Our Gemstones

Flygirl Gems Dictionary of Gemstones used in our Jewelry
Abalone This is a shell that usually is seen with a 'rainbow' coloring scheme. It is natural shell used be the Abalone family of creatures of the sea. United States, Australia, New Zeland and Japan are where most abalone shell is found.
Agate Agates belong to the Chalcedony family which is a historical form of quartz. Agates are formed from the flow of mineral rich water running through fissures in the volcanic rock. The layers of quartz that are created due to the heating and cooling of the water is what causes the multiple sized layering appearance of the agate. The color is due to the elements in the flowing water. Agate usually describes curved or angular-banded varieties of Chalcedony. Various all over the world
Amazonite Most people think this gemstone is found by the Amazon River (due to its name) but surprisingly, that is not the truth. The color of Amazonite is quite interesting - it can be as light as almost looking white to a very dark blue or green. A member of the feldspar family, it can be semi-translucent to opaque. On some occasions, there is a slight glittery effect known as aventurescence. United States, India, Germany, Russia and Brazil
Amber Amber is the fossilized resin of the pine tree up to 50 million years old. It often has bugs, plants and other items in the fossil. Copal Resin is basically the same but is not as old as Amber which makes it not as hard. The color of Amber could be yellow to reddish orange or a green. Amber is part of the Organic Gem family. United States, Mexico, Baltic Sea, Dominican Republic, as well as others
Amethyst Amethyst is a very popular member of the Quartz family. An Amethyst is a beautiful violet to purple. Very fine quality will show a red flash under a light source. Specimens not of high enough quality to use in jewelry pieces are used in quartz watches as they can generate electrical frequency . Amethyst is February's birthstone. It also is considered the 6th anniversery gem. Many consider Amethyst as the most significant variety of the quartz mineral. I is often sought out by royalty and clergy Honduras, Brazil, Russia, United States and Africa
Ametrine Ametrine is a valuable member of the Quartz family found mainly in Bolivia. Ametrine is a bi-colored gemstone combining Amethyst (purple) and Citrine (yellow). This is rare, espeially in fine quality. Bolivia
Ammolite This shell is from a hard shelled squid-like sea creature that is now extinct. Very unique - wide variety of colors/ combination of colors as well as the pearl quality of aragonite (term is orient) Canada
Aquamarine Greenish blue color is best untreated stone. Heated stones will turn pure blue. Light blue is less expensive that the darker blue and greenish blue - which are becoming rare. Aquamarine is March's birthstone. It also is considered the 19th anniversary gem. In 1609 a German gem cutter, Anselm Boetius de Boodt associated the greenish blue color of this stone and his description became universal. This gem shows off best in the evening to show off its gleaming quality. United States, Brazil and Nigeria
Aventurine Aventurine is a green member of the Quartz family known for the phenomena it exhibits. Aventurine's color is caused by inclusionsof fuchsite and mica. The term 'aventuresecence' came from a glassmaker's mistake of spilling copper filings into a betch of hot glass. The result was a glittering manmade product. The natural effect in nature is much less pronounced than the manmade glass but does explain the phenomena. See Quartz
Azurite When by itself, Azurite is blue and may be confused with Lapis Lazuli. Usually, Azurite is with Malachite make a distinct blue and green stone United States, Russia, Chile, France and Australia
Black Opal Black Opal is translucent to opaque with play of color against a black, blue, grey, green or brown body. Other opals have a white, cream or light colored body.
