Gemologist Guide to Identifying Malachite
Malachite is a very popular stone because of its bright, deep green color and banding. Add in a nicely polished cabochon or free-form polished piece and you have the ingredients for a great piece to add to your rock collection. At most rock and mineral shows you’ll see beads, cabs, pyramids, and carved animals made […]
Gemologist Guide to Identifying Azurite
Azurite may not be common or abundant, but it is well-known for its beautiful blue colors. Azurite’s characteristic deep blue to violet-blue hues are incredible and it can be found with its close cousin malachite. Azurite’s hardness is only 3.5 to 4.0 on the hardness scale. While it is easy to cut and shape into […]
Gemologist Guide to Identifying Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is very common and you’ll see it at every rock and mineral show you attend. Most of the time, rose quartz has been cut into different shapes and sizes and you can even find carved pieces. The higher quality material is cut into cabochons, beads, and occasionally faceted. Due to it being fairly […]