recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Isle royale stone

An extremely rare variety of chlorastrolite, These stones are found as beach pebbles and granules in loose sediments. It is found in the Keweenaw Peninsula of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Isle Royale is a National Park, and so it is illegal to collect specimens there. It is difficult to identify an unpolished pebble of chlorastrolite. Most gem quality chlorastrolite stones are very small, and it is rare to find one that is larger than a half inch. The largest gem quality stone is in the Smithsonian Museum and measures 1.5 by 3 inches!

Color: deep green, black

Name: isle royale greenstone

Family: chlorastrolite

M.o.h:  3.5-5

Occurrence: US (MI)

Mcch: radiant

Rarity: rare
Quinzite

A very rare variety of pale rose to deep magenta Common opal, Quinzite was first discovered in and named after the small village of Quincy, in Cher, France. Since it’s initial discovery, Quinzite has only been found in one other place, being the Spencer Opal mine in Idaho, one of just a handful of American Precious Opal mines!

Color: rose-pink

Moh: 5-5.5

Family: common Opal

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: France, US (ID)

Mcch: amorphous
Bediasite

Discovered by scientist Virgil Barnes in 1934, Bediasite is a form or type of tektite. It originates in an area in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Texas centered on the small town of Bedias which is 74 miles (119 km) north west of Houston. They are found in about nine Texas Counties in an area of over 7,000 square miles (18,000 km2). The largest specimen ever found is just over 200 grams!

Color: bottle green - brown

Moh: 6.5-7.5

Family: Tektites

Rarity: Very rare

Occurrence: US (TX)

Mcch: none (natural glass)
Galkhaite

A tiny but mighty mineral, Galkhaite is an extremely rare fiery red Sulfosalt mineral prized by collectors for it’s small, cubic fiery red and orange crystals, almost like a red boleite! It was first discovered at the batken region of Kyrgysztan in 1972, although the best specimens have actually come from the osgood mountains of Humboldt county, Nevada!

Color: dark orange-red

Moh: 3

Family: sulfosalts

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Iran, US (NV), Canada

Mcch: cubic
Melanterite

Melanterite is a rare, minty green iron analog variety of the vivid blue mineral Chalcanthite. It was discovered in 1850 at an unknown region, and is usually collected as specimens, although cut gems do exist. It was named after the Greek word ‘’Copperas’’ meaning ‘’Ferrous sulfate’’ referring to the crystals chemical construct!

Color: pale green

Moh: 2

Family: chalcanthite

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: pseudo octahedral
Peach opal

A recently discovered Opal, Peach opal is a rare variety of beautiful bubblegum to coral pink variety of common opal which was discovered in Lake county, Oregon, in 2016! It is owned by a single family, who sells it to jewelers and collectors, and for the right price, you can mine it yourself as well!

Color: bubblegum pink

Moh: 5-5.5

Family: common Opal

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: US (OR)

Mcch: amorphous
Lorenzenite

A rare Titanium silicate mineral, Lorenzenite was first discovered in Greenland in 1897, but wasnt truly identified until 1971. It is prized by collectors for it’s metallic lustre, which is often colored purplish brown or mauve by inclusions of other titanium minerals! It is named after danish minerologist Johannes Lorenzen!

Color: purple brown, mauve, black

Moh: 6

Family: titanium silicates

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: greenland, norway, russia, canada

Mcch: dipyramidal
Rashleighite

A very rare variety of noticeably crystalline, Ferrian Turquoise, Rashleighite was initially discovered in the Bunny mine, in Cornwall, England, in 1878. It is prized for it’s distinct cyan blue, acicular crystals, and was later also discovered in Northern Portugal! It was named in honor of the Cornish geologist Phillip Rashleigh.

Color: turquoise

Moh: 5-6

Family: Turquoise

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Portugal, England

Mcch: acicular
Purple passion agate

Also sometimes called parcelas agate, Purple passion agate is one of the most famous varieties of purple agate, and is only found in Mexico! Some will include quartz as its matrix, with some fantastic purple agate swirls running through the center. Additionally, other chunks will be encrusted with its host rock and surrounded by the flowering patterns, much like you see in Agua Nueva agate!

Color: Lilac, Lavender, Beige, White

Name: Purple passion agate

Family: quartz/Agate

M.o.h: 7

Occurrence: Mexico

Mcch: nodular

Rarity: Rare
Orpiment

A historic gemstone, Orpiment was traded in the Roman Empire and was used as a medicine in China, even though it is very toxic. It has been used as fly poison and to tip arrows with poison. Because of its striking color, it was of interest to alchemists, both in China and the West, searching for a way to make gold. It also has been found in the wall decorations of Tutankhamun's tomb and ancient Egyptian scrolls, and on the walls of the Taj Mahal. For centuries, orpiment was ground down and used as a pigment in painting and for sealing wax, and was even used in ancient China as a correction fluid. It was one of the few clear, bright-yellow pigments available to artists until the 19th century!

Color: colorless, yellow, orange

Moh: 1.5-2

Family: arsenic sulfides

Rarity: common

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: prismatic
Baker blue agate

Yet Another of the plethora of beautiful blue agates of Washington state, baker blue agate is a blue, nodular agate that is found in streams and creeks near the midpoint of the summit of mount baker, hence the name, in Whatcom county, Washington. Specifically, Swift creek! It can rarely be botryoidal as well!

Color: periwinkle blue

Name: baker blue agate

Family: agate/quartz

M.o.h:  7

Occurrence: US (WA)

Mcch: nodular

Rarity: very rare
Nipomo agate

A fairly recent discovery from 2001, Nipomo agate is a beautiful, Orange and cream colored variety of plume agate that is famous for it’s metallic inclusions of marcasite. This makes it the 2nd variety of agate that is combined with precious metals, the other being copper agate! It is named after Nipomo, California, where it is found!

