Imitation Gemstones
Look like a natural gem but are made from other materials, often synthetic spinel or corundum. Examples include imitation ruby, sapphire, emerald, and opal.
An Introduction to Gemstones
Why Gemstones Captivate
Across history, gemstones have been prized for beauty, rarity, and the stories we attach to them. They symbolize love, seal alliances, and fascinate collectors and museumgoers.
For makers, gemstones open a spectrum of color and texture to pair with wirework. Knowing origins, treatments, and cost factors helps you choose confidently and talk with customers clearly.
Tip: Keep a concise gemstone reference nearby. A little knowledge builds trust during sales conversations.
Buying Smart
Set a clear budget before you shop. Many customers love the look of a gem, and high-quality lab-created or simulated options can deliver beauty at a reachable price.
Quality drives price. Color, clarity, and cut vary by vendor, so compare closely and ask questions. When in doubt, choose quality over quantity.
Common Terms
Lab-Created Gemstones
Grown in a laboratory with the same chemistry and crystal structure as the natural gem, often with fewer inclusions.
Stabilized Gemstones
Natural material infused with clear resins to improve durability and sometimes color. Turquoise is frequently stabilized.
Simulated Gemstones
Mimic a gem’s appearance without the same composition, commonly glass or plastic. Useful for fashion pieces and cost-sensitive designs.
Full Gemstone Glossary
A
Abalone
- Classification: Organic, mother-of-pearl shell
- Color: Blue, green, purple, pink with iridescence
- Structure: Nacreous inner shell of sea snails
- Hardness: 2.5–4 (Mohs)
- Care: Soft cloth only, avoid chemicals and ultrasonic
- Notes: Paua is a vivid New Zealand abalone
Metaphysical Properties
Often associated with soothing, protection, and a calming ocean energy.
Agate
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Quartz or Chalcedony, Variety: Agate
- Formation: Often in ancient volcanic cavities
- Color: Wide range, green and blue are rarer
- Hardness: 6.5–7 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Translucent to opaque
- Treatments: Commonly dyed, sometimes heat treated
- Care: Mild soap, soft cloth, avoid harsh chemicals
- Variants: Moss agate, blue lace agate, fire agate
- Buying tip: Look for intact bands and minimal cracks
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally linked with grounding, balance, and steady energy.
Alexandrite
- Classification: Mineral, Species: Chrysoberyl, Variety: Alexandrite
- Signature: Dramatic color change under different light
- Hardness: ~8.5 (Mohs)
- Availability: Natural is rare, synthetics common
Metaphysical Properties
Associated with adaptability and balance between opposing energies.
Additional Details
Birthstone: June (modern alternative).
Amazonite
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Feldspar, Species: Microcline
- Color: Green to blue green, often with streaking
- Hardness: 6–6.5 (Mohs)
- Care: Store separately to avoid scratches
Metaphysical Properties
Linked with soothing communication and clarity of intention.
Amber
- Classification: Organic, fossilized tree resin
- Color: Honey to cognac, occasional green or blue tint
- Hardness: 2.5–3 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Care: Avoid heat, solvents, ultrasonic, soft cloth only
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with warmth, vitality, and gentle protection.
Amethyst
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Quartz, Variety: Amethyst
- Color: Purple from lilac to deep royal
- Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
- Treatments: Frequently heat treated to deepen color
- Transparency: Transparent
Metaphysical Properties
Commonly associated with calm, clarity, and reflective focus.
Additional Details
Birthstone: February. Anniversary: 6th.
Ametrine
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Quartz, Mixed variety of Amethyst and Citrine
- Appearance: Distinct purple and yellow zones
- Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
Metaphysical Properties
Often linked with harmony between intuition and action.
Aragonite
- Classification: Mineral, Calcium carbonate polymorph
- Occurrence: Near hot springs, with gypsum and iron oxides
- Hardness: 3.5–4 (Mohs)
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with stability and patience.
Aquamarine
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Beryl, Variety: Aquamarine
- Color: Light to deep blue, darker is prized
- Hardness: 7.5–8 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Transparent to opaque
Metaphysical Properties
Associated with calm clarity and a maritime sense of ease.
Additional Details
Birthstone: March. Anniversary: 19th.
