Classic Diamonds vs. Color Diamonds

Surprised Woman
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Can you imagine the look on your partner’s face when you give her a colored diamond engagement ring instead of a pure white one? Maybe she was expecting a ring, but one in color? Wow!

Overview

Colored Diamonds on a black background
Photo: Bigstock

Colored diamonds are rare, and subsequently, more expensive than the classic gemstones we are most familiar with. The reason is because of the rare way that they are naturally formed.

As a result, the few that are found (in comparison to the many white diamonds that are found) will be more valuable and hence more expensive, but the interest in colored diamonds is increasing.

Here is what you need to know about the classic diamonds and colored ones from how they were formed to the colors available and pricing. 

Formation

The formation of colored diamonds and colorless ones is quite similar. Both consist of carbon atoms, which are transformed at super high temperatures while being subjected to extreme pressure over the course of hundreds of thousands or even millions of years within the earth’s crust.

Although both types of diamonds are created in a similar manner, the difference with colored diamonds is that chemicals seep into them during their formation. The color of the stone depends on the kinds of minerals that were there when the diamond was initially formed. This is what makes colored diamonds so unique and rare.

Both types of diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs scale, making these minerals among the sturdiest natural materials found on earth.

Colors

Aquamarine stone on a ring
Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

While the colorless diamond is more or less transparent, the colored ones come in almost every shade under the sun. White diamonds sometimes have subtle hues of yellows and browns but that affects their value. A perfect white diamond is considered one that has no hints of any color, but also affects its value, as colorless diamonds can be fairly expensive. White diamonds would correspond to categories D, E, and F on the diamond color chart.

Colored diamonds come in over 200 combinations, from purplish reds or orange-yellowish and greenish blues. They too fall into different categories. Some colors are more valuable and expensive than others depending on their rarity. Some of the most popular diamonds are yellow, pink, blue, black, and of course red. Different people have different color preferences and it also depends on the prices as some are way more expensive than others. 

Which are the Rarest Diamonds?

There’s no doubt that all colored diamonds are rare, however, there are some, which are rarer than others. The ones that are the rarest in the world are auctioned for hundreds and thousands of dollars and can even go up to the millions. 

The one that is the rarest and hence, the most expensive is the red diamond. It is mostly found in Africa, Australia, and Brazil. They are so rare that there are only about 20-30 real red diamonds, most of which are less than half a carat in size. Just like colorless diamonds, red diamonds are made purely from carbon. It gets its color from a rare occurrence in its atomic structure. It is important to note that they look different in different lighting, the stronger the red, the higher it is in terms of value. 

Colored Diamond Ring
Photo Unsplash

Yellow diamonds are considered to be the most common and desirable when it comes to colored diamonds, however, they too are rare. This is also the case for pink diamonds. Among some of the rarest include blue diamonds and orange diamonds as well. 

Diamond Prices

It is interesting to know that within the same color of a diamond, there are many different prices. These depend on a combination of saturation as well as tone. The stronger the color will yield the higher price.  According to the GIA, the color grading is split into nine intensities, from faint and very light to vivid, fancy dark, and fancy deep. This is what essentially affects the price and demand of a diamond.

Colorless diamonds are generally considered to be a lot less pricey as compared to colored ones. However, the purest and most flawless colorless diamonds are also rare and therefore quite pricey. A flawless diamond will probably cost you between $12,500-15,000 per carat. However the average price can range from $1,500-$21,000 so it all depends on the 4 C’s (color, carat, clarity, and cut).

Since red diamonds are the rarest, don’t be surprised to hear that they are also the most expensive. Generally, it would cost around  $300,000 per carat. Its price varies depending on the intensity of the red color on the stone. A brown diamond for instance would cost much less as compared to a red one.

The world’s largest known red diamond is the trilliant cut 5.11-carat Moussaieff Red and was sold for over $1.6 million per carat. It was purchased by Shlomo Moussaieff, an Israeli-born jewelry dealer located in London, England.

