Alkali Feldspar

Rutilated Quartz is a species of quartz, generally gold but occasionally silvery, coppery, or even black. Every individual stone has a unique pattern. While inclusions usually lower the value of a gemstone, rutilated Quartz is an exception in this regard; the imperfections add to its desirability and consequent value.

Found exclusively in Llano County (Texas, USA) from which it gets its name, llanite is a granite rock of reddish-brown color. Its attractiveness comes from the small crystals of blue Quartz that are found within the mass of the rock. Since this material can take a fine polish, it's often available on the market in the form of tumbled stones and used for carved ornamental objects.

Ammonite is a fossil of the now-extinct marine molluscs called ammonoids. They are found in many sedimentary rocks. The name comes from the god Ammon, who had spiral ram horns which looks like the shape of the organism’s shell. Ammonites are valued by collectors because they are the real remains of prehistoric creatures.

Despite its trade name, african Turquoise is not actually turquoise, but rather a type of jasper. It is generally produced in Africa (hence the name) and it's often processed to achieve a more attractive appearance. It's a cheaper alternative to its expensive counterpart, but thanks to its chemical structure, it's significantly tougher than turquoise.

Barite is incredibly unique and can fool you if you're not careful. The glistening surface area makes it seem like a lightweight mineral, but it is heavy! It is so heavy that it has a similar weight to metallic minerals, although it has no metallic properties.

Biotite belongs to the so-called "mica minerals" which can be easily split into thin, but enormously large, flexible sheets. The largest single crystal sheet of biotite measured 23 m squared, found in Norway. This silicate mineral can be found in magmatic and metamorphic rocks and it's commonly used as an isolating material, particularly in heating systems.

Moissanite is a rare mineral, similar in appearance to diamond. The material is actually a silicon carbide, and it's found in the form of crystals. It is prized in the jewelry industry and is mostly used for engagement rings. It is often produced synthetically in laboratories, while the natural moissanite is extremely rare.

Prized since antiquity, silver is the most abundant and least expensive of the precious metals. Soft and ductile, this element can easily be shaped into jewelry and coins - and people have been doing so for thousands of years. Because it tarnishes fairly easily, in modern jewelry it is often combined into alloys with other metals (such as is the case with Sterling silver, usually made of silver and Copper). Industrial uses include electronics, solar panels, glass, mirrors, and many medical components.