Journal

From the Workbench

Azurite: Deep Blue Mineral Behind Renaissance Ar

May 9, 2026

Azurite: Deep Blue Mineral Behind Renaissance Ar

Azurite was the blue pigment behind Renaissance masterpieces before synthetic alternatives existed. Learn its geology, why it turns green, and how to identif...

Fluorite Comes in Every Color You Can Think Of

May 9, 2026

Fluorite Comes in Every Color You Can Think Of

Fluorite CaF2, name from Latin fluere meaning to flow. Colors: purple green blue yellow pink clear brown, rainbow fluorite has multiple colors.

Malachite Has the Most Beautiful Green Stripes

May 9, 2026

Malachite Has the Most Beautiful Green Stripes

Malachite Cu2CO3(OH)2 copper carbonate, name from Greek malache meaning mallow. Green concentric banding from alternating mineral layers. Mohs 3.

Variscite Is Turquoise Cousin That Nobody Knows

May 9, 2026

Variscite Is Turquoise Cousin That Nobody Knows

Variscite AlPO4-2H2O discovered 1837 in Bavaria Germany. Green to blue-green with white matrix veining.

6 Types of Opal and What Makes Each One Special

May 9, 2026

6 Types of Opal and What Makes Each One Special

Opal SiO2-nH2O with play of color. Six main types: White opal from Coober Pedy Australia most common, Black opal from Lightning Ridge most valuable, Boulder...

Tiger Eye Used to Be Blue Asbestos Before It

May 9, 2026

Tiger Eye Used to Be Blue Asbestos Before It

Tiger eye formed when crocidolite blue asbestos fibers were replaced by quartz then iron oxidized to golden.

Serpentine Gets Sold as Jade Every Day (Here Is

May 9, 2026

Serpentine Gets Sold as Jade Every Day (Here Is

Serpentine Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 mineral group including antigorite chrysotile lizardite. Often sold as fake jade in markets. Test: jade RI 1.60-1.63 vs serpentine 1.

Baltic Amber and Dominican Amber Look Similar

May 9, 2026

Baltic Amber and Dominican Amber Look Similar

Amber is fossilized tree resin, millions of years old. Baltic amber 40M years from pine trees, yellow to brown.

Moonstone Glows From the Inside (And People

May 9, 2026

Moonstone Glows From the Inside (And People

Moonstone is orthoclase feldspar KAlSi3O8 with adularescence from light interference between feldspar layers. Romans believed it was Diana frozen tears.

Prehnite Looks Like Jade But Costs Way Less

May 9, 2026

Prehnite Looks Like Jade But Costs Way Less

Discover the budget-friendly gem that looks like jade!. Uncover the secrets at our mineral show – it's a must-see!

Rhodochrosite Is Called the Inca Rose (And

May 9, 2026

Rhodochrosite Is Called the Inca Rose (And

Rhodochrosite MnCO3 named from Greek rhodon meaning rose. Argentina Capillitas mine produces pink and white banded Inca Rose.

Charoite Only Comes From One Place on Earth

May 9, 2026

Charoite Only Comes From One Place on Earth

Charoite (K,Na)15(Ca,Na)32Si60O160(OH,F)4 extremely rare. Only one source: Murun Mountains Siberia near Chara River, recognized 1978.

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