Knowledge base

Celestite – (mineral)

Celestite is a striking and scientifically important mineral known for its often delicate sky-blue crystals and its role as the principal ore of strontium. Beyond its visual appeal, celestite is tied to a variety of industrial, geological and cultural uses — from serving as a source for strontium chemicals used in ceramics and pyrotechnics to […]

Celestite – (mineral) Read More »

Gypsum – (mineral)

Gypsum is a versatile and widely distributed mineral whose presence shapes landscapes, building practices, and industrial processes around the world. Known both for its delicate, glassy crystals and its practical uses in construction and agriculture, gypsum bridges geology and everyday life. This article explores where gypsum forms and occurs, how it is extracted and processed,

Gypsum – (mineral) Read More »

Selenite – (mineral)

Selenite is a remarkable and often misunderstood variety of the common mineral gypsum. Recognizable for its glassy, often transparent crystals and its delicate, silky luster, selenite captures attention both in scientific contexts and among collectors, artists, and those interested in metaphysical properties. This article explores its mineralogical characteristics, natural occurrences, practical applications, cultural significance, and

Selenite – (mineral) Read More »

Scapolite – (mineral)

Scapolite is a fascinating group of silicate minerals that occupies a unique place in both petrology and gemology. Often occurring as well-formed prismatic crystals or as granular aggregates in metamorphosed carbonate rocks, scapolite records important information about the fluids and conditions that altered its host rocks. This article explores where scapolite forms, its distinguishing physical

Scapolite – (mineral) Read More »

Ruby Zoisite – (stone)

Ruby Zoisite is a striking and unusual ornamental stone that combines verdant green matrix with vivid red crystals, producing one of the most visually dramatic natural combinations found in gemstones. Often sought after by collectors, lapidaries and metaphysical practitioners alike, this material can be both sculpted into elegant jewelry and carved into bold decorative pieces.

Ruby Zoisite – (stone) Read More »

Zoisite – (mineral)

Zoisite is a fascinating and versatile mineral that bridges the world of crystallography, gemology and regional geology. Belonging to the epidote group, it displays a range of colors and textures, from pale green and pink to intense blue and violet, and appears in geological settings shaped by intense pressure and temperature. In this article you

Zoisite – (mineral) Read More »

Variscite – (stone)

Variscite is an often-overlooked but captivating mineral prized for its vibrant green hues and delicate textures. It occupies a special place among collectors and jewelers alike, admired for its aesthetic qualities and its geological story. This article explores the mineral’s chemistry and formation, principal localities where it occurs, its uses in jewelry and lapidary arts,

Variscite – (stone) Read More »

Unakite – (stone)

Unakite is a striking, mottled stone that attracts collectors, lapidaries, and metaphysical enthusiasts alike with its mixture of **unakite**’s green and pink tones. Formed through the interplay of mineral alteration processes, it presents a visually rich texture that combines the glassy sparkle of **quartz** with the deep green of **epidote** and the warm pink of

Unakite – (stone) Read More »

Unakite – (stone)

Unakite is a visually striking, mottled rock prized by collectors, lapidaries, and designers for its blend of pink and green tones. Though often marketed simply as a decorative stone, unakite has a fascinating geological story, a range of practical and ornamental uses, and a cultural footprint that stretches from local Appalachian quarries to metaphysical boutiques

Unakite – (stone) Read More »

Dalmatian Stone – (stone)

Dalmatian Stone is a visually striking ornamental rock known for its cream to beige matrix speckled with dark, rounded spots that resemble the coat of a Dalmatian dog. Beyond its playful appearance, this material occupies an interesting place at the intersection of geology, lapidary craft, and popular crystal lore. In this article you will find

Dalmatian Stone – (stone) Read More »