The Ultimate Guide to the Different Types of Gemstones

The wonderful planet we live on is filled with all kinds of wonders. It can be overwhelming when we consider just how much beauty is provided by nature.

One part of this beauty is that of gemstones. Throughout the ages, humanity has sought these beautiful, and sometimes considered spiritual, stones found in the earth. There is a reason these stones are highly valued.

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They truly are beautiful things, and there are many different types of gemstones, as you probably already know. You might be curious about these different types, and the good news is that you have come to the right place by reading this article.

If you are gift-shopping for someone difficult to find gifts for, or if you are simply just curious, continue reading. Detailed below is the complete guide to various gemstones – some of which you might not have even heard of before.

Guide to the Different Kinds of Gemstones

1. Turquoise

You have most likely heard about this gemstone before. This stone is light blue in color, and it has been around for centuries.

Turquoise has been thought to ward off evil spirits for the Native Americans, and the Egyptians used the stone as a symbol of wealth and power. You can spot this stone by its bright robin’s egg blue coloring, and it will always make a great gift for a special someone with blue eyes to match.

2. Ruby

One of the brightest and most coveted of stones is that of the red ruby. This stone is definitely known as a sign of wealth or even royalty. It is still the most coveted and highly valued gemstone, perhaps because of its deep and striking coloring.

Some rubies are particularly striking in color. These rich red rubies are sometimes called pigeon blood rubies, or it might be called a Burmese ruby. If you come into possession of this type of ruby, make sure you hold onto such a highly sought after gemstone.

3. Sapphire

We’ve seen a light blue gemstone in turquoise, but what about a deep blue stone? There is a ton of beautiful gemstone jewelry with sapphires as the central focal point, and that is for good reason.

While these stones are most commonly known to be blue, they actually come in many different shades of pink, purple, or even rainbow. The deep blue ones, though, have come to be associated with tranquility and honesty throughout the ages.

4. Diamond

You have heard before that a diamond is the hardest substance on the planet. This is so true, in fact, that the only way to cut a diamond is with another one. Formed one hundred miles beneath the surface of the earth, these gemstones are now the most widely purchased stones.

In fact, they have become so popular that they were one of the first stones to have a standard rating system put in place to determine the value of each one.

5. Topaz

This stone is a silicate, and silicates compose the largest group of gemstones out there. Topaz is a fairly easy stone to find, and it is not necessarily the most expensive. This stone is found in a variety of colors, but it is most often seen in gold or yellow.

6. Tourmaline

Tourmaline is another stone that comes in a variety of colors, but it provides a little bit of a twist. These colors are often found in pairs within each stone. You might find a blue-green or peach and orange stone, for example.

7. Aquamarine

This stone’s color is pretty self-explanatory. Think of the color of the sky or the color of the ocean on a white sandy beach. This stone is commonly used as an anniversary gift.

8. Jade

Jade is known to be a green stone, but that is not the only color found. It also comes in lavender or pink, though these shades are less likely found in jewelry throughout the world.

Jade was popular and highly valued in China as long ago as the third millennium B.C.E. It has stood the test of time as a highly sought after stone even today. It is usually found in necklaces, as opposed to rings or earrings.

9. Moonstone

According to the ancient Romans, the moonstone was formed in the dead of night by frozen moonlight (hence the name). While we know today that such myths are illogical, this stone still presents a beautiful mystery that many people find powerful.

This stone comes in light shades of pink, white, and blue. It has a bit of an opaque color to it. It is now one of the more difficult stones to find naturally within the world, but that only makes it that much more valuable to the owner.

10. Garnet

Garnet is another stone that is found in a variety of colors, though it is usually thought of as orange or brown. Yet another stone to be considered mystical in its power, the garnet is now the birthstone of January.

11. Amethyst

The amethyst is purple in color, and it is popular in jewelry. That is because it is found largely throughout nature, which makes it fairly cheap to find, mind, and create jewelry with.

12. Emerald

The emerald is known as the deep green gemstone of many royal figures throughout human history. You might have heard about Egypt’s Cleopatra and her love for wearing these stones.

The striking color of this gemstone has led to an association with powerful forces within mythology. It is thought to be connected with spring-time and fertility, which is perhaps why it is now the birthstone of the month of March.

Finished Exploring Types of Gemstones?

At the end of this article, the truth of the matter is that there are still dozens of types of gemstones not listed. You would have to continue your research to find information about all the different kinds.

We love fostering knowledge and helping you find the information you are looking for, especially when it comes to beauty and fashion. We encourage you to check out our article archives on the topics of fashion and beauty to further enhance your appreciation for nature’s and humanity’s beauty throughout the world.