Bloodstone (Heliotrope) Bloodstone belongs to the Chalcedony family which is a historical form of quartz. It is a very dark green Chalcedony with deep red spots. Lore has it the spots represent Christ's blood. Bloodstone is an alternate as March's birthstone. India, Brazil, US, Australia and China
Boulder Opal Boulder Opal is an opal seam that is naturally attached to the sandstone rock where it formed. These opals may be very thin but may exhibit a great play of color. See Opal below for more information. United States and Australia
Bumble Bee Jasper Bumble Bee Jasper is (like it's name suggests) a conglomerate of several minerals. The unique coloring is what includes the Bumble Bee in the name - yellow layering with purple. The more the yellow the finer the quality. Worldwide - around volcanic activity
Carnelian Carnelian belongs to the Chalcedony family which is a historical form of quartz. This Chalcedony is semi transparent to translucent yellow orange to orangy red or brownish orange. Carnelian's color comes from iron impurities Chromium might also be the cause. See Quartz
Chalcedony Chalcedony is a historical form of quartz. The Chalcedony family has many colors and varieties. Historians have found the use of Chalcedony as early as the Bronze Age (1800 B.C.) and during the Exodus from Egypt of the Israelites. Multiple varies of Chalcedony were used in the Jewish High Priest's Breastplate (Jasper, Chrysorase and Sardonyx.) Chalcedony we've used include Agate, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Chryscolla, Chrysoprase, Dendritic Agate, Fire Agate, Jasper and Onyx Germany, Brazil, India, Russia, Australia, Austria, Scotland, Italy and Mexico
Charoite This gemstone was discovered in the USSR in 1976 (now Russia) close to the Charo River. This source is now very limited. Russia
Chrysoberyl Chrysoberyl is a sister stone to Emerald and other beryls. Chatoyancy (known as cat's eye) and color change is prevelent. The most valuable is the honey color cat's eye. Brazil and some from Far East
Chrysocolla Chryscolla belong to the Chalcedony family which is a historical form of quartz. Translucent to semi translucent intense light blue or blue green due to copper silicate. See Chalcedony
Chrysoprase Chrysoprase belong to the Chalcedony family which is a historical form of quartz. Chrysoprase is a translucent to semi translucent light to medium yellowish green. The color is normally derived by impurities of nickel and/or iron. Australia is the largest producer with others being Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa
Citrine Citrine is a variety of quartz. Citrine is November's alternate birthstone. It also is considered the 13th anniversary's gemstone. Citrine gets its name from the French word citron which means lemon. Citrines are found as a pale yellow to a deep orange and a brownish orange. Many places with Brazil being the main source.
Coral Coral is a member of the Organic Gem family. These are not readily available due to the move to protect and safeguard our marine environments. World wide
Dendritic Agate Dendritic Agates belong to the Chalcedony family which is a historical form of quartz. This agate contains dark, branch-like or tree-like inclusions See Chalcedony
Diamond The most well known property of a Diamond is its hardness. It's deffractive abilities is what makes it sparkle so brilliantly. Most diamonds are colorless with some having hints of yellow and brown. Rarely, there are diamonds of other colors. Diamonds, due to their high dollar value, have been imitated and sythetics created over many years. Lab grown diamonds are all through the market - which are required to be identified as such. Many sources world wide with South Africa, Botswana, Russia, Australia and Canada the main ones.
Emerald The rich green hue of the Emerald is the reason it has been popular throughout history. Finding an emerald that is free of inclusions is very rare. Some inclusions in emeralds are referred to as 'jardin' which is garden in both French and Spanish. Emerald is May's birthstone. It also is considered the 20th anniversary's gem. Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, India and others not as large suppliers.
Fire Agate Fire Agates belong to the Chalcedony family which is a historical form of quartz. It's name refers to the iridescent phenomena against a brown body color caused by iron impurities. Mexico and Arizona, United States
Fire Opal Fire Opal is a semi transparent opal with colors ranging from light yellow to deep orange. Thay may have a lot of 'play of color' or none at all. See Opal below for more information. Mexico
Fluorite Fluorite has become a significant gemstone due to its affordability and beautiful array of color. "Blue John" ( a pure blue for of fluorite) is from the United Kingdom and is probably the most prized fluorite. Other types of fluorite is a banded stone of purples and greens. It is found either transparent or translucent. United Kingdom, China and Germany
Garnet Garnets are actually many different stones from the Garnet Group. The types inside the group overlap to make it difficult to identify the distinct species of garnet. When you say Garnet, most folks think red which is correct for the Pyrope and Almandine garnets. Ones that tend more violet are rhodolite garnets. Yellow and orange colored garnets are Spessartine garnets named for the area in Germany they were found. The Mandarin garnet is more of an orange and is from Namibia. Dematoid and Andradite garnets are bright green as is Grossular garnets. This list is not complete! Garnet's are January's birthstone. They are considered the 2nd anniversary gemstone. Different colors are due to the differtent chemical compositions. Any color is appropriate for choice of birthstone or anniversary gift. Namibia, Germany, Africa, Mexico, United States, Madagascar amount others.
