Discover obsidian’s volcanic origins, cultural history & authentication methods. Learn why this volcanic glass has been used for tools, art & spiritual practices for millennia. Essential collector’s guide.

Discover lapis lazuli’s 6,000-year history, from ancient Afghan mines to Qing Dynasty rituals. Learn how to grade quality & why this celestial blue stone remains prized by collectors worldwide.

Discover agate’s formation process, banded patterns & artistic uses. Learn why this cryptocrystalline quartz variety captivates collectors with its natural artwork & carving potential.

Discover topaz varieties from imperial to blue, learn identification techniques & explore Chinese sources. Essential guide for collectors of this durable & colorful aluminum silicate gemstone.

Discover peridot’s properties, Chinese sources & why it’s called “Evening Emerald.” Learn about identification features, care tips & why this August birthstone captivates collectors.

Discover garnet’s varieties from pyrope to spessartine, historical significance as January’s birthstone & why this colorful gem family remains popular with collectors worldwide.

Discover tanzanite’s unique origin story, value factors & how lightning created this rare blue-violet gemstone. Learn why Tanzanian tanzanite remains the world’s only source for collectors.

Discover spinel’s royal history, gemological properties & why it was mistaken for ruby for centuries. Learn about famous spinels like the Black Prince’s Ruby & its value for collectors today.

Discover aquamarine’s properties, sources & how to distinguish it from similar blue gemstones. Learn about its chemistry, legendary lore & why collectors value this serene beryl variety.

Discover tourmaline’s unique properties, from pyroelectric effects to pleochroism. Learn about global sources, identification methods & why this rainbow gemstone captivates collectors worldwide.

Discover emerald’s geological origins, quality factors & cultural significance. Learn about global sources from Colombia to Yunnan & how to identify quality in these precious green gemstones.

Learn to distinguish synthetic gems from natural, understand hardness vs brittleness, and identify true gem value factors. Essential guide for collectors navigating confusing gemological terms.