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.
Read guide →Editorial guides
Form: <span>Tumbled</span>
Mineralogy, identification, care, lapidary craft, interiors and documented cultural history—with traditional beliefs clearly labelled as a separate subject.
Onyx
A useful example of why trade names and mineral identity are not always the same thing. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional…
Read guide →Jasper
Best appreciated for pattern and landscape-like colour rather than transparency. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Green Aventurine
Its hallmark is a subtle internal shimmer rather than a mirror-like flash. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Tiger’s Eye
The cat’s-eye band is the defining visual feature and is strongest on well-oriented polished surfaces. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Calcite
Calcite often shows obvious cleavage, waxy lustre and strong colour in decorative pieces. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Aragonite
Radiating clusters can look spectacular but are more fragile than their visual heft suggests. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Hematite
A red-brown streak is a classic identification clue even when the specimen itself looks metallic grey. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional…
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