When it comes to pink diamonds, 2017 was an important year for them. This is when the pink star was sold for $72.1 million at Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong and broke the record for being the most expensive colored diamond to be ever sold at an auction. They only continue to be growing in value year after year. A high-quality pink diamond can even be sold up to $700,000 per carat, however, a less intense pink diamond would cost you about $10,000 per carat.

Yellow diamonds are another category that can be quite costly, but less costly than the other colored diamonds. They can cost around $2,500 to $20,000 per carat, depending on many different factors. The Graff Vivid Yellow was the most expensive yellow diamond ever sold. It was sold for $16.3 million in 2014 at Sotheby’s auction in Geneva. 

Final Thoughts

You now know everything you need to about colorless diamonds as well as colored ones. They both have their distinct charm and while a flawless colorless one is rare, colored ones are rarer which is why they are so valuable and expensive. Don’t forget to look out for the 4 C’s when you buy yours! 

 

Everything You Need to Know About Aquamarines

Aquamarine stone on a ring
Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

Aquamarines are one of the most enchanting gemstones that you will come across.

They are known for their calming shades of blues and their ability to heal and bring about positive energy. 

To add to that, they make for some of the most beautiful jewelry pieces! There’s so much about this stunning stone, so here is everything you need to know about aquamarines. 

History of Aquamarine 

The first thing that is intriguing is its name. You should know that this is, in fact, named after the sea because of its colors that look just like the colors of the sea.

The word ‘aquamarine’ in itself refers to a specific shade of blue. It is part of the Beryl family and is the birthstone of March. This gem has been known to protect sailors since Ancient Roman times. Interestingly, it wasn’t just Rome that believed in the powers of this aquamarine. Egyptians and Sumerians also believed that it was a symbol of happiness and youth. 

Interestingly, during Medieval times, as early as 1377, this stone was seen as being an antidote for poison. Due to this reason, it was in high demand and it was believed that just by wearing it, one could prevent themselves from and cure themselves of poisonings. To add to that, they also believed that the mineral was great for reading fortunes when it was cut into a crystal ball.

Although the same stories and theories surrounding aquamarine may not exist today, it is still thought to be a stone that has plenty of positive effects for those who wear it. One of the common beliefs that still holds true is that wearing it will help your vision. Additionally, it is sometimes associated with cleansing and tranquility. 

Where are the Aquamarines Found?

This gorgeous gem is predominantly found in Brazil; however, lots of African and Asian countries have become top sources for aquamarine deposits. Pakistan is known to have the best Aquamarine stones and others, such as China, Nigeria, Nepal and Russia are also famous for being a source of this crystal.

The Four Cs

The four Cs are the standard for mineral quality and subsequent costs associated with that quality, so let’s take a quick review of what these ‘C’s mean. 

Color

It is no surprise that aquamarine comes in shades of blues, from an almost translucent blue to a lighter shade, going on to a deep blue. However, when looked at in its natural state, it will appear as a bluish stone with shades of greens. 

It is interesting to note that the darker the shades, the more expensive the price. The deep blue color that you normally see is brought about by heating the stone to a high temperature. Heating it at different temperatures will bring about different colors and the resultant shades that are produced have become known to resemble the colors of the sea. 

Clarity

The clarity of a stone is assessed according to how transparent it is. The higher the clarity, the higher the value of the stone. Such is the case for aquamarines. The ones with the highest clarity will not have any inclusions present and therefore it’ll be easier to heat them and cut them into an ideal shape. Aquamarines are generally known to possess good clarity and are durable stones. 

Cut

When properly cut, given its amazing color and clarity, it can have a most radiant shine, making it look even more beautiful. Even though this stone can be cut into all sorts of shapes, the best ones are those that are cut based on the stone’s shine and play of light. Some common cuts that enhance its beauty are round, rectangle, pear and square. 

Carat

This stone comes in a variety of sizes and you can choose your size based on your preference. From very small cuts to larger cuts that can weigh up to 100 lbs, the options are endless. The higher the weight of the stone the higher the carat. However, keep in mind that smaller stones don’t have as much vibrant color as compared to the bigger ones. 

