Knowledge base

The name Spinel Ruby evokes both history and confusion: a vivid red gemstone that for centuries was mistaken for true ruby, admired by monarchs and jewelers alike. Although today gemologists separate the two by chemistry and crystal structure, spinel continues to fascinate collectors, designers, and scientists. This article explores where spinel ruby occurs, how it […]

Kunzite is a visually striking pink to lilac variety of the mineral spodumene that has captured the attention of gem collectors, jewelers and metaphysical enthusiasts for more than a century. Its delicate hues, impressive crystal habits and occasional ability to yield very large, clean stones make it unique among gem materials. While prized mostly as

Diopside is a distinctive member of the pyroxene group whose chemical formula can be written as CaMgSi2O6. It occupies an important place in mineralogy, petrology and the gemstone market because of its diverse occurrences, clear links to deep geological processes and a number of emerging industrial and biomedical uses. This article explores what diopside is,

Bronzite is a distinctive mineral belonging to the orthopyroxene group, valued by geologists and collectors for its characteristic bronze-like sheen and its geological significance. Its name evokes the metallic lustre that many specimens display, making it both a scientific interest and an attractive ornamental stone. This article explores the mineral’s identity, how and where it

Fibrolite is the historic name given to the fibrous variety of the mineral sillimanite, a high‑temperature aluminium silicate with the chemical formula Al2SiO5. Recognized by its slender, often silky fibers, fibrolite has captured attention both for what it reveals about the metamorphic history of rocks and for its occasional industrial uses. This article examines where

Shungite is a remarkable and enigmatic form of carbon-rich rock that has attracted attention from geologists, chemists, health enthusiasts and designers alike. Often dark and lustrous, it carries a mix of ancient geological history, unusual molecular structures and a variety of practical uses. This article explores the origins, composition, global occurrences, traditional and modern applications,

Jet Stone — a compact, deep black organic material often associated with lignite and ancient forests — occupies a curious place at the intersection of geology, craft and cultural history. Both a lightweight gemstone for wearable art and a scientific marker of prehistoric ecosystems, jet connects human creativity with the slow processes of fossilization. This

Amber is one of nature’s most evocative materials: a hard, translucent product of tree resin that has hardened and fossilized over millions of years. It captures not only light and color but tiny fragments of ancient ecosystems, offering both aesthetic pleasures and scientific windows into deep time. This article explores what amber is, where it

Coral as an organic gemstone occupies a special place at the intersection of natural history, art and culture. Formed by living organisms, some species of coral create durable, vividly colored material that has been prized for millennia as beads, amulets and ornamental objects. This article explores the biology, geography, uses and issues surrounding coral as

Iolite is a fascinating blue-to-violet gemstone with a long geological and cultural story. Often admired for its striking color and dramatic optical behavior, this mineral occupies a special place both in the world of jewelry and in certain industrial applications. The text below examines iolite from several angles: its mineralogy and optical phenomena, where it