Journal
May 9, 2026
Staurolite Fe2Al9Si4O22 OH2, name from Greek stauros cross. Natural penetration twinning forms 60 degree Saint Andrews Cross and 90 degree Roman Cross.
Charoite K Ca Na silicate mineral, only found in Murunskiy Massif Irkutsk Russia. Discovered 1960s by Vladimir Ditmar widow, named 1978 after Chara River.
Rhodochrosite MnCO3 manganese carbonate, name from Greek rhodon rose. Pink to deep red with white banded concentric patterns, Argentina stalactite slices mos...
Discover the differences between Prehnite, Peridot, and Jade. Learn how to identify these stunning green crystals.
Quartz SiO2 Mohs 7 hexagonal crystals, most abundant mineral. Seven common varieties: Clear Quartz colorless rock crystal, Amethyst purple from Fe3+ radiatio...
From blue lace to fire agate, explore 6 stunning varieties that prove agate is the most versatile gemstone. Learn which ones belong in your collection today.
Discover the grounding power of hematite, the magnetic iron oxide with a rich history. Learn more about this unique crystal today!
Obsidian SiO2 volcanic glass Mohs 5-5.5 conchoidal fracture. Five collectible types: Black obsidian pure black mirror-like used for tools since ancient times.
Larimar blue pectolite NaCa2Si3O8(OH) from only one mine in Barahona Dominican Republic Los Chupaderos.
Sugilite KNa2(Fe,Mn,Al)2Li3Si12O30 cyclosilicate with lithium and manganese. Discovered 1944 by Ken-ichi Sugi, gem quality found 1976 South Africa.
While the factual information has been verified against geological sources, the structure and phrasing were assisted by artificial intelligence.. Purple.
Nephrite Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 amphibole, Jadeite NaAlSi2O6 pyroxene, completely different minerals. Nephrite Mohs 6-6.5 jadeite 6.5-7.