Jewelry

Because of its beautiful appearance and durability, aquamarine is perfect for almost any piece of jewelry. One of the popular ones is rings. These rings can be found in a variety of designs and they are also common in engagement rings. The best part about this stone is that it looks great on its own as well as when paired with other stones such as diamonds. It is a durable stone that is sturdy and therefore is a great pick. You can even use it as a stone in necklaces, earrings and bracelets.  

How to Take Care of Your Aquamarines

Regardless of whether your aquamarines are loose or in a jewelry form, you still need to take good care of them. Clean them regularly so that they continue to shine. The way to do this is to use warm water, some light soap and an old toothbrush. Be careful not to wash it with hot water. 

Generally, it is not a high maintenance stone. Do not expose it to chemicals in the house such as detergents or even perfumes and cosmetics. Keep in mind that this gemstone has a lower hardness rating and can end up getting scratched by other materials. Therefore, when storing it, store it in a pouch or box so that it stays protected.

Final Thoughts 

Aquamarine is one of the most breathtaking gemstones you’ll find and one that has so much history attached to it. If you plan on getting one, make sure to check out its 4 Cs. It is relatively low maintenance so you don’t have to worry about taking care of it too much, but just clean it from time to time to retain its shine.

Green River Formation Fossils and How They Materialized

Small fossil found in the Green River Formation
Photo: Pixaby

Green River Formation – Overview 

The Green River Formation is a geological pattern that records the Eocene‘s details (a period on the Earth that lasted from 56 to 33.9 million years ago). This fossil formation records evidence of life in a collection of lakes between mountains in three basins, known today as the Green River that flows in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. 

Throughout its far-fetching lifetime, this water system is home to the largest accumulations of lake sediments and fossils worldwide. It extends for more than 25,000 square miles and reaches a depth of 2,000 feet or more; the Formation includes 14 different members (represented by different places in location and time). 

The sediments on the river bed are deposited in ultra-fine layers. Each layer has a dark covering along with a light-hued inorganic layer of sediment. Each pair of layers is known as a varve, which reflects different years. 

Green River Formation – Members 

Haddenham Cabin, Fossil Butte National Monument
Fossil Butte  Haddenham Cabin Photo: Wikipedia CC

Being the smallest and shortest-lived on the Green River Lakes, the Fossil Lake was preserved for two million years and is marked by three sedimentary Members. 

  • The Angelo Member – The Angelo member is the youngest member of the Green River Formation. It was too salty to allow aquatic life, so it contains the least remains. 
  • The Fossil Butte Member – The Fossil Butte member is sandwiched between the two members; Angelo and Road Hollow. It contains a record of a more significant number of aquatic species, including plants and animals. While it only represents a few tens of thousands of years, this member’s sediments contain the richest record of fossils from various aquatic organisms. The evidence from this member is greater than all the other Green River Members combined.
  • The Road Hollow Member – The oldest and thickest member representing Fossil Lake’s formation as it grew and deepened. 

Green River Formation – Layers 

While there are several layers within each member, there are two layers that are most productive; “18-inch bed” and the “sandwich bed.” The sediment deposits in this layer have records of life in shades of dull and dark, with bones of fish turning black and the scales remaining grey. 

On the other hand, the “sandwich bed” is around 6.6 feet thick and holds a record of near-shores species typically fossilized in the shades of orange and brown. 

When you look at the fossils from the two layers combined, you find evidence of various wildlife that has been uniquely persevered by nature. 

Green River Formation – How was it Formed?

Diplomystus_and_Knightia_Green_River Formation
Fossil Fish from the GRF of Colorado. Diplomystus and Knightia fossil fish. Photo: Wikipedia CC

A Biosphere of Nature

Interestingly enough, the following is a perfect example of the formation of how ecospheres materialize through the wonders of nature.

