VirtuCasa

Discover peridot (橄欖石)—the ancient ‘sun gem’ of pharaohs and volcanoes. Explore its Chinese sources, cosmic origins, and jewelry uses at VirtuCasa.

Discover ruby & sapphire—nature’s crown jewels. From Ming Dynasty adornments to Kashmir’s ‘cornflower blue,’ explore their science and legacy at VirtuCasa.

Discover tourmaline (碧璽)—nature’s rainbow gem. From Qing Dynasty seals to modern neon Paraíba, explore its science and lore at VirtuCasa.

Discover rock crystal (水晶)—from Peking Man’s tools to Qing Dynasty jewelry. Learn how this ‘frozen light’ shaped science and art across cultures. Visit VirtuCasa.

Unravel the mystery of Lantian Jade (藍田玉)—celebrated in Han texts, lost to time, and rediscovered. Explore its marble-based truth and literary legacy at VirtuCasa.

Discover quartzite jade—東陵石, 密玉, and more. Learn how these quartz-based gems shaped Chinese art from ancient tombs to modern jewelry. Visit VirtuCasa.

Discover lapis lazuli (青金石)—the ‘sky stone’ of pharaohs and emperors. Explore its Afghan origins, Qing Dynasty rituals, and modern jewelry uses. Learn more at VirtuCasa.

Discover malachite (孔雀石)—the ‘peacock stone’ of emperors and artisans. Explore its banded beauty, ancient carvings, and modern jewelry uses. Learn more at VirtuCasa.

Discover agate (瑪瑙)—nature’s banded masterpiece. Explore its colors, ancient Chinese carvings, and modern jewelry uses. Learn grading and origins at VirtuCasa.

Discover jadeite (翡翠)—the ‘king of jade.’ Learn its grading, colors, and 18th-century rise in China. Explore Burmese mines and carving traditions at VirtuCasa.