Obsidian
Freshly broken obsidian can have razor-sharp conchoidal fractures, a reminder that it is glass rather than crystalline quartz. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes…
Read guide →Editorial guides
Colour: <span>Brown</span>
Mineralogy, identification, care, lapidary craft, interiors and documented cultural history—with traditional beliefs clearly labelled as a separate subject.
Garnet
The group includes familiar deep red almandine as well as bright orange spessartine and green grossular varieties. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and…
Read guide →Moss Agate
The inclusions can resemble miniature forests, branches or underwater landscapes. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Crazy Lace Agate
Its chaotic looping bands are more important than transparency. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Picture Jasper
Earth-toned bands can resemble deserts, horizons and mountains, which explains the name. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Red Jasper
Dense brick-red colour makes it a durable, accessible beginner stone. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Dalmatian Stone
The cream base with dark spots explains the dog-inspired trade name. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Septarian
Polished pieces show a dramatic cracked pattern of yellowish carbonate veins in darker matrix. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Smoky Quartz
Ranges from pale tea-coloured quartz to nearly black morion. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Agate
Pattern, banding and translucency are usually more important than a single “grade”. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
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