Color: orange, cream w/gold inc.

Moh: 7

Family: agate and marcasite

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: US (CA)

Mcch: veinular
Rockbridgeite

Originally discovered in 1949 at the Mivdale mine in rockbridge county, Virginia, for which it was named, Rockbridgeite is a fairly common mineral, but quite a rare gemstone, as most specimens aren’t pure enough to make striking cut stones. However, when cut properly, they can be a beautiful deep crimson, dark green, or black color!

Color: crimson, dark green, black

Moh: 3.5-4.5

Family: manga-iron phosphates

Rarity: uncommon

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: fibrous
Margarite

Another member of the mica group, Margarite is a beautiful mineral treasured by collectors for it’s incredible champagne copper color. It was discovered in 1823 in Tyrol, Austria, and gets it’s name from the greek word ‘’margaritari’’ meaning ‘’pearly’’ referencing it’s pearly lustre!

Color: champagne/copper

Moh: 4

Family: Mica

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: Austria, germany, US

Mcch: platy
Peristerite

More commonly known as peach moonstone, Peristerite is a rare variety of plagioclase moonstone first discovered in India as far back as the 15th century, Peach Moonstones happen to have deep roots within ancient connections. In India, they are considered divine and profound as well as appreciated as “Dream Stones”!

Color: peach orange

Moh: 6-6.5

Family: Moonstone

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: Norway, Sweden, spain, US (MI,PA,ME,CT)

Mcch: triclinic
Marcasite

Discovered in 1845 in Saudi Arabia, and named after a moorish word used to refer to metallic minerals. It often forms in other minerals as silver to gold ‘’snowflakes’’ much like dendrites. Marcasite was used by the ancient Greeks where it was polished into large slabs used to decorate ornate cathedrals, meanwhile, in central america, it was often used as a charm in Talismans. It was also very popular in Victorian jewelry due to it’s gothic vibe!

Color: silver - gold

Name: Marcasite

Family: metallic minerals

M.o.h: 6-6.5

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: aggragative

Rarity: Uncommon
Iona marble

From one famous Scottish marble stone to another, Iona marble is arguably the more famous one. Composed of lime serpentine and white and gray marble, Iona marble is a medieval stone, first mined all the way back in the 1600’s by the Scottish duke of Argyll, there is also supposedly evidence that the ancient abbey church’s high altar was carved out of Iona marble. Today, the most famous piece is the altar stone in the famed Iona abbey on the isle of Iona, in Scotland, for which it is named!

Color: lime green, white, grey

Moh: 5-5.5

Family: serpentine

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Scotland

Mcch: massive
Labradorite

One of the most popular gemstones for decoration and collecting in modern day rock collecting, Labradorite was named after Labradore, Newfoundland, northeast Canada, where geologists first identified the gem in the 1770’s. Legend has it that the Northern Lights were once stuck inside rocks on the Canadian coast until a brave warrior freed most of them by hitting the rocks with a spear. The rocks that were not hit, still have those Northern Lights within them, the cause of the beautiful iridescent quality labradorite possesses. Found in madagascar as well in the late 90’s, labradorite is a truly beautiful and unique stone.

Color: gray w/multicolor iridescence

Name: labradorite

Family: feldspar

M.o.h:  5-5.6

Occurrence: labrador, canada. Madagascar.

Mcch: massive

Rarity: uncommon
Laguna agate

Another of Mexico's amazing agates, The Laguna Agate area is in the state of Chihuahua, from the Estacion Ojo Laguna area, about 150 miles south of the U.S.-Mexican border. Laguna Agate was discovered in the late 1940's and it has been found in several sites on the upper section of the mountain covering a distance of over 4 miles. There are several claims and many of them do not have roads to them, so they have been worked entirely by hand.Laguna Agates are believed to be about 38 million years old and sometimes contain sagenites, moss like inclusions and/or tubes. Although Laguna Agates are generally small, larger specimens are found quite often. The best Laguna Agates are characterized by contrasting light and dark colors. Besides the deep red it is well known for, desirable colors include yellow, and purple.

Color: yellow, orange, red, violet, pink

Name: Laguna agate

Family: quartz/agate

M.o.h:  7

Occurrence: mexico

Mcch: nodular

Rarity: rare
Madiera citrine

a bit of a complicated gem, madiera citrine is a vareity and locality of gem quality citrine. the reason for its complicated nature is that almost all madiera citrine is actually just heated amethyst. in reality, the small amount of real madiera citrine is that found in the province of madiera, portugal. where a bright orange, world class quality of citrine is found, and it is gorgeous!
Hawk's eye

Only found in the scorching western australian desert, hawk’s eye is a rare blue variety of tiger's eye, a fibrous brown member of the quartz family. It is often found mixed with brown tigers eye, but only in western Australia is it pure, navy blue hawks eye, uninteruppted by brown tigers eye. It is also one of the minerals found in pietersite.

Color: navy blue

Name: hawk’s eye

Family: tiger’s eye/quartz

M.o.h:  7

Occurrence: Australia

Mcch: fibrous, massive

Rarity: rare
Peridot

Discovered as far back as 4000 BC Peridot is named after the French word peritot, meaning gold, because the mineral can vary towards this color. Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August. It is also the stone given to celebrate the 16th year of marriage. Peridot has a very long written history. In Ancient times, peridot stones were used for carved talismans. Island habitants were forced to collect the gems for the Pharaoh’s treasury. Legend says that jealous watchers who had orders to put to death any trespassers guarded the entire island. The story continues that the miners worked in the daytime as well as night, as the gems could be found after nightfall due to their radiance. Peridot is the National gem of Egypt. Ancient Egyptians knew it as “the gem of the sun.” Peridot was mined for over 3,500 years on St Johns Island. It is also thought that some, or possibly all of the emeralds worn by cleopatra, were actually peridots. Peridots have also been discovered in meterorites.

