Gemstones are rare and exquisite products of nature, full of fascinating, unique and unexpected properties appealing the scientist, craftsman and amateur alike. Below, is the list of articles about some of the most popular ones, but there are many more rare collector's gemstones. You can also find out your birthstone meaning.

Alexandrite Amber Aquamarine Beryls Citrine Chrysoberyl Coral Cat's Eye Zircon

Diamond Emerald Garnets Lapis Lazuli Malachite Marcasite Natural Glasses Opal

Pearl Peridot Quartz Ruby Sapphire Spinel Topaz Tourmaline Turquoise

Interesting to know..

Centuries of search and exploration have now shown that well over 2000 different kinds of minerals make up the solid crust of the earth on which we live. Only a minute fraction of these are capable of use as gems. While a few gem-forming minerals are relatively common, most are rare and only occur in small numbers, scattered over the world in a few, sometimes remote and inaccessible, localities.

In any case, only a tiny proportion of the minerals mined will ultimately yield stones that would grace a piece of jewelry, and when we think of really fine gemstones, the world's entire stock is reduced much further, almost to mere handfuls.

This may seem odd when we admire the cascades of jewels that adorn a large jeweler's windows, an occupation that always seems to attract a congregation of devotees. But notice how small each stone really is and how the goldsmith has used his art to enhance the importance of the stones with elaborate settings and embellishments. A specially small unit of weight, the carat, had to be devised to weight the stones adequately. For more information about each gemstone please visit the category above.