Iolite Iolite's unusual property is pleochroism - one direction it is an extreme dark blue or purple and the other direction basically colorless. There's nothing else like it. Many people say it is a substitute for Tanzanite, it really is not. Brazil, Sri Lank and India
Ivory Ivory is a member of the Organic Gem family. There are beautiful art created in Africa as well as the Arctic regions. An international convention in 1975 prohibited hunting of elephants and walrus due to the illicit poaching.
Jasper Jasper belongs to the Chalcedony family which is a historical form of quartz. Jasper may be any color or combination of color except for black because it may be composed of any number of minerals. Jasper is rarely anything but opaque. See Chalcedony
Kunzite Kunzite is known for its delicate and subtle colors - understated pink to lilac. It was named after the gemologist at Tiffany & Co who was the first to report on this new gem in 1902 ( Mr. George F. Kunz.). It sometimes is referred to as the Midnight Stone due to the pink color fading when exposed to sunlight. United States as well as other areas around the world such as Afghanistan, Burma, Brazil and Madagascar.
Kyanite This gemstone used to be one only collectors had due to its rarety. In 2001 that all changed when a major deposit was found in Nepal. It is medium to dark blue with a stron pleochroism Nepal, United States, Brazil, Kenya and Austria
Labradorite A member of the feldspar family, labradorite (discovered on the Labrador Peninsula in Canada), has a phenomemal effect where a multicolor sheen appears to float along the surface in certain lighting conditions. It is called labradorescence. This effective is similar to oil shimmering on top of water. This gemstone is usually opaque. Finland and Canada are classic sources with United States, Russia and Madagascar also sources
Lapis Lazuli This gemstone is technically a rock but ohhh what a beautiful rock! It is best know in history of being prized by the Egypt dynasties. Cleopatra VII was especially fond of Lapis Lazuli. Along with the jewelry and inlays used in many artifacts it is a well known fact she ground it up and used it for the intense blue eye shadow she used. During the Renaissance, ground lapis was used for blue paint in many of the masterpiece paintings. Lapis was the blue gemstone coveted throughoout the region well before blue sapphire was appreciated. Lapis Lazuli is considered the 9th Anniversary's gemstone. Lapis Lazuli naturally deep and uniformly blue is the most collectible of this gem. Many collectors (and myself) enjoy and appreciate sprays of pyrite to further ID its natural origin. Afghanistan, Iran, Chile and Russia
Larimar Dominican Republic's volcanic gemstone is unlike any other gemstone. It is a soft mottles blue and white. Other sources have the name but not the beautiful blue color. Dominican Republic and Canada
Malachite Malachite is unique - you will not find any two pieces the same. It's mostly a rich green with black lines but might also have a creamy white or brownish orange included. Cemocratic Republic of Congo, Australia, Chile and United States
Moonstone A member of the feldspar family, moonstones have thought to be sacred. It also is referred to as the gift for lovers due to its adularescence (billowy light effect/sheen.) Moonstone is June's birthstone (along with Pearl and Alexandrites Sri Lanka, India and Burma along with United States, Brazil, Mexico and Canada
Morganite Pink Beryl was first discovered in Pala, California. It was named Morganite in honor of John Pierponnt Morgan, a US financial mogul and avid gem collector. Morganite is usually the pink to violet of the beryl family but other colors might be part of a deposit. United States, Brazil and Sri Lanka
Onyx Onyx belong to the Chalcedony family which is a historical form of quartz. Slabs with straight parallel layers of different colors and degrees of translucency are usually referred to as onyx. It is considered 7th Anniversary's gemstone. See Chalcedony
Opal The name opal comes from Latin and Greek words that mean to perceive a change of color. Opals main characteristic is the phenomenal nature and extraordinary range of hues. This complexity allows an opal to be unique with none the exactly same as another. Opals usually consist of about 15% water. Somethimes it is as high as 30% water. Most opals form in seams or cracks of rocks such as sandstone or basalt. There are several dozen varieties. Definitions of specific ones used in our jewelry are found in this list under that name (e.g. Fire Opal, Boulder Opal, etc.) I have not used Black Opal but that is on my list for the future! Opals are October's birthstone and are Considered the 14th anniversary's gemstone . Australia, Peru, Tanzania, Mexico. United States, Ethiopia and Indonesia