The evidence of life from the Eocene has its own story to tell from an era that began around 50 million years ago. Green River Formation fossils reflect a time when the landscape formation was complete and mountains and plains were separate. And since the streams of water were draining into the lakes, they carried large amounts of sand, mud, minerals and silt. Over time, as the sediments continued to fill in the lakes, it altered the lake waters’ chemical composition. As a result, it became the breeding ground for a variety of plant species. 

Enter Coal and Oil

Green_River_Formation_Oil_Gas_Fields_map
Green_River_Formation_Oil_Gas_Fields_map  (Wikipedia Public Domain) 

The climate of the Green River at that time was warm and moist, which further facilitated plant growth; creating a dense community of vegetation; subsequently providing a continuous supply of leaves, seeds and branches.

Plant debris in the lake was protected by the swamp’s water cover that continued to grow thicker over time. With immense pressure for millions of years, the plant debris has now transformed into coal. Moreover, as the blue-green algae continued to thrive in the lake, it spread over different parts and formed thick scum which eventually sank to the lake’s bottom. Over time, the algae-rich sediments transformed into the largest oil shale resource on the planet. 

Types of Fossils Found in the Green River Formation 

Green River Formation is home to fossils in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can find evidence of life in the form of intact fossilization (where the entire body of the species is intact), and you can also find fossils as fragments of a different part of the body. 

A possible explanation of this variation includes lake currents and the body’s state before fossilization and changing conditions within the lake system. 

A specific species that we can look into is fish. You can find evidence of fossils within the Green River lakes ranging from complete disintegration to fully intact skeletons. In some species, there is evidence of fossilization with food still inside the body of the species. The variety of fossils indicate the environment inside the lakes continued to change throughout the Eocene. 

What Makes Green River Formation Unique?

The Green River Formation fossils are one of the best-known sites for getting an insight into the Eocene. It gives exact information into what life was like millions of years ago. It contains evidence of hundreds of individual fish of different shapes and sizes. 

Additionally, fossil plants are abundant, including ferns, palm leaves and sycamore leaves, indicating the possible plant species along the lakesides. Fossils of various other species, including mammals, snakes, turtles, birds, bats, birds and crocodiles have also been found in the Green River Formation, depicting the possible variety of more advanced species in the region millions of years ago.

Given its wide variety of fossils, Green River Formation is one of the best-known sites for paleontologists worldwide. 

9 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Yellow Sapphires

Yellow SaphireThis Gemstone Comes in Various Shades of Yellow

Like all other colors, yellow comes in a variety of shades. From brighter shades, such as pastel light and lemon yellow, to deeper shades, such as an orange or golden yellow. This wonderful stone has some magnificent shades. Since color is a personal preference, you can opt for a shade that you like best. However, the most popular shade of the yellow sapphire is a medium vibrant canary. 

The different hues of yellow-colored sapphires are a result of the trace element iron. The higher the concentration of iron in a gemstone, the higher the color saturation and the richer the hue will be. Also, the brighter and purer the yellow of a sapphire, the more valuable it will be. 

  • They Usually Have Excellent Clarity

The best sapphire grades have perfect clarity. This means that they are visibly clear to the naked eye. This grade is followed by sapphires that have slight inclusions and the final grade has slight inclusions. Yellow sapphires are special because they have a reputation for having fewer inclusions than  other colors. This is quite convenient for those who want to buy yellow sapphires, as even though these precious stones usually have excellent clarity, they are still available at reasonable prices. 

  • Their Cut is Very Important

The cut of a gemstone doesn’t refer to its shape, but it refers to the facets on a gemstone’s surface that let light in, allowing its color to shine through. The cut of a gemstone is the main factor that affects its sparkle, especially when it comes to yellow sapphires. A poorly cut sapphire will look dull and lifeless. 

Since yellow sapphires are less costly than blue or pink sapphires, gemstone cutters don’t compromise on their brilliance in favor of weight retention. This is why it is quite easy to find well-cut yellow sapphires compared to other sapphire colors. Also, it is especially important to have a good cut if a gemstone has a lighter color, darker-colored gemstones generally look lively even if they don’t have a perfect cut. 

