Black Calcite, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 15th

Birthstone for July 15th: Black Calcite Description of Black Calcite Black Calcite is a mesmerizing variety of the calcite family, known for its deep, opaque black color. This stone, like other calcites, has a smooth, slightly waxy texture and often displays subtle striations along its surface. Black Calcite is often found in massive or granular forms, though it can also appear as crystalline aggregates in some regions. As with all calcite, Black Calcite is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of around 3, making it easy to carve and polish....

July 15, 2025 · 4 min · 843 words · 365days

Three Color Fluorite, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 14th

Birthstone for July 14th: Three Color Fluorite Description of Three Color Fluorite Three Color Fluorite is a truly stunning gemstone known for its striking multicolored bands that can display three distinct colors in one stone. These vibrant bands often include shades of purple, green, and blue, though variations can include yellow, clear, and even pink hues. Fluorite, in general, is a relatively soft mineral with a Mohs hardness of 4, making it perfect for carving and creating intricate designs....

July 14, 2025 · 5 min · 858 words · 365days

Chrysoberyl, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 13th

Birthstone for July 13th: Chrysoberyl Description of Chrysoberyl Chrysoberyl is a captivating gemstone renowned for its brilliance and radiant hues, ranging from yellow to green, and even golden hues. This stone is often mistaken for other gemstones due to its color-changing abilities, but its distinct charm lies in its clarity and lively shine. The mineral is primarily composed of beryllium aluminate and is a relatively rare gemstone, making it highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike....

July 13, 2025 · 4 min · 709 words · 365days

Red Beryl, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 12th

Birthstone for July 12th: Red Beryl Description of Red Beryl Red beryl, also known as bixbite, is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, celebrated for its vivid, fiery red color and exceptional brilliance. While most people are familiar with the well-known ruby, red beryl is even more elusive, found in only a few select locations around the globe, primarily in the southwestern United States, particularly Utah and New Mexico....

July 12, 2025 · 5 min · 918 words · 365days

Cream Pearl, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 11th

Birthstone for July 11th: Cream Pearl Description of Cream Pearl Cream pearls are a breathtaking variety of natural pearls known for their soft, creamy hue. While pearls come in many colors, the cream-colored variant stands out for its elegant, subtle glow that captures the essence of purity and sophistication. Unlike their white counterparts, which often have a more stark and bright sheen, cream pearls offer a more gentle and warm luster, making them perfect for those seeking a timeless yet understated gem....

July 11, 2025 · 4 min · 837 words · 365days

Spodumene, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 10th

Birthstone for July 10th: Spodumene Description of Spodumene Spodumene is a fascinating gemstone that belongs to the pyroxene mineral group. Known for its striking colors, ranging from soft lilacs to vibrant pinks, greens, and even yellows, spodumene is most often found in its variety as kunzite (pale pink to violet) and hiddenite (green). While it is less well-known than diamonds or rubies, spodumene is a gemstone that captivates those who appreciate its subtle beauty and unique hues....

July 10, 2025 · 4 min · 847 words · 365days

Brown Diamond, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 9th

Birthstone for July 9th: Brown Diamond Description of Brown Diamond Brown diamonds, also known as “chocolate diamonds,” are a unique and elegant variation of the traditional diamond. Unlike their clear or colorless counterparts, these diamonds exhibit a range of earthy hues, from rich, dark browns to lighter, almost caramel-like shades. Their colors are the result of natural radiation and crystal lattice distortions that occur deep within the Earth. Brown diamonds are just as strong and durable as other diamonds, with the same remarkable hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale....

July 9, 2025 · 5 min · 891 words · 365days

Milky Opal, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 8th

Birthstone for July 8th: Milky Opal Description of Milky Opal Milky Opal is a mesmerizing variety of opal that is known for its creamy, opaque appearance. This opal is characterized by a milky white to pale ivory body color, often with a delicate shimmer or play of color, though more subtle than the vibrant flashes of traditional opals. The play-of-color in Milky Opal is softer, often appearing as a gentle swirl of pastels—pink, blue, green, or even gold—creating an effect that feels both ethereal and serene....

July 8, 2025 · 5 min · 894 words · 365days

Star Rose Quartz, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 7th

Birthstone for July 7th: Star Rose Quartz Description of Star Rose Quartz Star Rose Quartz is a rare and enchanting variety of rose quartz, known for its gentle pink color and unique star-shaped reflection. Unlike traditional rose quartz, which is typically opaque or translucent, Star Rose Quartz displays a beautiful asterism—a star-shaped figure that appears on the surface when the stone is cut in a cabochon shape. This star is created by the presence of needle-like inclusions of rutile, a mineral that causes the light to reflect in such a way that it produces a stunning star effect....

July 7, 2025 · 5 min · 1013 words · 365days

Apache Tears, The Sparkling Birthstone for July 6th

Birthstone for July 6th: Apache Tears Description of Apache Tears Apache Tears are a unique and evocative variety of obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass. These stones are formed when lava from a volcanic eruption cools rapidly, trapping gas bubbles inside. The result is a smooth, black, translucent stone that, when cut and polished, often exhibits a beautiful, glassy shine. What sets Apache Tears apart from other types of obsidian is their characteristic appearance....

July 6, 2025 · 5 min · 948 words · 365days