Apatite
Bright neon blue-green material is visually striking but relatively soft for a gemstone. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Editorial guides
Origin: <span>Mexico</span>
Mineralogy, identification, care, lapidary craft, interiors and documented cultural history—with traditional beliefs clearly labelled as a separate subject.
Chalcopyrite
Fresh surfaces are brass-yellow, while tarnished pieces may show vivid purple, blue and green colours. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Bornite
Its iridescent tarnish can shift through purple, blue and bronze as the surface oxidises. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →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 →Snowflake Obsidian
Its black-and-white spotted pattern makes it one of the easiest obsidian varieties to recognise. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Opal
Precious opal can flash spectral colours that shift dramatically with movement. 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 →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 →Fluorite
Cubic crystals and sharp colour zoning make fluorite one of the most architectural-looking display minerals. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Selenite / Gypsum
Its silky glow is attractive, but it scratches easily enough to mark with a fingernail. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
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