  • Some Yellow Sapphires Undergo Heat Treatments

Yellow sapphires usually undergo traditional heating treatments that enhance their color and overall transparency. Most of these changes are usually permanent. So, when buying a yellow sapphire, it is important to search for one that is untreated. The true beauty of the yellow sapphire stone lies in its natural and raw look. Also, natural sapphires are typically rarer and hold greater value. 

  • It is a Rare Gemstone

Fine natural yellow sapphires are unique and rare. A few decades ago, jewelers wouldn’t recognize any other color of sapphires except for blue, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that there were some experiments conducted on pale yellow sapphires in Thailand. Eventually, it was due to these experiments that we got the many shades of yellow sapphires, placing them in the limelight. 

  • They are One of the Hardest Stones

All sapphires, including yellow sapphires, are made up of a mineral called corundum. Moreover, this precious gemstone gets its color due to the trace elements of iron. Just like all other sapphires, the yellow sapphire is an incredibly tough and hard stone with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale. A yellow sapphire is also scratch-resistant, which makes it a great gemstone choice for everyday jewelry, such as engagement rings. 

  • They are Affordable

Let’s face it: yellow diamonds are an expensive gemstone choice for jewelry. Yellow sapphires, being an alternative to yellow diamonds, make for a great choice. This is because they have a beautiful color, excellent clarity and are quite affordable. You can easily find a beautiful yellow sapphire with fantastic quality within your budget. You can make it easier by filtering your choice according to the carat grade. The price of a yellow sapphire depends on its carats, color, cut, and clarity grade. So, there’s usually a yellow sapphire out there that suits everyone’s budget! 

  • Yellow Sapphires Go Well With Any Metal

You can choose any metal to highlight a yellow sapphire. This is one of those gemstones that go well with everything. While a pastel and lighter-colored yellow sapphire may complement silver-colored metals, such as silver, white gold, and platinum, sapphires with a rich yellow color look great with darker metals including yellow gold and rose. 

  • Yellow Sapphires are a Symbol of Wisdom and Prosperity

Sapphire is a September birthstone that is a representation gem of the zodiac Virgo. Yellow sapphires are especially popular in India due to their association with Vedic Astrology. Many people believe that natural sapphires, specifically the yellow ones, bring good luck, good energy, wisdom, and prosperity. Since the overall color and feel of this stone is bright, it is sure to cheer you up! 

Top 7 Colored Gemstones for an Engagement Ring

Colored Gem Rings
Photo: Charisse Kenion – Unsplash

Tired of traditional engagement rings? While crystal clear gemstones such as diamonds and white sapphires are popular engagement ring options, why not change things a little by opting for colored stones? A beautiful colored gemstone can amplify the appearance of your engagement ring and make it stand out in a crowd. 

However, it’s important not to choose a gemstone based solely on its appearance. There are other factors that you must consider, such as its clarity, durability, and hardness. After all, this ring will be on your finger for a long time. 

Here is a list of colored gemstones that make gorgeous engagement rings. Not only are these stones aesthetically magnificent but they can last an eternity. 

Colored Diamonds

Add a twist to traditional diamond rings by choosing a colored diamond. Diamonds are one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and for good reason. With a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, this pricey gemstone is one of the most durable and scratch-resistant gemstones. When it comes to quality, there’s hardly any mineral that comes even close to diamonds. 

With extraordinary dispersion and brilliance, this stone can turn white light into gorgeous flashes of color. Some of the most popular choices include sparkling pink, coal-black, champagne, and of course, canary yellow. However, pink diamonds rank amongst the most expensive, making them a great choice for engagement rings.

Sapphires

Sapphire Ring
Photo: Pexels

Sapphires are known as the gemstone of royalty. Not only were sapphires a popular choice for rings and other jewelry, but they still remain a noteworthy selection among celebrities and royalty. In fact, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton adorned a beautiful sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to Princess Diana. 