Color: pale - lime green

Name: Peridot

Family: Olivine

M.o.h:  6.5-7

Occurrence: china, pakistan, myanmar, vietnam, egypt

Mcch: prismatic

Rarity: rare
Purpurite

Prized by both mineral collectors and gemstone cutters for it’s lustrous and very unique deep purple color with an even more unique metallic purple sheen due to the presence of iron! Pupurite was named after the latin word ‘’Purpur’’ for ‘’Purple’’ it is mostly found in Namibia, where it was discovered in 1905, with very small deposits being found in some US states as well, such as California and Maine!

Color: purple

Moh: 4-5

Family: manganese phosphates

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: Namibia

Mcch: scaly
Moctezuma agate

Yet another of northern Mexico’s exceptional agates, Moctezuma is perhaps of the more rare ones. Named after legendary emperor of Mexico Moctezuma II, the stone comes in incredible shades of pink, orange, yellow, and cream! moctezuma agate was almost entirely mined out in the 1970's, making it a very valuable stone!

Color: pink, peach, yellow, orange, cream

Name: Moctezuma Agate

Family: quartz/agate

M.o.h:  7

Occurrence: Mexico

Mcch: Nodular

Rarity: Rare
Rainbow sunstone

A very rare variety of Sunstone, Rainbow sunstone is charecterized by the unique overlapping rays of iridescent sunstone trapped within the stone, creating a lattice like effect, which has earned it the nickname of ‘’rainbow lattice’’. It is only found in one mine in southern Australia, and is widely regarded as one of the priciest varieties of sunstone!

Name: rainbow/rainbow lattice sunstone

Color: orange w/ iridescent incl.

Moh: 6-6.5

Family: Sunstone

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Australia

Mcch: inclusional
Kentucky agate

One of the rarest and most prized american agates, Kentucky agate is found only in the hills of rural Kentucky, and is valued for it’s intricate, colorful banding. Nicer specimens have shown colors never before seen combined in agate, with the most valuable being a mix of canary yellow and beautiful deep lilac banding! It is widely considered the state gem of Kentucky!

Color: red, yellow, purple, orange, black

Name: Kentucky agate

Family: Quartz/Agate

M.o.h: 7

Occurrence: US (KY)

Mcch: nodular

Rarity: Rare
Hopeite

Hopeite is a rare Zinc phosphate mineral first discovered in Belgium in 1822 by an unknown discoverer, and named after scottish professor of chemistry, Thomas Charles Hope, Hopeite is very rare as a cut gem, largely due to it’s softness, as well as the rarity of intense colors that are generally ‘’cutable’’.

Color: orange, yellow, pink

Moh: 3.5

Family: Zinc Phosphates

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: Belgium, Germany, Zambia, Canada, US (SD,NH,AZ)

Mcch: tabular
Onyx

Onyx is the birthstone for Leo and the anniversary gemstone for the 7th year of marriage. Black Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 10th year of marriage. Onyx is a variety of the microcrystalline quartz, called chalcedony. Ornamental materials were once mined in that area and it was an active center for trading various stones. Onyx were used widely in the past as bases and handles for gold items, as well as for stone inlay work. Onyx seals were very popular with the Romans, who carved the pattern of the seal in negative relief to give a raised point. They often used stones with several layers, each of a different color, which were then individually carved to produce a different pattern each year. They originally used the onyx name for a variety of marble having white and yellow veins. Onyx is the Greek word for “claw” or “fingernail” because these veins resemble the colors of a fingernail. The marble is still called “onyx marble,” being less valuable and softer than onyx which has a hardness rating of 7. Onyx was also traditionally used for carving brooches.

Color: black - gray/white

Name: onyx

Family: quartz/chalcedony

M.o.h:  7

Occurrence: uruguay, brazil, afghanistan,

Mcch: massive/veinular

Rarity: uncommon
Irghizite

Formed after the impact of a large meteorite approximately 0.9 million years ago in modern day Kazhakstan, Irghizite, first discovered in the 1900’s in the massive Zhamanshin impact crater, is a variety of brown to grey tektite, its name comes from the river irghiz, as it was found nearby!

Color: brown-grey

Moh: 7-7.5

Family: Tektites

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Kazakhstan

Mcch: none (natural glass)
Bismuth

Bismuth is a lead based metal first discovered in 1753, the metal is often times heated or oxidized resulting in rainbow colors! In nature, it is almost always gray or silver, and was confused with lead for a very long time. It is also one of the few genuine minerals that humans can make themselves! It is a popular grow your own style crystal and is admired for it’s unique crystal habit!

Color: silver, rainbow if heated

Name: Bismuth

Family: lead metals

M.o.h:  5

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: hopper

Rarity: uncommon
Native copper

Believed to have first been utilized by the native americans, (hence it’s name) native copper is an uncombined form of crystalline copper found largely in michigan, and the great lakes region. Native Americans mined copper on a small scale at this and many other locations, and evidence exists of copper trading routes throughout North America among native peoples, proven by isotopic analysis. The first commercial mines in the Keweenaw Peninsula (which is nicknamed the "Copper Country'' and "Copper Island") opened in the 1840s. Isle Royale in western Lake Superior was also a site of many tons of native copper!

Color: metallic orange

Family: copper

M.o.h:  2.5-3

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: Amorphous

Rarity: uncommon
Nacre

Found in seashells all over the world, Nacre is the natural lining of marine mollusk shells. Usually created by a micture of aragonite and silica, it forms in a similar way to pearls, and has been used alongside such by humans for centuries! From decorative plating in Caribbean art, to native Hawaiian Jewelry! It is also oftentimes referred to as ‘’Mother of Pearl’’.

