Amethyst
Known for purple colour zoning that can range from pale lilac to deep violet. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Editorial guides
Origin: <span>Worldwide</span>
Mineralogy, identification, care, lapidary craft, interiors and documented cultural history—with traditional beliefs clearly labelled as a separate subject.
Barite
Its heft is one of the easiest physical characteristics for beginners to notice. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Rose Quartz
Usually soft pink and cloudy, with better pieces showing an even glow rather than glassy transparency. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional…
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…
Read guide →Clear Quartz
Ranges from water-clear to included with veils, fractures, phantoms and mineral inclusions. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Citrine
Natural material is often subtler than the bright orange citrine seen in mass-market crystal shops. 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 →Carnelian
Its warm orange-red colour can range from translucent peach to deep reddish brown. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes and traditional associations.
Read guide →Pyrite
Sharp cubes from Spain and sparkling clusters from Peru are visually very different expressions of the same mineral. Learn its mineral identity, hardness, care, common treatments, authenticity notes…
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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