Aventurine
- Classification: Usually Quartz with mica or hematite inclusions, sometimes Feldspar
- Color: Green is common, also orange, brown, yellow, blue, gray
- Hardness: ~6.5 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Translucent to opaque
- Optics: Aventurescence from reflective inclusions
Metaphysical Properties
Often associated with opportunity and steady growth.
B
Black Onyx: see Onyx.
Black Obsidian: see Obsidian.
Blue Topaz: see Topaz.
Blue Zircon: see Zircon.
Brecciated Jasper: see Jasper.
Brown Tiger Eye: see Tiger Eye.
Bloodstone
- Classification: Mineral, Chalcedony variety of Jasper
- Look: Dark green with red iron oxide spots
- Hardness: ~7 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Opaque
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with courage and steady vitality.
Additional Details
Birthstone: March (traditional alternative).
C
Carnelian
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Quartz or Chalcedony, Variety: Carnelian
- Color: Red to orange with warm glow
- Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Often linked with motivation and creative momentum.
Additional Details
Birthstone: July (historical/alternative).
Cat’s Eye
- Classification: Optical effect, occurs in multiple host minerals
- Optics: Chatoyancy, narrow bright band of light
- Hardness: Varies by host, Quartz 7, Chrysoberyl 8.5
- Notes: Many market stones are synthetic
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with alertness and focus.
Charoite
- Classification: Mineral, distinct silicate mineral
- Look: Swirling purple patterns
- Hardness: 5–6 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Often linked with transformation and intuitive insight.
Cherry Quartz: see Quartz.
Chrysocolla
- Classification: Mineral, copper bearing
- Color: Blue green to brown black
- Hardness: ~2–4 (Mohs), generally soft
- Transparency: Opaque to translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with expression and calm presence.
Chrysoprase
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Quartz or Chalcedony, Variety: Chrysoprase
- Color: Apple green from nickel content
- Hardness: 6–7 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Translucent to opaque
Metaphysical Properties
Often linked with renewal and balanced optimism.
Additional Details
Birthstone: May (alternative).
Citrine
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Quartz, Variety: Citrine
- Color: Yellow to orange brown
- Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
- Treatments: Often heat treated
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with warmth, clarity, and confidence.
Additional Details
Birthstone: November. Anniversary: 13th.
Coral
- Classification: Organic, marine calcium carbonate skeleton
- Color: Red, pink, white, black, blue
- Hardness: 3.5–4 (Mohs)
- Finish: Takes a high polish
Metaphysical Properties
Often linked with protection and nurturing energy.
Additional Details
Anniversary: 35th.
D
Diamond
- Classification: Mineral, pure carbon
- Hardness: 10 (Mohs), hardest natural material
- Color: Colorless to fancy colors
- Transparency: Transparent to opaque
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with clarity and enduring strength.
Additional Details
Birthstone: April. Anniversary: 60th.
E
Emerald
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Beryl, Variety: Emerald
- Coloring: Chromium or vanadium
- Hardness: 7.5–8 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Transparent to opaque
- Notes: Inclusions are common, many stones are oiled
Metaphysical Properties
Often linked with renewal and heartfelt communication.
Additional Details
Birthstone: May. Anniversary: 20th.
F
Fluorite
- Classification: Mineral, calcium fluoride
- Color: Many, including purple, green, blue
- Hardness: 4 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with clarity and organization.
G
Garnet
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Garnet, multiple species
- Rarities: Blue and color change types are rare
- Hardness: 6.5–7.5 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Transparent to opaque
Metaphysical Properties
Often linked with resilience and grounded energy.
Additional Details
Birthstone: January. Anniversary: 2nd.
Gaspeite
- Classification: Mineral, nickel carbonate
- Color: Pale to apple green
- Hardness: 4.5–5 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with openness and insight.
Goldstone
- Classification: Man made glass with metallic sparkle
- Color: Brown to reddish, also blue, green, black
- Hardness: ~4.5 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Opaque to translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Often associated with ambition and a positive outlook.
Green Aventurine: see Aventurine.
Green Onyx: see Onyx.