Color: multiple and iridescent

Moh: 2.5-4

Family: none (organic)

Rarity: common

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: none (organic)
Morado opal

Morado opal, also called "purple opal" and "Opal Royale," is a purple variety of common opal found in central Mexico. Its name is derived from the Spanish word "morado" which means "purple." It does not exhibit "play-of-color." Its beauty is in its wonderful purple and white colors that meet in dramatic and subtle combinations and patterns. Morado is one of the least expensive opals capable of producing designer-grade cabochons!

Color: white, Beige, Lavender

Name: Morado opal, Violet opal

Family: Opal

M.o.h:  5.5-6

Occurrence: Mexico

Mcch: None (Mineraloid)

Rarity: Rare
Phenacite

First discovered in 1834 by mineralogist N. Nordenskiold in Norway, Phenacite is a very rare beryllium sillicate mineral. Phenacite got its name from the Greek word meaning “deceiver”, due to its identification errors between Quartz and Phenacite. The color ranges of Phenacite include white, yellow, brown, and colorless. This mineral has been found in Brazil, Madagascar, Norway, Russia, and the USA!

Color: colorless

Name: Phenakite, Phenacite

Family: Neosillicates

M.o.h:  7.5-8

Occurrence: Russia, Norway, US, Brazil

Mcch: Trigonal

Rarity: Rare
Indigo gabbro

Mystic Merlinite, also known as Indigo Gabbro, is a combination mineral discovered in Madagascar in the early 2010’s . It is composed of feldspar, Quartz, igneous rock, and other minerals. Little is known about its founder and the reason for naming this stone after the mystic wizard known as Merlin.

Color: grey, black, deep purple

Name: Indigo gabbro

Family: gabbro, quartz

M.o.h:   5.5-6

Occurrence: Madagascar

Mcch: Concretious

Rarity: Uncommon
Luxullianite

Luxullinanite is a rare variety of Pink granite with inclusions of black Tourmaline that was discovered in and named after luxulyan, Cornwall, England, in 1877. To this day, as of 2021, it has only ever been discovered in one single quarry in england! It is very prized for its distinct colors, as well as it’s unique mineral combo!

Color: salmon pink, black

Name: Luxullianite

Family: Granite

M.o.h:   6.5-7

Occurrence: England

Mcch: Grainular

Rarity: Very rare
Hackmanite

A very interesting variety of sodalite, hackmanite, named for the man who discovered it, finnish geologist Victor hackman, who made the discovery in greenland in 1901, actually quickly fades in color when exposed to sunlight, much like amethyst or fluorite. Unlike amethyst and fluorite however, hackmanite can do something no other stone can do. When left in darkness for a few days or weeks, it will fully regain it’s lavender color! It is also one of a few minerals with the tenebrescense phenomenon!

Color: lavender, colorless, blue

Moh: 5.5-6

Family: sodalite

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: Canada, US (NJ,NH), Russia, Myanmar, Afghanistan

Mcch: dodechahedral
Howlite

Howlite, a calcium borate mineral, has a bit of a bad reputation. First discovered in novia scotia by henrey how in the 1890’s, howlite is nowadays mostly mined in california. The stone’s bad reputation comes from the habit of dyeing howlite, and selling it as fake turquoise, a much more valuable stone, pretty much every gift shop in the US is bound to have a bowl of cheaply dyed howlite. But if you ask me, howlite is pretty enough all on it’s own.

Color: white

Name: Howlite

Family: calcium borates

M.o.h:  3.5

Occurrence: nova scotia, eastern canada, california.

Mcch: massive

Rarity: common
Peanut wood

Discovered in Egypt in the late 1990’s, peanut wood is a truly weird stone! A variety of petrified wood, the ‘’peanuts’’ seen speckled throughout the wood is actually neither peanuts, nor is it wood, nope! It is actually the fossilized remains of a relative of shipworms, a marine worm that was likely feasting on the rotting wood it is now fossilized in when whatever event happened that led to their fossilization!

Color: Black, beige, brown, white

Name: Peanut wood, Peanut Jasper

Family: petrified woods

M.o.h: 6.5-7

Occurrence: Argentina, Egypt, Czechia

Mcch: none (Organic)

Rarity: Uncommon
Fruit jasper

Perhaps one of the oddest looking jaspers out there, fruit jasper, which gets its name from it’s resemblance to a fruitcake, is a variety of conglomerate jasper in a chalcedony matrix, resulting in odd, amorphous blobs of colored jasper! It was discovered in central India around 2012, and has since become a fairly popular material in costume jewelry, as well as a lapidary material!

Color: red, yellow, green, orange

Name: fruit jasper

Family: jasper/quartz

M.o.h: 7

Occurrence: India

Mcch: breccicated

Rarity: uncommon
Moss agate

Used since antiquity, Moss agate, also known as mocha stone, is a gemstone renowned for the greenish filaments that seem to resemble creeping moss or other vegetation. The alternative name comes from the Arabian city of Mocha in Yemen, which was an ancient source for the gemstone. Moss agate, like most gemstones, has long been used for personal ornamentation. Some ancient cultures viewed moss agate as a healing stone. During the late 18th century, moss agate was widely regarded as a good luck stone in Britain. Due to the inclusions resembling moss or ferns, moss agate was also viewed as a stone of agriculture amongst gardeners and farmers. It's said European farmers once used to hang moss agate from trees and around the horns of oxen when plowing to encourage successful harvests.

Color: multiple, mostly green, yellow, or red

Name: moss agate

Family: quartz/agate

M.o.h:  7

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: multiple, mostly veinular / nodular

Rarity: uncommon
Nellite

Discoverd alongside pietersite in Namibia in the early 1910’s, Nellite is a rare, golden-orange mineral that forms as a result of a combo of quartz, and golden tigers eye, the stone is also sometimes called ‘’lionskin’’ due to its shimmery tanish orange color. It was also recently discovered in a small quantity in South Africa at the border!

