Complete Gemstones Guide

Gemstones are quite diverse and exceptionally unique. Please select the gemstone from the list below to learn more about its character, color, and other information.

Agate
Alexandrite
Amber
Amethyst
Ametrine
Andalusite
Apatite
Aquamarine
Aventurine
Beryl
Carnelian
Chalcedony
Chrysoberyl
Chrysoprase
Citrine
Diamond
Diopside

Emerald

Feldspar
Fluorite
Garnet
Heliodor
Iolite
Jade
Jasper
Kornerupine
Kunzite
Kyanite
Labradorite
Malachite
Moonstone
Morganite
Obsidian
Onyx
Opal
Pearl
Peridot
Pezzottaite

Prehnite
Pyrite
Quartz
Ruby
Sapphire
Sillimanite
Sphene
Spinel
Sunstone
Tanzanite
Tektite
Topaz
Tourmaline
Turquoise
Zircon
Zultanite

Mining Gemstones

In antiquity, most gemstones were discovered near the surface, generally by accident. While this has somewhat changed in modern times, prospecting for colored gemstones is still a fairly primitive affair, relying more on observation and chance, than the intensive scientific methods employed by the large multinational corporations involved in Diamond exploration. Once work begins on a gemstone deposit, it is correctly called a “mine.”

One of the most intriguing aspects of gemstone mining is the diversity of techniques employed in their extraction. These range from low tech tools such as shovels and sieves, to the high tech methods used to extract Diamonds from pipes (a volcanic pathway that connects the earth’s deep mantle to the surface). Apart from the introduction of power tools and pumps, most colored gem mining hasn’t changed dramatically in thousands of years and still relies on three key things – perseverance, hand tools and elbow grease.