Zinc Minerals
Zinc minerals are well known among rock and mineral collectors but not every rockhound is aware of the varieties. So, I decided to put together a list of Zinc minerals plus give you a little background on the metal, what it is used for, and where it is mined. If you haven’t started collecting Zinc […]
Aragonite Values and Pricing
High-quality Aragonite is 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 to them. More than likely you won’t see faceted stones on a regular basis but you will […]
Hornblende Mineral
Hornblende is the name used to describe Magnesio-hornblende and Ferro-hornblende. However, the term is generally more inclusive for all calcium-aluminum amphiboles. The name Hornblende is frequently used to describe any dark, opaque Amphibole mineral without any individual analysis. The varieties of Hornblende look incredibly similar and can be nearly indistinguishable without complex analysis. This mineral […]
Copper Minerals
Copper minerals are broadly classified into Oxide minerals, Sulfide minerals, and Native Copper. The most common Copper mineral is Chalcopyrite which is a Sulfide mineral. The interesting part about Copper minerals is the wide range of geological settings they can occur in, including Porphyry Copper deposits, Sedimentary Copper deposits, and skarns. Now you have a […]
Serpentine Rock
Serpentine is used as a gemstone, carving material, architectural stone, and a source of asbestos. You’re probably most familiar with the apple-green to-black color with light and dark-colored mottled areas. Their surfaces often have a wax-like or shiny appearance with a soapy feel. Serpentine is usually fine-grained and compact but can be granular, fibrous, or […]
Phenakite Values and Pricing
High-quality Phenakite is affordable in sizes ranging from 1 – 5 carats and the cost per carat is between $6.00 to $50.00 per carat. Most of the faceted stones will be colorless or have a faint yellow tint to them. If you’re a purist then you’ll want to buy the colorless version of Phenakite. Phenakite […]
Rhodochrosite Values and Pricing
High-quality Rhodochrosite is very affordable in small to medium-sized cabochons ranging from 1 -10 carats and the cost per carat is between $1.00 to $5.00 per carat or $5.00 to $25.00 per gram. Larger cabochons with exceptional color and banding will demand slightly higher prices. Every Rhodochrosite cabochon is unique because the banding will vary […]
Malachite Values and Pricing
High-quality Malachite is very affordable in small to medium-sized cabochons ranging from 1 -10 carats and the cost per carat is between $1.00 to $5.00 per carat or $5.00 to $25.00 per gram. Larger cabochons with exceptional color and banding will demand slightly higher prices. Every Malachite cabochon is unique because the banding will vary […]
Ammolite Values and Pricing
High-quality Ammolite is very affordable in small to medium-sized cabochons ranging from 1 -10 carats and the cost per carat is between $10.00 to $70.00 per carat. Larger cabochons with exceptional color play will demand a higher price per carat, $70.00 – $140.00. Every Ammolite cabochon is unique because the play of color will be […]
Rhyolite Rock
Rhyolites are extrusive igneous rocks with very high silica content. It’s usually gray or pink, with tiny grains that are difficult to observe without magnification or a 10x-powered loop. Rhyolite is composed of Plagioclase, Quartz, and Sandine, with minor amounts of Biotite and Hornblende. If you’ve dug for rocks and minerals then you’ve come across […]