Explore 15 Varieties of Stunning Gems to Infuse a Dazzling Flair into Your Existence
Discover the captivating properties and origins of some of the most beloved and valuable gemstones, showcasing their vibrant colours, durability, and significant locations.
Ruby
Known as the 'King of Gemstones', Ruby is renowned for its intense red to pink hue, with a hardness of ≥ 9 on the Mohs scale. Major origins include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mozambique, and more.
Sapphire
The sapphire, second only to diamond in hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), is primarily blue but can also be found in yellow and other colours. Notable origins include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Africa, and Kashmir (India).
Emerald
The classic emerald is a green gemstone, with shades ranging from blue to green, and a hardness of 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale. Significant locations include Colombia, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Brazil.
Alexandrite
This unique gemstone exhibits a colour-changing property, appearing green under daylight and red under incandescent light, with a hardness of 8.5. Originating from Russia, Sri Lanka, and Brazil, it is a true marvel.
Paraíba Tourmaline
Prized for its vivid electric blue to green colours, Paraíba Tourmaline hails mainly from Brazil, Mozambique, and Nigeria.
Morganite
Morganite, with its soft pink to peach tones, is found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Afghanistan.
Tanzanite
An extremely rare gemstone found only in Tanzania, Tanzanite displays deep blue to violet hues and a hardness of 6 – 7 on the Mohs scale.
Padparadscha Sapphire
This rare and valuable gemstone boasts a unique pinkish-orange colour. Major sources include Sri Lanka and Madagascar.
Tsavorite Garnet
Vivid green Tsavorite Garnet is primarily found in Kenya and Tanzania.
Spinel
Spinel, known for its vivid colours, can range from red, pink, violet, and is found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and more.
Colombian Emerald
Prized for its rich green colour, Colombian Emeralds are a highly valued gemstone, originating from Colombia.
Lapis Lazuli
This popular blue stone, made up of multiple minerals, is often used in carvings and beads. Its main origin is Afghanistan.
Rose Quartz
A variety of quartz with a soft pink colour, Rose Quartz is abundant, affordable, and often carved into decorative items.
Peridot
One of the few gems that occurs in only one colour, Peridot is found in volcanic regions and offers a vibrant green hue.
Opal
Opal is known for its mixed colours, a phenomenon called "play-of-color", and is mainly found in Australia.
Aquamarine
A blue-green variety of the mineral beryl, Aquamarine is commonly found in South America.
Cat's Eye
Cat's Eye displays a bright line of light that moves with the viewer, resembling a cat's eye under incandescent light.
Topaz
Topaz is a durable gemstone often cut into faceted stone forms and can appear in pale yellow, colourless, and even pink shades.
Garnet
The Garnet Group is a collection of gemstones, but specific details about them are not provided.
Mali Garnet
A green color hybrid, the Mali garnet is a relative newcomer in the gem world.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a violet variety of mineral quartz.
Diamond
The hardest gemstone on the Mohs scale, the diamond is made from pure carbon.
Pearl
Pearl is a purely organic gemstone formed in marine and freshwater mollusks. However, it is sensitive to direct sunlight and acids, which can cause damage.
Fire Opal
Fire Opal from Mexico adds fiery orange tones to the mix.
Technology plays a significant role in the advancements made in gemstone research, identification, and evaluation, providing accurate information about their properties and origins. As history unfolds, these precious stones continue to captivate humanity, serving as symbols of luxury and status in various aspects of lifestyle, such as fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden design. Moreover, the understanding of gemstones’ environmental impact, like their mining procedures and sustainability, is essential in the broader context of science and human adherence to environmental conservation and responsibility.
