the ancient world.