Crystal Encyclopedia

Rainbow Jasper

Rainbow Jasper, or simply Rainbow Stone is a variety of jasper, which is itself a form of chalcedony, a type of microcrystalline quartz. Jasper is known for its vibrant colors, patterns, and unique formations, and Rainbow Jasper is no exception. Rainbow Jasper Rainbow Jasper gets its name from its striking array of colors, which can […]

Brecciated Jasper

Brecciated Jasper is a form of chalcedony, belonging to the quartz family. It is known for its unique appearance characterized by broken or fragmented patterns within the stone. The term “brecciated” refers to the rock formation process where angular fragments of minerals or rocks are cemented together by a fine-grained matrix. Brecciated Jasper Palmstones – […]

Oregon Sunstone

Oregon Sunstone is a unique variety of feldspar gemstones known for their captivating play-of-color, ranging from golden hues to fiery reds and oranges. These gemstones derive their name from the state of Oregon in the United States, where they are primarily found. Oregon Sunstone Gemstones: An American Mined Gem (johndyergems.com) Sunstones are formed within lava […]

Turquoise Howlite

Turquoise Howlite is a captivating gemstone renowned for its striking resemblance to natural turquoise. However, it’s important to note that Turquoise Howlite is not a genuine turquoise stone; instead, it is a white or light gray mineral known as howlite that has been dyed to mimic the appearance of turquoise. Definition and Composition: Howlite is […]

Pink Sunstone

Pink Sunstone is a type of feldspar, characterized by its pink to reddish-pink coloration and the presence of reflective inclusions that give it a sparkling effect known as aventurescence. It belongs to the same mineral family as moonstone and labradorite, both of which are also known for their optical phenomena. Brief History and Discovery: Sunstone, […]

Aragonite Star Clusters

Aragonite is a mineral that belongs to the carbonate mineral group, and it is a polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). In other words, aragonite shares the same chemical composition as other common minerals like calcite and vaterite, which are all composed of calcium, carbon, and oxygen atoms in varying arrangements. The chemical formula for aragonite […]

Peruvian Opal

Peruvian opal is a type of opal found in Peru, known for its distinctive and vibrant colors ranging from opaque blues, greens, pinks, and purples to translucent hues with a unique range of patterns and inclusions. It is often referred to as “Andean opal” due to its association with the Andes Mountains. Definition of Peruvian […]