Color: yellow, orange, brown, golden

Name: Nellite, lions eye

Family: Pietersite, quartz, tiger eye

M.o.h: 6.5-7

Occurrence: Namibia

Mcch: massive

Rarity: Rare
Ocean picture agate

Discovered in the late 2000’s by prospector Dan Hurd in northern British Columbia, Canada, ocean picture stone is a fairly rare variety of sky blue, orange, and grey chalcedony with inclusions of limonite, and silicified serpentinite! It is mined high up in the mountains around Kamloops, making it hard to get to, and therefore, quite valuable!

Color: aqua Blue, tan, teal

Name: Ocean picture stone, Ocean agate

Family: Agate

M.o.h:  7

Occurrence: Canada

Mcch: Veinular

Rarity: Rare
Hava ridge jasper

A brand new discovery as of writing this, Hava ridge jasper is a very unique variety of green, teal, and blue picture jasper distinct for its sharp and tightly woven breccication, which makes it look very similar to a mountainous landscape! It was discovered in may of 2022 in oregons infamously jasper rich Owyhee mountains! Even despite its very new introduction, it has already gained popularity as a jewery material!

Color: green, teal, blue

Name: Hava ridge jasper

Family: jasper/quartz

M.o.h: 7

Occurrence: US (OR)

Mcch: massive

Rarity: rare
Owyhee jasper

Owyhee jasper, One of the most famous american jaspers, comes from the rugged Owyhee mountain area situated on the Idaho-Oregon border, just south of Homedale, Idaho. Owyhee Jasper is another one of the very popular picture jaspers, known for their depictions of mountain or desert scenery, with or without the "blue sky". There are now about 6 different varieties that fall under the Owyhee Jasper name. This area is prolific for colorful jaspers. Close to the Owyhee Jasper area is the Wild Horse and the Rocky Butte areas. It is said that this material was found in 1967 by Bruce Markus and Ralph Fulson while they were following wild Mustangs in their V.W. They saw the pretty rock and collected a few hundred pounds. Later they came back and claimed the area. The mine is very isolated and overlooks the Owyhee River.

Color: tan, sand blue, orange,

Name: owyhee jasper

Family: quartz/jasper

M.o.h:  7

Occurrence: idaho, oregon

Mcch: massive

Rarity: rare
Que sera

Another rare stone, Que sera stone, or llanite, is a mixture of brown rhyolite with pockets of light blue quartz sprinkled throughout. It is currently only found in llano county, texas, along the side of a roadcut of texas state highway 16, where it juts out of a natural dike made of rhyolite and sandstone. Due to it’s recent discovery in the 80’s , there is not much history to the stone as of yet.

Color: brown, electric blue

Moh: 6-6.5

Family: quartz, rhyolite

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: Texas, US

Mcch: massive
Paint rock agate

one state you might glance over when planning a rockhounding trip would be Tennessee, not exactly known for the minerals harbored by its Appalachian neighbors, but there is at least one treasure worth scouting here, the beautiful, fiery hued paint rock agate. with a very similar appearance to kentucky agate, paint rock boasts beautiful splashes of color, and stands out in its state.
Moonstone

Moonstone is one of the birthstones for the month of June and the stone traditionally given in celebration of the 13th anniversary of marriage. Moonstone has always been very popular in India. The stone was also prized by the Romans, who thought it was magically formed out of moonlight. Moonstone was used in Roman jewelry since 100 AD. Ancient Greeks and Romans both linked the stone with the moon deities. Moonstone was very popular in the Art Nouveau jewelry of the early 20th century. It is very popular in india, and is the state gem of florida, (only for the moon landings, the stone is ironically not naturally found there)

Color: white, black, peach w/ blue-yellow sheen.

Name: Moonstone

Family: Fielspar

M.o.h:  6-6.5

Occurrence: india, myanmar, sri lanka, armenia

Mcch: massive

Rarity: uncommon
Gemfield chalcedony

Named after and discovered in the hills surrounding Gemfield, Nevada, Gemfield chalcedony is a rare variety of pink, beige, and cream colored chalcedony which is believed to be the largest deposit of chalcedony in the continental US, spanning for over 4 square miles! You can pay to dig it yourself as well!

Color: Pink, beige, cream

Name: Gemfield Chalcedony

Family: Chalcedony/quartz

Moh: 7

Occurrence: US (NV)

Mcch: veinular

Rarity: Uncommon
Helvine

Named after the Greek word ‘’helvus’’ for ‘’sun’’ helvine is a rare tektosillicate mineral which was first discovered in 1804 by an unknown discoverer. It is also one of just a handful of minerals that possesses peisoelectric properties!

Color: golden yellow, brown, red

Moh: 6-6.5

Family: tektosillicates

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: isometric
Kyanite

Kyanite, a multi-colored, but most of the time blue crystal was named in 1789 by Abraham Werner, kyanite draws its identity from the Greek term *cyanos* (or "blue")--which this beautiful gemstone certainly is! Kyanite is one of the most attractive blue minerals in nature, sometimes exhibiting intense shades of blue, or even multiple shades with color zoning in a single crystal. The French spelling "cyanite" was common until the mid-20th century.This andalusite relative--in its non-gemstone form--is used in ceramics, electronics, electrical insulators and abrasives.

Color: blue, green, orange

Name: Kyanite

Family: aluminum sillicate

M.o.h:  4.5-5

Occurrence: eastern US, brazil, tanzania

Mcch: bladed/fibrous

Rarity: uncommon
Hibonite

Hibonite is a somewhat rare vanadium oxide mineral. A very rare gem, hibonite was discovered in 1953 in Madagascar by Paul Hibon, a French prospector, for whom it was named. It is rare as a cut gem, but even more rare are the purple madagascan specimens, of which only a handful have ever been unearthed!

