gemstone

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....

Birthstone for July 5th: Anatase Description of Anatase Anatase is a captivating and relatively rare gemstone that belongs to the titanium oxide mineral group. Its chemical formula is TiO₂, making it one of the few naturally occurring minerals that contain titanium in a crystalline form. Anatase is known for its striking brilliance and distinct appearance, often forming as sharp, pyramidal or tetragonal crystals. These crystals can range in color from golden yellow to deep blue, and sometimes even appear transparent with a hint of violet or brown....

Birthstone for July 4th: Diopside Description of Diopside Diopside is a beautiful gemstone belonging to the pyroxene group of minerals. It is primarily composed of calcium and magnesium, and its vibrant green to dark green color makes it an eye-catching and unique gem. This stone can range in color from a soft, delicate green to a deep, emerald-like hue, depending on the trace elements present in the mineral. The gemstone’s crystal structure allows it to form long, prismatic crystals that can grow to impressive sizes, and it is often faceted to display its rich, glossy finish....

Birthstone for July 3rd: Rock Crystal Description of Rock Crystal Rock Crystal, also known as clear quartz, is a transparent variety of quartz that has been valued for its pristine clarity and striking appearance for centuries. This gemstone is made of silicon dioxide and is one of the most common and widely distributed minerals on Earth. While its purest form is completely colorless, impurities can cause slight variations in hue, giving rise to other types of quartz, like amethyst or citrine....

Birthstone for July 2nd: Variscite Description of Variscite Variscite is a rare and captivating gemstone known for its vibrant, greenish hues, which can range from pale mint to deeper shades of grass green. It is a phosphate mineral, chemically related to turquoise, and is composed mainly of aluminum phosphate. Its striking green color is due to the presence of copper and iron, and it often displays a translucent or semi-opaque appearance....

Birthstone for July 1st: Bloodshot Iolite Description of Bloodshot Iolite Bloodshot Iolite is a striking and rare variety of the Iolite gemstone, distinguished by its deep blue to violet hue, which sometimes contains a reddish-brown or “bloodshot” streaking within the stone. This effect is caused by the presence of inclusions or variations in the mineral structure, which creates the appearance of blood-like patterns inside the gem. The intensity of the color and the unique interplay between the blues, purples, and reds makes Bloodshot Iolite a mesmerizing and highly coveted gem....

Birthstone for June 30th: Ulexite Cat’s Eye Description of Ulexite Cat’s Eye Ulexite is a unique and fascinating mineral, often recognized for its distinctive fiber-optic-like qualities. A variety of borate mineral, Ulexite is best known for its exceptional optical properties. The stone’s fibers naturally transmit light, which gives it the appearance of having a “cat’s eye” effect. When polished and cut in a cabochon shape, Ulexite forms an iridescent stripe across its surface, much like the slit-shaped eye of a cat, hence its name “Cat’s Eye....

Birthstone for June 29th: Jasper Description of Jasper Jasper is a captivating and versatile gemstone known for its rich colors and unique patterns. It is a form of chalcedony, a variety of quartz, and is found in an array of shades, including red, yellow, green, brown, and even blue. Jasper is an opaque stone, with a smooth and polished surface that enhances its vibrant hues. It has been treasured for centuries, both for its beauty and its durability....

Birthstone for June 28th: Blue Zircon Description of Blue Zircon Blue Zircon, often confused with synthetic cubic zirconia due to their similar names, is a naturally occurring gemstone with a rich history and an incredible array of colors. While zircon is found in a variety of hues, blue zircon is particularly prized for its vivid, sparkling blue tones that can range from light, sky blue to deep, oceanic blue....

Birthstone for June 27th: Liddicoatite Description of Liddicoatite Liddicoatite, a rare and stunning variety of tourmaline, is one of the most visually captivating gemstones. This gem is known for its vibrant play of colors, which can range from deep blues and purples to bright greens and pinks. It is often found with an intense, multicolored zoning that gives the gem a unique, almost magical appearance. Named after Richard Liddicoat, a renowned gemologist who contributed greatly to the study of tourmaline, liddicoatite was first described in the late 20th century and has since become highly prized by collectors and gem enthusiasts....