The Lighter Side of Gemology

Since ancient times, people have believed gems could have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones with health benefits.…

Halite is a very difficult material to facet, even for experts. Jeff Graham offers his advice on how to cut and polish this challenging yet tasty…

La Belle De Jour is a unique emerald matrix. Learn how it formed, where it was found, and what makes it special. Take a closeup tour of this 256 lb wonder.…

Birthstones have become an international jewelry trend, but have you ever wondered where this tradition began? Here is your rundown on the centuries-long,…

Aquamarines have been cut into many large and beautiful gemstones. Let’s take a look at six of the world’s most famous aquamarines, both loose…

Amber has a long history of ornamental use and popular associations with animals, energy, and the Sun. Learn more about amber symbolism and lore.…

Most black diamonds used in jewelry are enhanced, but natural black-colored diamonds do exist. Learn more about these as well as unusual carbonado…

Behind every mystical gem is a merchant. Since ancient times, malachite has been “the salesman’s stone.” Learn more about malachite symbolism…

How do you say “love me” with a stone? Learn about lapis lazuli symbolism and legends. This beautiful blue mineral has fascinated people for…

Many people consider beautiful sky blue turquoise stones to be lucky. Learn about the turquoise symbolism and lore of Native American and other…

Topaz’s most popular mystical association has been with wealth. However, topaz symbolism and lore also covers areas such as health, love, and…

A couple claims the Beleza Emerald was lost in the Camp Fire of 2018 and was worth $280 million. The valuation doesn’t add up to us, and we explain why.…

Emerald crystals can grow very large. Learn about some of the world’s largest emeralds, whether rough, faceted, or carved.

Carved in Thailand in 2006 from a 3,600-ct emerald, “The Sacred Emerald Buddha” has a message of peace. Read the inside story of this amazing…

Emerald symbolism encompasses not only royalty but also wit, eloquence, and foresight. Learn more about the legends surrounding this prized…

Beautiful blue colors and the star stone effect have influenced sapphire symbolism through the ages. Learn more about the legends surrounding…

Some famous emeralds have amazing histories. These seven gems have gone through revolutions, shipwrecks, and thefts to become crown jewels and…

Many cultures have long considered ruby a king’s gem. Not surprisingly, ruby symbolism and lore have many associations with power, wealth, and…

Blood red ruby gems have captivated people’s hearts and imaginations for centuries. Read about these eight famous rubies and what makes them special.…

Whether large, beautiful, or historically important, these famous sapphires have fascinating stories to tell. Learn what makes these eight…

Cursed, perfect, or just huge, these famous pearls are fascinating. Read their history-rich tales filled with people like Kublai Khan and Elizabeth…

These sixteen famous opals include some of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Learn their fascinating backstories in this article.

Garnet symbolism is rich and varied. This gemstone has inspired many legends and popular associations with love, friendship, light, and vitality.…

Not happy with your birthstone? Explore these alternative birthstones associated with astrological signs, angels, the hour or day of your birth,…

Once the stone of royalty, the fragile opal has a convoluted personality and lore. Opal symbolism is as varied as the play of color of the stone itself.…

Prized for millennia, pearls have strong links to the Moon, value, and weddings. Learn more about pearl symbolism and the lore of the June birthstone.…

Gem experts compare the bright, neon-green hues of Ethiopian emeralds to paraíba tourmalines and extra-fine Colombian emeralds. Learn what…

Amethyst has many popular folkloric associations, from love and spirituality to supernatural protection. Learn more about amethyst symbolism…

With rich cornflower blue Yogo sapphires and fancy-colored gems in any color of the rainbow, Montana sapphires are a great choice for any jewelry…

From the seemingly common to the utterly obscure, you wouldn’t guess these ten gemstones are rarer than a diamond! If you’re looking for something…

Marriage and Korite (or ammolite) both need special care. With strong support systems, both can endure. This is the story of an unorthodox engagement…

Commentaries on the foundation stones of the Book of Revelation influenced the development of the Western birthstone system. Learn more about…

Both jadeite and nephrite have inspired beautiful works of art and a rich body of lore. Jade symbolism covers themes of harmony, eternity, and virtue.…

Carnelian symbolism and lore touches on health, luck, and royalty. However, just wearing these gems isn’t always effective. Would-be alchemists…

Onyx symbolism and lore is filled with negative associations. Learn how people have counteracted these purported effects and enjoy this beautiful,…

With a silverly light that seems to come from within, moonstone has many associations with the Moon. While you certainly need no excuses to buy this…

The idea of a single birthstone for each month is a modern idea with a long history, but today’s consumers can choose gems from traditional or modern…

The Esperanza is the most valuable diamond ever mined in the US. Learn the story behind the find and the unique triolette cut designed to showcase…

Make gemology for kids educational and fun with these gemstone-themed games for all ages. Try these solo and party activities.

Our gemstone crossword puzzle collection is a fun and challenging way to test your knowledge of gemology, whether you’re an amateur or advanced…

Colored gemstone engagement rings are a trend that has been around for awhile, and the results are unforgettable and beautiful.

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Oregon Sunstone Mining – Double Eagle Mining Company.…

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what he has to share about Oregon Sunstone Mining – Out Back Mining Company.…

My goal is to share with each of you the fun and folklore or gemstones. Since this is my first article for IGS, my goal is to introduce you to the difference…

Old Mine Tales that were submitted as letters to Faceter’s Digest. They are a personal history of the author’s experiences with the mines in North…

The transcription of the interview of International Gem Society IGS with C.D. Parsons of Santa Paula, Calif. and Gerald Wykoff GG, CSM.

The Eye of the Lion.This Cat’s-Eye Chrysoberyl is the largest cut example in the world(as documented by the Smithsonian Institute)with a fascinating…

Peter Brusaschi explains how he felt when he first discovered the opal town of Yowah in the outback opal fields of Australia.