Color: black to brown, rarely purple

Moh: 7.5-8

Family: vanadium oxides

Rarity: uncommon

Occurrence: worldwide in small amounts

Mcch: Hexagonal
Kovdorskite

A fairly recent discovery, from the early 2000’s, not much is known yet about kovdorskite. What is known is that it is a phosphate mineral, and that it was named after the mine from which it was discovered, the Kovdor Zheleznyi mine, in northwestern russia, just a few miles from the finnish border!

Color: pale pink or blue

Moh: 4

Family: phosphates

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Russia, Finland

Mcch: monoclinic
Owyhee opal

Thought to have been discovered in Owyhee county, Oregon, in the late 1960’s, This opal stone was originally found in Owyhee, Oregon which gives the stone it's color. Often appearing in sky blue or light blue hues, the stone can come in translucent finishes and can be ground to a fine polish. Over time the Owyhee Opal can even become opaque when exposed to the air and dehydration begins. The stone has become especially popular in recent years, after being introduced as a good cabochon stone.

Color: gray, pale-navy blue, white

Name: owyhee Opal

Family: Opal

M.o.h:  5.5-6

Occurrence: oregon

Mcch: massive

Rarity: rare
Orange river quartz

Found in the infamously quartz rich Brandberg mountains of Namibia, orange river quartz was first discovered embedded in basalt along the shores of Namibia's orange river in the late 2000’s, orange river quartz is clear quartz coated with a thin layer of hematite. The stone is fairly hard to get, and is quite treasured by collectors!

Color: Orange, white

Name: Orange river Quartz

Family: Quartz

M.o.h: 7

Occurrence: Namibia

Mcch: Prismatic

Rarity: Rare
Quahog pearl

Among America’s most stunning pearls, Quahog (Ka-hog) pearls are also one of if not the continent's rarest. They are named after the quahog clam, a species of clam native to the east coast. Although most commonly found off of New England, they can be found all the way to the start of florida. Quahog pearls can be many colors, although the most common are pink, lavender, cream, and white.

Color: black, white, lavender, pink, purple

Name: quahog pearl

Family: pearls

M.o.h:   3

Occurrence: US East coast

Mcch: none (organic)

Rarity: very rare
Graftonite

Graftonite is a rare, iron-manganese Phosphate that was first discovered in the US state of New Hampshire on Melvin Mountain, in Grafton county, for which it was named. Although not the most attractive gem on the surface, when cut or polished it shows beautiful deep burgundy and Coffee brown colors, similar to garnets!

Color: deep red - coffee brown

Name: Graftonite

Family: Phosphates

M.o.h:  5

Occurrence: US (NH), Italy, Morocco, France, Brazil

Mcch: Monoclinic

Rarity: Rare
Rosolite

Known passionately by collectors and lapidarists alike as ‘’Raspberry garnet’’ Rosolite is a rare variety of salmon, to raspberry pink Grossular Garnet. It was discovered in the sandstone hills surrounding Mexico’s Lake Jaco in 1893, and was named ‘’Rosolite’’ after the Spanish word ‘’Rosa’’ meaning ‘’rose’’ in allusion to it’s color!

Color: raspberry red/pink

Moh: 6.5-7

Family: Garnet

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: Mexico

Mcch: dodecahedral
Meliphanite

Another extremely rare gemstone, Meliphanite is a beautiful light yellow gemstone which actuall gets it’s name from said color, the greek word ‘’Meli’’ meaning ‘’honey’’ meliphanite was discovered in 1852 in Larvik, Norway!

Color: yellow

Moh: 5-5.5

Family: inosilicates

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Norway

Mcch: tetragonal
Roeblingite

First discovered in 1897 in New Jersey at, you guessed it, the Franklin mine, Roeblingite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral. It is also one of just a few forms of crystalline lead silicates. It was named after American mineralogy society member, builder of the brooklyn bridge, and inventor of the diving bell, Washington A. Roebling!

Color: colorless, bronze

Moh: 3

Family: cyclosilicates

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: Sweden, US, (NJ)

Mcch: fibrous
Fuchsite

Fuchsite is an uncommon, green mineral first discovered in the mid 1800’s in italy. It is most commonly used as a decorative stone, due to it’s igneous nature, and easy carvability as it is just 2.5 on the MOH’s scale. Shamans and ancient healers also called this mineral as the “Healers Stone.” It was widely believed that Fuchsite's green color radiated energy, helping your spiritual and mental well-being. It was also believed that its green glow allows you to access your universal mind. It is mostly found in india, and southeast asia.

Color: forest green

Name: Fuchsite

Family: mica

Moh: 2.5-3

Occurrence: southeast asia, eastern europe

Mcch: massive

Rarity: uncommon
Quetzal agate

A fairly recent mexican agate discovery, quetzal agate, named after the tropical bird which it resembles, is found near the Mexico/Honduras border. It was discovered around 2007, and is a variety of moss agate, displaying colors of gold, yellow, red, orange, and green. It is one of mexicos many agates!

Color: gold, green, yellow, red, orange

Name: quetzal agate

Family: agate

M.o.h:  7

Occurrence: Mexico

Mcch: seamic

Rarity: rare
Padparadscha

By far the most prized variety of sapphires on Earth, Padparadscha sapphires are a very rare, beautiful salmon pink to orange gemstone that were first discovered in the reknowned Alluvial gem gravels of Sri lanka! It is adored for it’s intense satiny rose or raspberry hues, and can catch thousands per carat! The largest padapradscha is a 100 carat stone dubbed ‘’the lotus blossom’’ on display at the Smithsonian, and is worth well over 1 Million dollars!

Color: salmon pink

Moh: 9

Family: corundum (sapphire)

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Sri lanka, Myanmar

Mcch: Trigonal
Galaxite

Discovered somewhat recently in 1932, Galaxite is a fairly rare, mycrocrystaline labradorite with a spinel base! Despite it’s seemingly grandueous name, the stone's name actually comes from the small town of Galax, Virginia, where it was initially discovered. It is usually dark Brown or black, with blue or gold Audularescence!

