Moldavite

Shungite, originally coined in 1879, referred to a black, lustrous mineraloid with more than 98% carbon. In recent times, the term has expanded to include a metamorphosed Precambrian algal-derived oil shale or sapropelite containing more than 5% carbon. These two forms of shungite are primarily found in the Karelia region of Russia. Shungite with over 98% carbon, also known as Elite Noble shungite, makes up less than 1% of the shungite bounty, standing out with its remarkably shiny and smooth surface, deviating from the usual rough texture observed in other shungite.

The small red spots of Jasper embedded in bloodstone resembles tiny drops of blood, hence the name. Bloodstone is actually a variety of Chalcedony. As a birthstone, it is associated with the month of March. It is polished into cabochons and used in rings and amulets, or carved into ornamental objects.

Mookaite is an unofficial name for a specific form of silicified Porcellanite. In strict geological terms, this material is actually a type of Radiolarite found in the Windalia Radiolarite rock formations in Western Australia. Mookaite is used for making colorful, finely-polished ornamental stones that come in a wide range of colors: white, cream, yellow, brown, red, maroon, and purple.

Serpentinite is so-named because its surface is often scaly in appearance, like a serpent. The rock often takes on a handsome dark green appearance, similar to some types of jade. Some varieties of serpentinite are easily carved and take a polish well, so they are used decoratively for everything from jewelry to statuettes to buildings. This is the state rock of California.

Dalmatian Stone got its tradename from its resemblance to the coat of the famous Dalmatian dog breed. The stone is usually white and spotted black, but it's often artificially dyed for commercial purposes. This way, dalmatian Stone can feature numerous bright colors and make inexpensive beads and tumbled stones. It is sometimes incorrectly referred to as Dalmatian Jasper because of its Jasper-like spots.

Moonstone consists of two feldspar minerals appearing in alternating layers. When light falls between these thin layers, it appears to billow across the gem. Ancient Romans thought it was formed from frozen moonlight. The best moonstone has a colorless body and a blue sheen. It is a birthstone for the month of June.

A type of volcanic glass, snowflake Obsidian differs from true obsidian via its patches of cloudy white or gray. These spots are properly known as spherulites, and they are really a type of quartz crystal embedded into the glass. Although it lacks the toolmaking capabilities of true obsidian, people collect it for its beauty.

A variety of labradorite, rainbow Moonstone is generally a translucent stone that exhibits rainbow colors when seen in natural light. This stone has been used since ancient times — Romans and Greeks associated this stone with their lunar gods. Today, it's cut into beads and cabochons and used with jewelry.