Cobaltite cabochons can have a lovely metallic luster. However, this gem material is very seldom faceted.

Clinochlore is a family of minerals in the chlorite group. To date, only kämmerite and sheridanite varieties are known to

Citrine is the yellow to red-orange variety of crystalline quartz. Clever marketing and the rise of “earth tone” fashions have

Magnificent red cinnabar is extremely soft and fragile, so faceted material is rare. It’s cut primarily for collectors and carvings.

Chrysoprase is apple-green chalcedony that derives its color from nickel. Its hardness and striking color make it a popular gemstone

Marketed as “Gem Silica” this relatively rare, blue to blue-green, opaque to near transparent material is the most expensive type

Pure blue chrysocolla is extremely soft but interesting to gem collectors. On the other hand, chrysocolla that forms as gel

Although many gems show a cat’s eye effect, when the term “cat’s eye” is used alone, it always refers to

Chromite is shiny and black, and makes a curious-looking cabochon with no special attraction. Occasionally, a cabochon has a reddish

Chiolite makes a challenging gem. It’s difficult to cut, extremely rare, and has little appeal. It’s solely a curiosity in