Color: Black, red, brown, yellow

Name: Galaxite, mangan-spinel

Family: spinel

M.o.h:  7.5

Occurrence: US (NC), Sweden

Mcch: Hexoctahedral

Rarity: Rare
Ilvaite

Ilvaite, named after the italian isle of Elba, (Ilva being an older spelling of such), is a somewhat rare sorrosilicate mineral which was first discovered in 1811 on the italian island of elba by an unknown discoverer. It is prized by collectors for it’s shiny, blackish blue, diamond shaped crystals, and is rarely cut into a gemstone due to such!

Color: black

Moh: 5.5-6

Family: sorrosillicates

Rarity: uncommon

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: Orthorhombic
Gersdorffite

Discovered at the Zincwald Nickel mine in Austria in 1843, Gersdorffite is an uncommon silver sulfide mineral which was named in honor of the owner of the mine in which it was discovered, Johan von Gersdorrfe. It is rarely cut into gems, and is usually left as a specimen mineral!

Color: silver

Moh: 5.5

Family: sulfides

Rarity: uncommon

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: octahedral
Kammererite

Kammererite is a rare, deep fuschia variety of clinochlore, the same stone that seraphanite belongs to, only found deep in chablinsky, Russia, it is very rare, and is most definitely considered to be almost exclusively for collectors and gemologists.

Color: fuschia

Name: Kammererite

Family: chlinochlore

M.o.h:  2-2.5

Occurrence: Russia

Mcch: prismatic

Rarity: rare
Hellenite

Hellenite is a semi-artificial glass that was accidentally created by cleanup crews doing reforesting work following the infamous eruption of Washington state’s mt. Saint Hellens in 1980. While using acetylene torches on ash, they realized it was turning it into an apple green glass! The new discovery was named an honorary gemstone, and whilst not entirely natural, it is formed from a natural process!

Color: apple green

Name: Hellenite, green obsidian

Family: none (Natural glass)

M.o.h:   5.5

Occurrence: US (WA)

Mcch: none (glass)

Rarity: uncommon
Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is A favorite amongst collectors due to it’s varying shapes and forms, as well as quite legendary! Dating all the way back to the mid 13th century, when it was used by incans for jewelry and pottery in argentina, (a key location for the gem to this day). In the 1930’s, during the art deco era, banded rhodochrosite became very popular for use in contemporary costume jewelry, as well as an accent stone in decor. Although rare, rhodochrosite can come in crystalline form, with the most notable source being the sweet home mine, in central Colorado, US. Rhodochrosite is still a very popular gem to this day, and is the national gem of Argentina! Rhodochrosite even appears in the Star Wars universe! as large red crystals similar to those of the N'chwaning mine, on the planet crait!

Color: pink, red, beige

Moh: 3.5-4

Family: manganese minerals

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: Argentina, CO, Spain, Mexico

Mcch: Cryptocrystalline
Isla rosa stone

A rare variety of mottled pinkish red Limestone, naturally polka dotted with green diopside and black pyroxene. It is only found in a single quarry on Scotland's west coast, near the isle of rosa, for which it is named. It is often used as a decorative stone, and is one of many ‘’marbles’’ which Scotland is famed for!

Color: pinkish red

Moh: 3.5-4

Family: Limestone

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Scotland

Mcch: massive
Petalite

Petalite, also known as castorite, is a lithium aluminum silicate. It is a member of the "Feldspathoid" group. Petalite was first discovered in 1800 by the Brazilian mineralogist JB de Andradae Silva (1763-1838). Its name derives from the Greek words petalon, meaning leaf, (an allusion to its distinctive leaf-like, perfect basal cleavage) and lithos, meaning stone. The discovery of lithium was actually a result of petalite. In 1817, Swedish druggist Johann Arfvedson was analyzing petalite ore and discovered the lithium within it.

Color: pale - light pink

Name: Petalite

Family: lithium sillicates

M.o.h:  6-6.5

Occurrence: sweden, afghanistan, brazil

Mcch: fossilized, organic

Rarity: uncommon
Heliodor

Heliodor is a rare, golden-yellow beryl that was first formally discovered in Namibia back in 1910. However, the stone’s origins date back much further. In ancient times, it was found alongside aquamarine deposits in tajikistan and russia, and was dubbed ‘’the stone of the sun’’ with it’s name quite literally translating to ‘’gift of the sun’’ today it is most popular as a collectors gem, due to its fair rarity on the gem market.

Color:yellow, olive green

Name: heliodor

Family: Beryl

M.o.h: 7.5-8

Occurrence: brazil,russia, southern AF

Mcch:prismatic/tabular

Rarity: rare
Hypersthene

Hypersthene, also known as Ferrosilite or Spectrolite, is an iron magnesium silicate crystal and member of the Pyroxene group of minerals. Its crystal system is orthorhombic and can be found in the form of masses, grains, flakes, and small prismatic crystals. The color composition is usually a shade of green, black or brown with a flash of iridescence (also known as a “cat’s eye”). Hypersthene can usually be found within feldspar deposits around the world. Important locations are spread throughout Canada, Australia, China, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the United States.

Color: Black w/silver flash

Name: Hypersthene

Family: Iron magnesium sillicate

M.o.h: 5

Occurrence: Canada,Norway,Germany,UK

Mcch: tabular

Rarity: rare
Gambiri agate

With color and banding patterns VERY similar to that of Mexico’s infamous Laguna agates, Gambiri agate is a new discovery, and its colors have already triumphed those of previous Malawian finds! It was discovered in central Malawi in 2018, and the source of it’s name is not actually known, although many believe it to be local.

