Mixite

The term "prase" refers to a translucent, leek-green type of quartz, most commonly quartzite, but also some true quartzes and jaspers of similar color. The term is no longer considered to have much scientific meaning, since it covers so many differing types of rocks. Stones of this beautiful color have been carved for decorative purposes since ancient Greece.

Austinite is a rare mineral usually translucent or transparent white or green, but colorless when put up against transmitted light. This mineral may be found alongside metal deposits containing arsenic. Austinite should not be confused with Austenite, which is a form of iron.

Wurtzite is a reddish-brown mineral found in hydrothermal conditions that are rich in zinc as well as in some sedimentary rocks. Wurtzite is a dimorph of sphalerite, meaning that their composition is the same but the way they form crystals is different. Wurtzite was discovered in 1861 and is named after the French chemist, Charles Adolphe Wurtz.

Rutile is a fairly common mineral mined for its titanium, which has many industrial uses (perhaps most famously in airplanes and spacecraft). When powdered, it is also used to make a strong white pigment. Although rarely carved as a gemstone in its own right, long, thin rutile crystal inclusions in other stones can create beautiful patterns, making these crystals more sought after (contrary to the general rule, in which gemstones with inclusions are less valuable).

Enargite is an important ore of copper, but it also occurs with other minerals and chemical elements such as Quartz, Bornite, Pyrite, or even Gold. This very common mineral is found in deposits related to low temperatures. It mostly occurs as a distinct steel-gray to black crystal with a violet film, but sometimes it can be dull gray.

Named after Coquimba Province, Chile, where the material was first discovered, coquimbite is a relatively uncommon mineral. It is found primarily in regions with arid climates and tends to deteriorate in humid environments. It is sometimes used as a collector's gem, particularly the purple variety.

The archaeological record suggests that Neanderthals used manganite to start fires. It has long been used as a source of manganese, although other sources of ore are more popular today. Crystals of this mineral are highly sought-after by serious collectors, although they aren't as showy as other mineral specimens.

Stumbling upon serandite will require two things: extreme luck and being in Quebec, Canada. There have been sporadic reports of finding serandite elsewhere worldwide, but never large enough to be collectible. They are so incredibly rare that they are considered the rarest of all of the manganese-rich gemstones. Crystals of this mineral rarely occur larger than 3 carats.