Even though sapphires are mostly associated with the color blue, they come in almost every hue except red. One of the most special features of colored sapphires is that they show two different colors, depending on the angle they are viewed from. Moreover, certain rare sapphires also change color, depending on the light source. Sapphires rank quite high amongst the hardest gemstones with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them an excellent and classy choice for engagement rings. 

Emeralds

Known as the ‘jewel of kings,’ emeralds are found in gorgeous greens, ranging from light to deep and dark shades. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, this precious gemstone is quite scratch-resistant but still requires special care. Apart from its stunning colors, it’s the fractures and inclusions of this stone that make every emerald unique and noteworthy. Even though these inclusions may impact its clarity and durability, this stone doesn’t shy away from the limelight. 

Choosing the perfect emerald stone for an engagement ring requires some extra effort. However, their stunning color and rarity make them a particularly prized and special gemstone for a ring. 

Rubies 

When set in an engagement ring, a ruby gemstone will surely make a statement! Ruby is the coveted red variety of corundum, with the other colors of corundum being considered sapphires. While rubies have the same durability and hardness as that sapphire, they tend to receive more enhancements and treatments than the typical sapphire gemstone. 

One of the most popular ruby choices is the ‘pigeon blood red’ ruby that has a faint purplish red with vivid saturation and a medium-dark tone. Rubies are a great choice for engagement rings due to their rarity, durability, and their association with love.  Ruby as a centerpiece surrounded by diamonds will make a fitting choice for a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. 

Amethysts

Amethysts are a popular and less pricey alternative to diamonds, making them a great choice for engagement rings. Amethyst gemstones are a beautiful variety of quartz found in shades of purple, ranging from lavender to a deep and dark purple. Although amethysts have a hardness of 7, which isn’t as hard in comparison to other stones, these gems have no cleavage panes, making them hard to break or scratch. 

Whether you choose light lavender or dark purple, all the shades of the amethyst stone are a fitting choice for any jewelry pierces, especially engagement rings. Even though many believe that the symbolic association of this gem to calming passions seems like an odd choice for engagement rings, the fact is that this stone perfectly represents a more deep and enduring commitment. 

Tourmalines

Tourmaline minerals in a box
Tourmaline minerals in a jewelry box

The tourmaline gemstone has an entire family of gems with various species in different colors. A popular tourmaline choice is the watermelon tourmaline that displays two or three zones of different colors. Just like quartz, this gemstone has a hardness of 7 and is free from any cleavages, making it a durable choice for engagement rings. 

Green tourmalines are the most easily available and affordable of the tourmaline varieties, while Paraiba tourmalines are the rarest and expensive kind of tourmalines. Other tourmaline varieties include rubellite and indicolite tourmalines. 

One of the most special aspects of tourmalines is their vitreous luster that makes their surface appear as glass when it’s hit by light. Also, while certain tourmaline varieties change color under distinct light sources, others display a cat’s eye optical effect. Either way, the tourmaline stone with its gorgeous luster will give you an engagement ring you will cherish for the years to come. 

Citrines

Citrine is another gem that has become a popular option for engagement rings. With colors ranging from light yellow to golden, this stone truly looks regal. One of the most expensive varieties of citrines includes the Madeira citrines, which have a rich, orange collar, with hints of red. Like the quartz varieties, citrines also have a hardness of 7 and are durable stones for rings. 

Whether it’s a colored diamond, sapphire, quartz, or citrine, colored stones not only look great but are an attractive alternative for an engagement ring.

15 of the Most Underrated Gemstones

Gemstone on a necklass
Photo: Pexels

When it comes to gemstones, there’s a whole sea of them out there. Available in a vast range of colors, there’s one for everyone. While you may have heard of the more popular ones such as sapphire, ruby and emerald, there’s a lot more that are just as beautiful yet not as well-known. Some of these are so beautiful and have a high number on the Mohs scale too, but are unfortunately underrated. 

However, some of them such as Tanzanite, are now gaining popularity and are up and coming. Here are 15 of the most underrated gemstones that will blow your mind!

