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Gemstone Glossary
Discover the World of Gemstones
Welcome to our Gemstone Information Center—a collection of guides dedicated to individual gemstones. Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast, a seasoned collector, or simply curious about the stories behind your favorite stones, you’ll find everything you need to know here. Explore the history, properties, care tips, and unique characteristics that make each gemstone one-of-a-kind. Let this be your trusted resource as you learn more about the vibrant world of natural and lab-created gems.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite, a rare and enchanting color-changing variant of chrysoberyl, holds the honor of being June’s birthstone.
Amethyst
Amethyst, the most coveted variety of quartz, is celebrated as February’s birthstone and symbolizes both the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
Apatite
Apatite derives its name from the Greek term meaning “to deceive,” aptly named as it was historically mistaken for other minerals.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine, with its ethereal shade of blue, has long captivated the hearts of gem enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike.
Beryls
Beryl, deriving its name from the ancient Greek word “beryllos,” was initially a term for all green gemstones.
Bloodstone
Bloodstone, characterized by its deep green hue punctuated with vivid red iron oxide speckles reminiscent of blood droplets, is a distinctive variant of Chalcedony.
Citrine
Deriving its name from the old French term “citrin,” meaning yellow, citrine gleams with a golden hue, making it the designated birthstone for November.
Diamond
Diamonds, celebrated as April’s official birthstone, derive their name from the ancient Greek word “adamas,” signifying “invincible.”
Emerald
Emeralds, with their rich history and captivating hue, are the birthstones for May and mark the 25th and 30th wedding anniversaries.
Garnet
Garnet, a name rooted in the Latin word ‘granatus’ meaning “grain,” draws its inspiration from the pomegranate fruit.
Iolite
Deriving its name from the Greek word ‘ios’, meaning violet, Iolite is a gemstone steeped in history and lore.
Kunzite
Kunzite, a gemstone with a rich history, was first unearthed in the United States during the early 20th century.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli, a name rooted in the Persian word ‘lazhward’, translates to ‘blue’. This gemstone has graced jewelry, amulets, carvings, and talismans for centuries.
Morganite
Morganite, with its soft pink to peach hues, exudes an aura of warmth and compassion.
Moonstone
Moonstone, as its name suggests, evokes the ethereal beauty of the moon.
Opal
Opal, sharing its birthstone status for October with tourmaline, has a name rooted in diverse ancient languages.
Pearl
Pearls, with their timeless allure, have been cherished longer than any other gemstone in recorded history. Their formation process is as intriguing as their beauty.
Peridot
Peridot, celebrated as August’s traditional birthstone, has captivated hearts for millennia.
Ruby
Ruby, the radiant red gem, is celebrated as July’s official birthstone and marks the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Sapphire
Sapphire, celebrated as September’s official birthstone, is renowned for its iconic deep blue hue.
Spinel
For centuries, spinel was the unsung hero of the gem world, often mistaken for the illustrious ruby.
Topaz
Topaz, celebrated as November’s birthstone, boasts a rich history, having been mentioned in biblical texts like the ‘Breastplate of Judgement’ of Aaron (Exodus: xxviii, 15-30).
Tourmaline
Tourmaline, celebrated as October’s birthstone, is a captivating gemstone renowned for its vast spectrum of colors, arguably more than any other gem.
Zircon
Zircon stands as one of the planet’s most ancient minerals, with the earliest discovered zircons dating back an astonishing 4.46 million years, primarily sourced from Western Australia.