Opalite
Crystal EncyclopediaOpalite is a type of synthetic glass often mistaken for a gemstone due to its alluring translucence and the play of colors similar to those seen in opals. Unlike natural gemstones, opalite is man-made, primarily from dolomite and metal to create its distinctive…
Cherry Opal
Crystal EncyclopediaCherry Opal is a stunning gemstone known for its captivating colors and mesmerizing patterns. It belongs to the opal family, renowned for its play-of-color, which refers to the dazzling array of colors that seem to shift and dance as the stone is moved…
Mohawkite
Crystal EncyclopediaMohawkite is a rare copper-based mineral that was first discovered in the Mohawk Mine of Keweenaw County, Michigan, USA, hence its name. It is a complex mineral consisting of various elements, primarily composed of copper, arsenic, and nickel. The chemical…
Honduran Matrix Opal
Crystal EncyclopediaHonduran Matrix Opal is a captivating gemstone renowned for its mesmerizing play of colors. It’s a type of opal that forms within a matrix, which refers to the host rock where the opal is found. This opal variety is primarily sourced from Honduras,…
The Virgin Rainbow Opal
Crystal EncyclopediaThe Virgin Rainbow Opal is an extraordinary and highly valuable type of opal characterized by its vibrant play-of-color and exceptional brightness. This rare gemstone displays a stunning spectrum of colors, including reds, greens, blues, and purples,…
Hyalite Opal
Crystal Encyclopedia
Hyalite opal is a unique variety of opal that is colorless and transparent. It is a type of mineral silica that’s chemically similar to quartz but contains water within its mineral structure. What sets hyalite apart from other forms of opal is its…
Garnet
Crystal EncyclopediaGarnet refers to a group of minerals that share a common crystal structure but come in a variety of colors and compositions. These minerals belong to the nesosilicate family and have a general chemical formula of X3Y2(SiO4)3, where X and Y are elements…
Pyrite (Fool’s Gold)
Crystal EncyclopediaPyrite is commonly referred to as “fool’s gold.” Although much lighter than gold, its brassy color and relatively high density misled many novice prospectors. Its name is derived from the Greek word pyr, meaning “fire,” because it emits sparks…
Diamond
Crystal EncyclopediaDiamonds are one of the most precious and valuable gemstones in the world, known for their exceptional hardness, brilliance, and durability. They are formed deep within the earth over millions of years under intense heat and pressure, and are typically…
Topaz
Crystal EncyclopediaTopaz is a silicate mineral and a member of the aluminum silicate family. It is renowned for its dazzling array of colors, including shades of blue, yellow, pink, brown, and more. Among these, blue topaz is particularly popular in jewelry. Here’s an…
Serpentine
Crystal Encyclopedia
Serpentine is the common name of a group of minerals. Apart from the main members of Antigorite and Chrysotile, there is usually no distinction between individual members except for scientific study and classification. Antigorite generally…
Apatite
Crystal EncyclopediaApatite is a mineral that is composed of calcium phosphate, with the chemical formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl). It is a member of the apatite group of minerals, which also includes hydroxylapatite and fluorapatite. Apatite is a relatively common mineral that…