1. Sunstone

This stone comes in the most beautiful warm shades of oranges and browns. It is a reflective stone and when light is shone on it it is super sparkly and looks like glitter. It is also considered to be the stone of good luck and is known to bring joy and happiness. They are definitely one of the most mesmerizing stones to look at and deserve way more attention than they normally get.

2. Zircon

Zircons are gorgeous beauties that look great on their own as well as when paired with other stones. They come in a wide array of colors ranging from yellows and greens to reds and browns. They also come in a clear color, which is one of its popular ones. 

3. Peridot

This beautiful green stone is often one that goes unnoticed. It comes in an olive green hue and has a charm of its own. Ancient Egyptians considered it to be a stone that brought peace and harmony to those who wore it. Perfect when paired with other stones such as amethyst and quartz, peridot is definitely one of its kind.

4. Tanzanite

An old stone discovered in the ‘60s Tanzanite has only recently gained popularity. Many top-notch jewelry brands particularly Tiffany & Co have recognized it and it is now much in demand. This is because of its breathtaking shades of blue-ish purples. Just as the name suggests it is mined in Tanzania. It is popularly used as an engagement ring stone and is underrated although it is now up and coming.

5. Spinel

Often mistaken for rubies, spinel is available in the most stunning colors. Be it shades of pinks, purples, reds, blues, greens, browns, colorless and black, you name it! Its color is influenced by where it is mined and the minerals it has come into contact with during its creation. 

6. Alexandrite

What makes this stone special is its color-changing ability. ‘Emerald by day, ruby by night’ is what it’s considered to be because of the way that it changes colors in the right. It is a unique and highly valuable gem that deserves a lot more attention.

7. Amber

It looks as delicious as it sounds! This age-old gemstone is known to bring with it wisdom and good luck. Its deep shades of reds and browns make it a stunning stone and it will definitely make some heads turn if worn as a jewelry piece.

8. Sodalite

This royal blue stone is just calming to look at. Because of its color, it is often mistaken for the Lapis lazuli. It is associated with bringing about emotional balance and boosting self-confidence. It would look great if worn as a necklace or even any other kind of piece of jewelry.

9. Paua Shell

A rare beauty, this stone is only found in New Zealand. It is also commonly referred to as the ‘sea opal’. This shell grows in the ocean and comes in the most beautiful shades of colors and patterns from greens and blues to purples and pinks. It is unique and would look super trendy if worn as jewelry. 

10. Lolite

Violet in color, this stone is also referred to as the ‘water sapphire’. The stone appears to be different colors depending on the light and angle. It has a special sparkly effect when looked at in the sunlight. To add to that it is a much cheaper alternative as compared to sapphires and is known for its remarkable ability to balance one out.

11. Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase is a gorgeous stone that has a smooth texture yet is 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable and great for everyday wear.This stone goes way back, the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans loved using this stone in their jewelry. It’s stunning color is unique and would look great if worn as a ring.

12. Jadeite

The more valuable variety of the jade stone, Jadeite is intensely green in color. It is an old and extremely valuable gemstone in many legends. The vibrant green gives it a special edge and makes it look funky and trendy.

13. Larimar

Famously referred to as the ‘stone of the sea’, this stone is extremely rare and is only found in the Dominican Republic. Light blue in color just like the sea, the stone was only available to locals for the longest time until it was finally mined. It is an intriguing shade of blue that would make for a great jewelry piece.

14. Garnet

Also the birthstone for January, Garnet is a stunning red stone that comes in other colors too such as greens, oranges, pinks and purples. Over 5000 years old, this stone has been used in jewelry for a long time. Even though its color is exquisite, it is still not as famous as Ruby’s and other stones and therefore is underrated.

15. Aventurine

This green stone is a variety of quartz. It contains gorgeous dots of shiny particles and has a glittery feel to it because of its metallic nature. It is known to attract good luck, wealth and opportunity and would look stunning if used in jewelry designs. 

Each of these 15 gemstones is extremely unique and has its own beauty. They are definitely underrated and deserve a lot more attention. We would strongly suggest trying them out the next time you go stone shopping, instead of buying your usual ones!