Knowledge base

Botswana Agate is one of the most admired varieties of banded chalcedony, prized for its delicate concentric lines, subtle pastel tones and striking “fortification” patterns. This article explores its geology, natural occurrence, practical uses, lapidary treatment, market role and some lesser-known facts that make it a favorite among collectors and artisans. You will find descriptions […]

Blue Lace Agate is a gentle, banded variety of chalcedony prized for its soft blue hues and intricate, lacy patterns. Its appearance evokes cloud-streaked skies and delicate textiles, which has made it a favorite among lapidaries, jewelers, collectors and those interested in metaphysical practices. This article explores the stone’s geological origins, where it is found,

Red Jasper is a striking, earthy stone that has been admired by cultures around the world for its rich color, tactile solidity, and multifaceted uses. As a member of the microcrystalline quartz family, it offers both aesthetic appeal for jewelers and lapidaries and a tapestry of cultural meanings that span millennia. This article explores where

Jasper is a ubiquitous and visually striking variety of microcrystalline quartz that has captivated humans for millennia. Its diversity of colors and patterns, combined with a durable nature, make it valuable for practical uses and artistic expression alike. This article explores where jasper forms and where it is found, how it has been used throughout

Pietersite is a striking and relatively rare variety of chalcedony-bearing quartz known for dramatic, swirling bands of chatoyant fibers that seem to capture the motion of a storm. Collectors and jewelers prize its vivid patterns and color contrasts, which can include deep blues, golds, browns and even reds. This article explores the geology and formation

Prehnite is a captivating and often understated green silicate mineral that fascinates collectors, lapidaries and geologists alike. With its soft, leafy tones and frequently botryoidal growths, it occupies a special place between everyday gemstones and scientifically important indicator minerals. This article explores the mineral’s chemistry and crystal habits, the geological environments and notable locality occurrences

Chrysoprase is a captivating green variety of microcrystalline quartz that has been prized for centuries for its vivid hue and pleasing translucency. This article explores its geological origins, global occurrences, gemological properties, uses in jewelry and art, treatments and care, and the cultural stories that surround it. Along the way we will highlight practical information

Rainbow obsidian is a striking variety of volcanic glass prized for its subtle iridescence and banded flow patterns. When light strikes a polished surface at certain angles, delicate rainbow-like reflections appear, often in concentric or wavy bands that seem to float beneath a black or dark-brown surface. This stone combines the raw geological story of

Rainbow Obsidian is a striking variety of natural volcanic glass prized for its shimmering, layered colors and smooth, glassy luster. Although less common than plain black obsidian, its unique optical effects — a result of microscopic layers and inclusions within the glass — have made it a favorite among collectors, jewelers, and those interested in

The mineral known as Snowflake Obsidian is a striking variety of volcanic glass that draws attention for its monochrome contrasts: deep, mirror-like black interrupted by delicate, flower-like white patches. Those patterns are not surface decorations but internal structures formed during the rock’s cooling and alteration. This article explores the origin, distribution, practical uses and cultural