Knowledge base

Peridot – (stone)

Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine that has fascinated cultures, jewelers and geologists for millennia. Known for its distinctive olive-green to yellowish-green color, this gemstone combines a direct link to deep Earth processes with a long human history of use in adornment and ritual. The following article explores where peridot is found, […]

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Garnet – (stone)

The deep red and sometimes kaleidoscopically colored mineral known as Garnet has captured human attention for millennia. It appears in jewelry cases, geological reports, industrial catalogs and mythic stories alike. Although often associated with a warm, ruby-like glow, garnet is not a single mineral but a family of closely related silicate minerals with a shared

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Fluorite – (mineral)

Fluorite is a widely admired and scientifically important mineral composed of calcium fluoride. Its variable colors, perfect cleavage, and striking crystals make it a favorite among collectors, while its chemical properties secure an essential role in numerous industrial processes. This article explores where fluorite forms, how it is identified, its applications from metallurgy to optics,

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Pyrite – (mineral)

Pyrite is one of the most recognizable and widely distributed minerals on Earth. Its bright, metallic shine and brass-yellow color have fascinated miners, collectors, and scientists for centuries. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, pyrite plays important roles in geology, industry, environmental chemistry and even in the preservation of fossils. This article explores the mineral’s properties, global

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Hematite – (mineral)

Hematite is one of the most widespread and historically significant iron oxides on Earth. As both a major source of iron and a striking mineral used in pigments, jewelry, and high-tech applications, hematite connects geology, industry, art, and planetary science. This article explores where hematite occurs, how it forms, its physical and chemical characteristics, its

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Tiger Eye – (stone)

Tiger Eye is a striking and widely admired variety of cryptocrystalline quartz known for its shimmering, silky luster and the optical effect called chatoyancy. Its golden-brown bands, sometimes blue or red variants, have made it a staple in both jewelry and ornamental stone collections. This article explores how Tiger Eye forms, where it is found,

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Lapis Lazuli – (stone)

Lapis lazuli is a gemstone and cultural symbol whose intense blue has inspired artists, rulers and craftsmen for millennia. This article explores the stone’s geological origins, its geographic distribution, historical and modern applications, methods of identification and care, and a selection of intriguing facts. Along the way you will encounter the science behind its color,

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Onyx – (stone)

Onyx is a storied and visually striking stone that has played diverse roles across geology, art, and industry. Its layered appearance, often featuring contrasting stripes, makes it an attractive choice for decorative and functional uses. This article explores the nature of onyx, where it is found, how it is used, and a variety of fascinating

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Agate – (stone)

Agate is a fascinating and widely collected variety of microcrystalline quartz known for its striking banding, wide range of colors and patterns, and durable nature. It has inspired artisans, geologists and jewelers for centuries and appears in contexts from volcanic rock cavities to ancient trade routes. This article explores the geological formation of agate, its

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Turquoise – (stone)

Turquoise has fascinated humans for millennia with its range of blue-to-green hues, veined patterns, and cultural resonance. As both a gemstone and a material with geological and historical significance, turquoise intersects science, art, trade, and spirituality. This article explores where turquoise is found, how it forms and is treated, its applications in jewelry and ornamentation,

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