Types of Gemstones

Although there is a wide variety of jewelry available online, the overwhelming majority of it that gets sold contains a gemstone in some shape or form. There are many different types of gemstones, although they can be grouped into a few categories. Knowing about each one can help you expand your jewelry knowledge and allow you to get the most out of your online purchase. Here's a look at some of the most popular types of gemstones out there and what separates them from others:

Beryl

Containing many of the common elements found in chrysoberyl and quartz gemstones, high quality beryl stones can be stunningly beautiful. Generally, beryl stones that have deep dark colors are the rarest and therefore, the most expensive. Several types of gemstones can be categorized under beryl, such as emeralds and aquamarines.

Chrysoberyl

As the third hardest of all the gemstones, chrysoberyl stones can be very valuable. They can come in a variety of colors, but green and yellow are the most common. However, don't get too attached to one color, as these gemstones are actually known to change colors in different types of light. One of the most popular types of stones in jewelry, Cat's eye gemstones, can be considered a type of chrysoberyl.

Diamond

Being the hardest type of gemstone in the world, diamonds belong in a class of their own. They are easily the most valuable type of gemstone, although their prices fluctuate wildly depending on their size, color, and clarity. Despite being highly sought after, diamonds are not entirely rare. There are actually many diamonds, just very few large ones. Of course, the larger and more clear the diamond, the higher the value.

Jade

Originally considered to be part of the beryl family of gemstones, scientific studies have shown jade to be an all-together different type of gemstone. Although beryl and jade look similar in texture and opacity, the two have shown to be very different when it comes to chemical composition. Jade gemstones come in many different colors and shades, but the brilliant emerald greens have proven to be the most valuable and rare.

Organics

When someone refers to an organic gemstone, they are typically talking about pearls. Unlike every other gemstone which comes from minerals, pearls occur naturally in organic sources. They are formed in mollusks such as oysters and can take a very long time to grow. Today, pearls can be created in labs, but the naturally occurring ones are still the most valuable. Although they are not technically gemstones, their popularity in all types of jewelry makes them worth of mentioning.

Quartz

Despite being one of the most common types of minerals in the world, there are some extremely valuable quartz crystals out there. However, they are very rare and you'll find few pieces of jewelry that contain an unflawed quartz crystal. Some of the common types of quartz gemstones include amethysts, onyx, and carnelians.