Pearl Pearls are probably the most well known of the Organic Gem family. Pearls are June's birthstone and considered a choice for both the 3rd and 30th Anniversary. Cultured pearls come in many shapes, textures and colors. There has been a major increase of freshwater pearl growth, mainly in China. Natural pearls have a gritty sensation when rubbed against your teeth. China, Japan, Tahiti, Philippines, Australia, United States, Mexico, Dominican Republic
Peridot Peridot is a lovely yellowish green gemstone. In ancient times it was described as a gem "containing rays of sunshine." Peridot was discovered on an island in the Red Sea. It has also been found in meteorites. Peridots can be pulled across water with a magnet due to its iron content. Peridot is August's birthstone and is considered 15th Anniversary's gemstone. Egypt, Burma, Pakistan, United States (small stones)
Petalite Petalite is colorless to yellowish pink. You will see it occasionally in the gemstone market. Australia and Brazil
Pietersite Pietersite is a very unique gemstone that is usually dark brown, red, yellow as well as other colors. It is a member of the quartz family (including compressed jasper.) China and South Africa are the main sources
Prehnite A newer stone to the gemstone market, Prehnite is green to yellowish green to brownish yellow. Australia and China
Quartz In ancient times, Crystal Quartz was thought of as permanent ice. Colorless quartz or rock Crystal Quartz has been cherished for its clarity (including in the Bible.) Quartz with inclusions are associated with a specific color and therefore, has a separate name while being part of the Quartz family. Dr. Eduard Gubelin, Swiss gemologist referred to the Quartz family as "jack of all trades." It is found on every continent. Those that we have used or are going to use are listed by their name in this list (Amethyst, Citrine, Rose Quartz, Aventurine, Chalcedony.) Another quartz, close to Citrine, is Smokey Quartz. Rose Quartz is an alternate for January's birthstone. Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, South Africa, Spain, Scotland, Mexico, United States, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Bolivia
Red Beryl Red beryl is only found in the United States and is sometimes referred to as Bixbite or Red Emerald. It is rare and can be quite expensive in larger sizes. Utah, United States
Rhodonite This gemstone is red to pinkish red with black mottling (or veining) Yellow is sometimes part of the combination. Opaque is its usual variety but transparent has been reported. United States, Canada, South Africa and Australia
Rose Quartz Rose Quartz is semi transparent to transparent variety of quartz. It's soft, pink color and is very much appreciated by devotees. The color is caused by traces of Titanium. Rose Quartz is considered an alternate for January's birthstone. See Quartz
Ruby Ruby, the best known red gemstone, has signified passion and romance throughout the ages. Rubies are mentioned in the Bible (Job - "The price of wisdom is above rubies." as an example) .Pigeon blood is the term used by gemologists and jewelers to describe a very fine ruby. Red Spinels, historically, have been confused with Rubies. The Black Prince's Ruby (170 carat gem) that graces the Imperial State Crown of England is actually a Red Spinel. The Burmese Ruby (from Burma) was established as the industry standard although, one must not forget there are low quality Rubies from this area, as well. Buyer beware of a flawless Ruby. There are many synthetic, treated and imitations available in the market. Ruby is considered July's birthstone and the 40th Anniversary gemstone. Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tanzania, Greenland and Tajikistan
Sapphire Sapphires can be any color of the corundum family but red. True red sapphires are identified as Ruby. There is always a color identification preceeding the word sapphire in the name (unless, of course, it is red and then it is simply a Ruby.) Sapphire is September's birthstone. It, also, is considered in celebrating the 5th and 45th Anniversary. It has been said - the finest sapphires can be spotted across the room due to their depth and saturation. The one exception are the sapphires from Kashmir which contain inclusions that cause a milky, haziness look (referred to as sleepiness). Madagascar, East Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Burma, Kashmir, Australia, United States, Thailand, Cambodia, Kenya, India, Tanzania, Vietnam and Zimbabwe
