Outstanding opal of many different varieties is widespread in Mexico and occurs in pockets in volcanic rocks such as rhyolites and basalts. Mexican precious opal is distinctive and makes a valuable contribution to the gemstone markets. Fire agate is one of the more precious of the different agates and some of the best in the world comes from Mexico. Surprisingly colorful rainbow obsidian and other varieties of obsidian are very abundant and widespread. Amber is found at Chiapas and is similar to the Dominican Republic amber.
Attractive vesuvianite is found in skarn deposits with grossular garnets.
The excellent rhodochrosite from Mexico is also cut as a gemstone. No discussion of Mexican minerals or Mexican gemstones would be complete without mentioning the not one, but two outstanding amethyst localities of Vera Cruz and Guerrero. These amethyst locations produce some of the most unique amethyst specimens. The Vera Cruz amethysts are often doubly terminated, prismatic, attached to matrix or free floating and clear with a pale lavender color. The more affordable Vera Cruz amethyst is popular in wire-wrapped jewelry and as collection specimens.