Why does a gemstone cutter sometimes remove more than half the original rough? Discover how natural crystal shape, inclusions, colour zoning, optical physics and cutting proportions influence the transformation from rough gemstone to finished gem—and why a smaller stone can sometimes be significantly more valuable.
Discover emerald from a gemmologist’s perspective: how this green variety of beryl forms, how chromium and vanadium create its colour, and how optical properties, inclusions, spectroscopy and trace-element chemistry reveal its identity, treatment and geological history.
Obsidian mirrors have a remarkable history, from ceremonial objects in ancient Mexico to the spiritual investigations of Renaissance Europe. Discover their historical symbolism and explore a contemporary reflection ritual using a polished obsidian stone, mindful observation and personal journaling.
During the nineteenth century, a remarkable black gemstone from the Yorkshire coast became one of Britain's most powerful symbols of mourning. Whitby jet adorned necklaces, brooches, lockets and memorial jewellery, particularly after Queen Victoria's prolonged mourning for Prince Albert. Its significance, however, extended beyond fashion. Through religious symbolism, personal keepsakes and elaborate social rituals, jet became a material expression of grief, devotion and remembrance. Discover the documented history behind this extraordinary gemstone—and why its Victorian meaning differs fundamentally from modern crystal-healing beliefs.
Some gemstones appear green in daylight but red or purple under incandescent lighting. This fascinating phenomenon is not caused by magic or a change in chemical composition. Discover how selective light absorption, trace elements and illumination interact to create the extraordinary colour changes observed in alexandrite, sapphire and garnet.
Few gemstones attract attention as quickly as a fine red ruby. That attraction can also make ruby one of the more complicated coloured gemstones for consumers to purchase confidently. Two stones that both carry the name “ruby” can differ enormously…
Why can one gemstone show different colours from different directions? Explore the science of pleochroism, dichroism and trichroism, and discover how crystal structure, selective absorption, the dichroscope and cutting orientation influence gemstone colour.
Amethyst has been associated with clarity and restraint for centuries and is now widely used in contemplative crystal practices. Discover a simple evening ritual in which an Amethyst pocket stone becomes a physical anchor for slowing down, observing the day without judgement and creating a deliberate transition toward rest.
Pounamu is far more than New Zealand “greenstone.” For Māori, objects carved from pounamu can become taonga—treasured possessions carrying ancestry, status, memory and mana across generations. From hei tiki pendants to chiefly mere and hei matau, the stone reveals a living relationship between geology, craftsmanship, whakapapa and cultural identity that cannot accurately be reduced to modern ideas of “jade energy.”
A laboratory report can establish important facts about a gemstone, but it does not automatically tell you its quality, market value or whether you should buy it. This practical NGB guide explains each major section of a coloured-stone report and the limitations every gemstone buyer should understand.