Shell, Mother of Pearl Most common of shell jewelry is Mother of Pearl - a material taken from the inner linig of oyster shells. Mother of Pearl has the same orient or lustre that pearls have. As with pearls, it will feel gritty to your teeth. World wide
Sodalite Sodalite is medium to dark blue with white veins. It is opaque, unusual and beautiful. United States, Brazil
Spinal Spinal has been known through the ages as the gemstone that gets confused with the corundum family (ruby and sapphire). As stated with the definition of Ruby, Spinel gemstones were chosen for crowns and ornaments thinking they were Rubies and Sapphires. Another Spinel in The Imperial State Crown of England is the Timur Ruby (361 carat). The good thing is Spinel is a magnificent gemstone and can hold its own as being at least equal beauty to the corundum counterparts. Spinel is used to celebrate the 22nd Anniversary. Afghanistant is the classic source. Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Kenjy, Tenzania, Russia and East Africa
Sugilite Sugilite is the sister of Lorimar. It has a purple color (unlike any other gemstone) with black mottling throughout. This stone is opaque. South Africa is the major source
Sunstone A member of the feldspar family, Sunstones exhibit warm red to brown and yellow body colors with a captivating interaction of light causing the inclusions of copper to glitter and shimmer throughout the depths of the gemstone. This is known as schiller effect. Don't get it confused with goldstone which is an immitation. Oregon (especially south central) is main source. Others are India, Canada and Russia
Tanzanite This gemstone is relatively new. It is such a clear and beautiful stone it is expected to be the most significant discovery of the 20th century. It was discovered in the Mount Kilimanjaro foothils. De Sousa was a partime prospector when not working as a tailor. When his find was shone to the Vice President of Tiffany & Co., he named in Tananite (honoring the locale where it was found) and it became official. Tanzanite was recently added as an alternate for December's birthstone. Merelani, Tanzania
Topaz Yellow and golden colors are iconic to Topaz. There are other colored Topaz along with colorless, as well. Topaz is a choice for November's birthstone while Blue Topaz is December's birthstone. Blue Topaz is used to celebrate the 4th Anniversary while Imperial Topaz (the iconic Topaz) is reserved for the 23rd Anniversary. Brazil is the major supplier. Also found in Nigeria, Australia, Burma, United States, Mexico, Manibia, Sri Lanka and Russia
Tortoise Shell Tortoise Shell is a member of the Organic Gem family. These are not readily available due to the move to protect and safeguard our marine environments.
Tourmaline Tourmaline is a family group referred to as the 'kaleidoscope" due to the various colors in this family. This family contains all colors of the spectrum - Tourmaline can be one color, a mix and even black. The ones with two or more within a single stone are very popular and collected. Tourmaline was found to have unique piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. Tourmaline is one of choices for October's birthstone. Brazil is largest producer with Afghanistan second. Addditionally, Burma, India, Kenya, Mozaqmbique, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Russia and Tanzania have significant quantities.
Turquoise Turquoise, while thought of as a Southwestern gemstone in the United States has been an important gem for thousands of years across many civilizations. Excavations of Pharoahs dating 5 millennia before the birth of Jesus included Turquoise bracelets and additianal ornaments. Egyptians continued to use this gemstone as a symbol of good fortune. China was a source of Turquoise during Marco Polo's travels along the Silk Road. Turquoise was an adornment but also a form of currency. Due to its color, it was believed Turquoise included elements from both the sea and the sky. jTurquoise is another December birthstone and celebrates as the 11th Anniversary gemstone. United States (Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada), Mexico, China, Iran, Australia and Chile
Zircon Zircon is a gemstone with unique colors and brilliant characteristics. It has nothing to do with cubic zirconia (man made diamond). Zircon is another choice for December's birthstone. Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Burma, Australia and Thailand. East Africa is a new supplier.