What is Bixbite? Bixbite is one of the names given to Red Beryl. It measures 7.5 -8 on the Mohs scale and has a hexagonal crystalline structure and a vitreous luster. The red color of Bixbite is the result of the inclusion of manganese in its formation. Most specimens are small as the conditions required
What is Blizzard Stone? Blizzard stone is a Gabbro, containing many different minerals. It measures between 5.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale for hardness. Sometimes it is referred to as Merlinite and there is often confusion between these two stones, as well as with Mystic Merlinite, as they are all remarkably similar. However, each
What is Andesine? Andesine is a high-quality, red gemstone and is a member of the Feldspar group of crystals. It measures 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale for hardness and shares the characteristics of both alexandrite and Paraiba tourmaline in that it appears either green or red depending on the light source. Debate is still going
What is Apophyllite? Apophyllite is the name given to three types of minerals and is a hydrated calcium silicate material. It measures 4.5-5 on the Mohs scale and is transparent to translucent. Apophyllite forms pyramidal structures and cubic crystals and was named after the Greek word for “leaf”. It has a tendency to crumble or
What is Apatite? Apatite belongs to a group of minerals called phosphorites. It is used as the index mineral for a hardness rating of five on the Mohs scale. It occurs in a wide variety of colors, including yellow, green, grey, blue, white, purple, brown, and violet. Sometimes these colors are so brilliant and vivid
What is Angelite? This crystal is sometimes called Anhydrite, although Angelite is the preferred name for the pale blue shades that are most commonly found. It is a fragile crystal, measuring only 3.5 on the Mohs scale. It consists of calcium sulfate and is a form of gypsum from which all the moisture has leeched
What is Ammolite? Ammolite is an organic gemstone, cut from the fossilized shells of prehistoric sea creatures known as Ammonites. Like its close cousins, Abalone and Mother of Pearl, natural Ammolite is soft, measuring only 3.5 – 4 on the Mohs scale. It has the most beautiful iridescent quality and comes in a rainbow of
What is Ametrine? Ametrine is a combination of Amethyst and Citrine. Both stones are varieties of Quartz. Amethyst is purple and Citrine is yellow, so the resulting Ametrine is a combination of the two colors, in varying proportions. Ametrine measures 7 on the Mohs scale for hardness. Quartzes make up approximately 12% of the Earth’s
What is Amber? Amber is not a gemstone or crystal at all, although it is used as such in jewelry and adornments. Amber is fossilized tree resin, and it is not unusual to find insects and organic matter perfectly preserved within its depths, from millions of years ago. Humans have always been fascinated by this
What is Amazonite? Amazonite is a member of the Feldspar group of minerals, specifically the microcline or potassium-rich variety of Feldspar. It measures 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale for hardness. It is blue-green in color, sometimes with veins of brown, black, or white running through it. The green color of amazonite is thought
What is Agate? Agate is formed in the cavities of igneous rocks, through deposits of silica which settle into the characteristic banded patterns we see in all forms of this semi-precious stone. It measures 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is formed from microscopic crystals of quartz laid down in bands, often in
What is Spinel? Spinel is a mineral, often found in the same places as other corundum varieties such as Ruby and Sapphire. It is often transparent, singly refractive, and measures 8 on the Mohs scale for hardness. It owes its beautiful color to the presence of chromium. It also contains magnesium and aluminum and can
What is Turquoise? Turquoise is a mineral made up of copper and aluminum that has a distinctive, waxy appearance and blue to blue-green color. It measures 5-6 on the Mohs scale and is relatively delicate and porous. It has been prized as a valuable gemstone for thousands of years and has a wealth of history
What is Tourmaline? Tourmaline is an aluminum borate silicate. It measures 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale for hardness and occurs in a variety of colors. The red-colored specimens of Tourmaline are called rubellite and the blue colors are indicolite. You can also get green, brown, black, pink, and yellow examples of Tourmaline. Watermelon Tourmaline is
What is Topaz? Topaz is a rare silicate mineral that occurs in a wide variety of colors. It is one of the most popular colored stones and measures 8 on the Mohs scale for hardness, meaning that it can be worn safely as jewelry in many everyday situations. It is usually found in small, polished