Color: red, pink, orange, cream, grey

Name: Gambiri agate

Family: agate/quartz

M.o.h: 7

Occurrence: Malawi

Mcch: nodular

Rarity: uncommon
Girasol quartz

Girasol quartz is an uncommon form of clear-rose quartz from madagascar that has an opalescent shimmer on the stone’s surface, which is caused by small amounts of silica in the crystal. It was only recently discovered alongside a handful of unique gems in Madagascar in the early 1990’s to even today!

Color: clear-pink

Name: Girasol quartz

Family: quartz

Moh: 7

Occurrence: Madagascar

Mcch: massive

Rarity: uncommon
Hemimorphite

Hemimorphite is colorless-blue stone found mostly in spain, and western europe. Although it's been a common stone found in the upper layers of zinc deposits for hundreds of years, hemimorphite was only identified in the 19th century. Before that, it was frequently thought to be the same mineral as smithsonite.The zinc ore called calamine--originally ground to powder for use in calamine lotion--was composed of both hemimorphite and Smithsonite. Which means that sunburn sufferers were calming their itches with ground gemstone!

Color: colorless-sky blue

Name: hemimorphite

Family: sorosillicates

M.o.h:  4.5-5

Occurrence: germany, spain, western EU

Mcch: stalactitic/botroydial

Rarity: rare
Kiwi opal

A sub variety of Pistachio opal, Kiwi opal is defined by it’s unique color zoning which causes the brown iron inclusions to concentrate in the center of the opal nodules, which results in fruit shaped globs of opal which, when broken open, reveal a very similar color pattern to that of a Kiwi fruit!

Color: lime green, brownish green

Moh: 5-5.5

Family: Common Opal

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: Madagascar

Mcch: Amorphous
Graveyard Plume Agate

Probably the most Famous Plume agate variety in the US if not the world, Graveyard plume agate is a rare variety of brown, black, and orange plume agate that is found at graveyard point, on the border of Oregon and Idaho in the US! It was initially discovered in the late 1970’s by geological surveyors, and quickly became popular for it’s gorgeous feathery plumes!

Color: Cream, Brown, Black, Orange

Name: Graveyard Point plume Agate

Family: quartz/agate

M.o.h: 7

Occurrence: US (OR) (ID)

Mcch: Veinular

Rarity: Rare
Genthelvite

A very rare member of the Helvite group, Genthelvite is a rare, wine to pomegranate red variety of Helvite. It was discovered in 1944 in Wyoming, and named after late German-american minerologist and gemologist Frederick Wilhelm Genth!

Color: wine red

Moh: 6-6.5

Family: helvite

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: US (WA,WY), Canada, Brazil

Mcch: isometric
Herderite

Herdeite is a somewhat rare variety of pale to Lime green apatite that can be found in small deposits throughout the world. As an inclusion mineral, it is fairly common, coloring blue apatite a more emerald green color instead. However, as stand alone, complete, facetable gemstones, it is very rare, and it is strictly sold amongst collectors!

Color: Lime green

Name: Herderite, green apatite

Family: Apatite

M.o.h:   5

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: Monoclinic

Rarity: uncommon
Guava quartz

An unusually silica rich variety of quartz, Guava quartz is a brand new discovery from 2020 in Minas Gerais, Brazil! It is also called milkshake quartz, as it’s deep pink hues are similar to that of a creamy strawberry milkshake!

Color: deep pink

Moh: 7

Family: quartz

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: brazil

Mcch: prismatic
Purple cow agate

A rare american midwest agate, Purple Cow agate is the name for a colorful agate and jasper that is collected from a site in McDermitt, Oregon. It will often feature a mixture of red, purple, green and yellow coloration, with a variety of additional colors possible. It was mined out in the 80’s so it is a very valuable material!

Color: lilac, orange, maroon, green

Moh: 7

Family: jasper/agate

Rarity: very rare

Occurrence: US (OR)

Mcch: nodular
Fuega Nuevo agate

The newest discovery from mexico’s infamous agua nueva ranch, fuego nuevo, unlike its nearby predecessor agua nueva agate, is red, orange, and yellow, as opposed to lilac and purple! It its set apart from other agates nearby by it’s common calcite inclusions, which can be found in radial fans inside the agate nodules!

Color: orange, red, yellow, black

Name: Fuego nuevo, new coyamito

Family: agate/quartz

M.o.h: 7

Occurrence: Mexico

Mcch: nodular

Rarity: very rare
Roscoelite

A fairly rare variety of deep brown Muscovite, a member of the Mica family, Roscoelite was discovered in 1912 at the stuckslager mine in El Dorado County, California. It is named after Sir Henry Enfield Roscoe, an English Chemist credited with early pioneering of the rare earth mineral Vanadium! It can be found in small quantities worldwide.

Color: brown, dark green, black

Moh: 2.5

Family: aluminosilicates

Rarity: uncommon

Occurrence: worldwide

Mcch: dioctahedral
Roedingite

A fairly rare mix of minerals including Garnet, Vesuvianite, Prehnite, and Diopside, Rodingite was first discovered in garnetized rocks in New Zealand’s Roding River, for which it was named, in early 1911! It was also discovered around the Patuxent river in central Maryland in the late 1990’s as well!

Color: purple

Moh: 7

Family: multiple

Rarity: rare

Occurrence: New Zealand, US (MD)

Mcch: massive
Regency plume agate

found on the beverly marie claim in the high desert near homedale, idaho in the early 1960s, here comes another infamous northwest agate. regency rose, or regency plume, is a a variety of agate with beautiful pink plumes. it is found very close by to another infamous agate, graveyard plume, just miles away!
Peach Aventurine

Peach aventurine is a fairly rare variety of the quartz mineral aventurine! It was discovered in Madagsacar (of course) in 2009, and is one of the more unusual colors of aventurine, alongside strawberry, and blue! It is a often sold as beaded jewelry, and is a great option for orange crystal lovers!

Color: pinkish orange - orange

Moh: 7

Family: quartz/aventurine

Rarity: uncommon

Occurrence: india, myanmar

Mcch: grainular