Staurolites (Fairy Crosses)
“Staurolite” comes from the Greek word “Stauros” and means “Cross.” This mineral frequently occurs as twinned, six-sided crystals that occasionally intersect at 90-degree angles to form crosses. However, an intersecting angle of 60 degrees is far more common. In some localities, these natural twinned crystals are found, made into jewelry, and sold as Fairy Crosses. […]
How Much Is A Meteorite Worth?
Meteorites (like many gems and minerals) aren’t valued based on one quality or another. Similar to everything else, numerous factors determine the particular value of any one meteorite specimen. One of the most important factors is how much the specimen weighs. A man in Michigan found a 22-pound meteorite, resulting in a payout of $100,000 […]
Barite Values and Pricing
Barite crystals are affordable in sizes ranging from 5 to 25 carats and the cost per carat is between $20.00 to $100.00 per carat. Most of the faceted stones will be colorless or have a faint yellow tint or light blue tint. More than likely you won’t see faceted stones on a regular basis but […]
Types of Agate
So many different types of Agate, it can be difficult to identify them correctly and even harder to value them. Some of these varieties are hard to find because the available material is limited due to the mined areas running out of Agate. If you’re looking to add Agate to your collection then I would […]
Types of Jasper
So many different types of Jasper, it can be difficult to identify them correctly and even harder to value them. Some of these varieties are hard to find because the available material is limited due to the mined areas running out of Jasper. If you’re looking to add Jasper to your collection then I would […]
Axinite Values and Pricing
High-quality Axinite is difficult to source and moderately priced at $40.00 to $165.oo per carat. Faceted stones as well as specimens will display strong pleochroism. If you’re attending a rock and gem show then you’ll probably come across more specimens than faceted stones. As you can see from the images below, Axinite comes in brown […]
Actinolite Values and Pricing
Actinolite is affordable in sizes ranging from 1 to 20 grams and the cost per gram is between $1.00 to $10.00 per gram. The first time you see this material will be in crystal form and the Actinolite will be the green inclusions. Most of the faceted material is clear Quartz with Actinolite crystals for […]
Anglesite Values and Pricing
When valuing Anglesite you’ll need to break up the pricing into two distinct groups. For gemstone collectors, you can expect to pay $20.00 to $100.00 per carat. Most of the faceted stones will be colorless or have a faint yellow tint to them. More than likely you won’t see faceted stones on a regular basis […]
Azurite Values and Pricing
High-quality Azurite is affordable in sizes ranging from 5 to 25 carats and the cost per carat is between $3.00 to $10.00 per carat. Most of the cabochons you’ll see at gem shows will be medium-grade blue with a green mixed in from time to time. The green color you see is Malachite and it […]
Unakite
Unakite is a metamorphic rock composed of various stones which gives it a moss-on-brick appearance. If you’re new to collecting rocks then Unakite will probably be one of the first stones you collect or polish. Due to its affordability and durability, Unakite is used in commercial and residential architecture. For example, the trim on the […]