H
Hematite
- Classification: Mineral, iron oxide
- Look: Metallic luster, gray black to reddish
- Hardness: 5.5–6.5 (Mohs)
- Notes: Can become magnetic when heated
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally linked with grounding and steady focus.
Hessonite
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Garnet, Species: Grossular
- Color: Brown red to orange
- Hardness: 6.5–7.5 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Often associated with stability and consistent drive.
Additional Details
Birthstone: January (as a garnet variety).
Howlite
- Classification: Mineral, borate
- Look: White to gray with web like veining
- Hardness: 2.5–3.5 (Mohs)
- Notes: Takes dye readily, often sold as dyed turquoise look alike
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally linked with calm and easy focus.
I
Iolite
- Classification: Mineral, cordierite
- Look: Blue violet with strong pleochroism
- Hardness: 7–7.5 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Often associated with direction and inner navigation.
J
Jade
- Classification: Mineral, Species: Jadeite or Nephrite, marketed collectively as Jade
- Color: White, gray, many greens, yellow, violet, orange, black
- Hardness: Jadeite 6.5–7, Nephrite 6–6.5 (Mohs)
- Notes: Deep cultural significance across regions
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally linked with harmony, longevity, and well being.
Additional Details
Birthstone: Historical or mystical (varies by chart).
Jasper
- Classification: Rock, opaque chalcedony rich quartz
- Patterns: Picture, leopard skin, dalmatian, poppy, and more
- Hardness: 6.5–7 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Opaque
Metaphysical Properties
Often associated with steadiness and supportive energy.
Additional Details
Birthstone: Historical or mystical (varies by chart).
K
L
Labradorite
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Feldspar
- Optics: Labradorescence, colorful iridescence
- Hardness: 6–6.5 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally linked with intuition and creative spark.
Lapis Lazuli
- Classification: Rock, primarily lazurite with calcite and pyrite
- Look: Deep blue often with gold colored pyrite flecks
- Hardness: 5–6 (Mohs)
- Care: Avoid harsh cleaners and ultrasonic
Metaphysical Properties
Associated with insight, learning, and expressive truth.
Additional Details
Birthstone: September (historical/alternative).
Lava
- Classification: Rock, volcanic basaltic material
- Look: Porous, lightweight, dark gray to black
- Hardness: ~5–6 (Mohs), varies by composition
- Use: Popular for textured bead designs
Metaphysical Properties
Often linked with grounding and natural resilience.
M
Mahogany Obsidian: see Obsidian.
N
O
Obsidian
- Classification: Natural glass, volcanic
- Look: Black or patterned, snowflake and mahogany varieties
- Hardness: 5–5.5 (Mohs)
- Use: Popular in cabochons and beads
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally associated with protection and clear boundaries.
Onyx
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Quartz or Chalcedony, Variety: Onyx
- Look: Typically black or banded; black onyx is often dyed
- Hardness: 6.5–7 (Mohs)
- Transparency: Translucent to opaque
Metaphysical Properties
Commonly associated with protection and steady resolve.
P
Q
Quartz
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Quartz, many varieties
- Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
- Notes: Widely available and versatile
Metaphysical Properties
Often linked with clarity and amplification of intention.
Additional Details
Birthstones by variety: Amethyst (February), Citrine (November), others vary by chart.
Cherry Quartz: see Quartz.
R
S
T
Tiger Eye
- Classification: Mineral, Group: Quartz, fibrous variety
- Optics: Chatoyancy with moving band of light
- Look: Typically brown with golden sheen
- Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
Metaphysical Properties
Associated with confidence and practical focus.
Topaz
- Classification: Mineral, aluminum silicate fluoride or hydroxide
- Color: Colorless, blue, warm yellows to browns
- Hardness: 8 (Mohs)
- Notes: Blue topaz often produced by irradiation and heat
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally linked with clarity, intention, and joy.
Additional Details
Birthstone: November. Blue topaz: December (modern lists).
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Zircon
- Classification: Mineral, zirconium silicate
- Look: High brilliance and dispersion
- Color: Many, including blue, champagne, and colorless
- Hardness: typically 7–7.5 (Mohs), can vary with metamictization
Metaphysical Properties
Often associated with clear thinking and balanced energy.
Additional Details
Birthstone: December.
