Journal

From the Workbench

From Egyptian Eyeliner to Russian Palace Walls

May 9, 2026

From Egyptian Eyeliner to Russian Palace Walls

While the information has been researched and reviewed, some details may not be fully verified.. Always consult qualified experts for professional advice on.
How to Spot Fake Tiger Eye (Real vs Fake vs

May 9, 2026

How to Spot Fake Tiger Eye (Real vs Fake vs

Tigers Eye SiO2 pseudomorph after crocidolite asbestos, silica replaced blue asbestos keeping fiber structure for chatoyancy.
7 Colors of Fluorite (And Why Some of Them Glow

May 9, 2026

7 Colors of Fluorite (And Why Some of Them Glow

Fluorite CaF2 calcium fluoride. Latin fluere flow, fluorescence named after fluorite by George Stokes 1852.
How to Buy Moonstone: A Complete Quality Guide

May 9, 2026

How to Buy Moonstone: A Complete Quality Guide

If you've ever held a moonstone up to the light and watched that ghostly blue shimmer glide across the surface, you know why people have been obsessed with.
Kyanite Is the Only Gem That Has Different

May 9, 2026

Kyanite Is the Only Gem That Has Different

Kyanite Al2SiO5 polymorph with andalusite sillimanite. Unique anisotropic hardness: parallel c-axis Mohs 4.5-5, perpendicular 6-7.
Thulite Is Zoisite Pink Cousin From Norway

May 9, 2026

Thulite Is Zoisite Pink Cousin From Norway

Thulite is a pink manganese variety of zoisite discovered in Norway. Learn about its unique mineralogy, color formations, and why collectors prize this rare ...
Why Carnelian Deserves a Spot in Every Beginner

May 9, 2026

Why Carnelian Deserves a Spot in Every Beginner

Carnelian SiO2 chalcedony orange-red variety colored by iron oxide. Ancient Egypt seals amulets, Tutankhamun tomb, Napoleon wore carnelian.
Serpentine Looks Like Jade But It Costs Almost

May 9, 2026

Serpentine Looks Like Jade But It Costs Almost

Serpentine Mg3Si2O5 OH4 magnesium silicate, name from Latin serpens snake. Light to dark green yellow-green waxy greasy luster, white webbing patterns. Mohs 2.
Turquoise Has Been Worn by Humans for Over 5000

May 9, 2026

Turquoise Has Been Worn by Humans for Over 5000

Turquoise CuAl6 PO4 4 OH8 4H2O copper aluminum phosphate hydrate. Copper gives blue, iron makes green.
Sodalite vs. Lapis Lazuli: A Blue Royalty

May 9, 2026

Sodalite vs. Lapis Lazuli: A Blue Royalty

Discover the regal differences between Sodalite and Lapis Lazuli. Learn their unique features, and why they reign supreme in the crystal world.
How to Tell Real Apophyllite From Glass Fakes

May 9, 2026

How to Tell Real Apophyllite From Glass Fakes

Apophyllite KCaxNa4Si8O20F 8H2O hydrated potassium calcium silicate. Greek off leaf because it exfoliates when heated.
Scorodite Is Beautiful But It Contains Arsenic

May 9, 2026

Scorodite Is Beautiful But It Contains Arsenic

Scorodite FeAsO4 2H2O iron arsenate phosphate hydrate. Greek skorodon garlic because heating releases garlic smell from arsenic.
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