Ruby in Fuchsite

Variscite is a popular find in Utah in the United States and sporadically in Europe and Australia. It is a favorite to polish and use as a collectible gemstone. It is remarkably similar to turquoise; however, variscite has a richer green color, whereas real turquoise is more azure.

A pebble is a sizeable rock that can be composed of a variety of minerals. These rocks are usually smooth on their sides as a result of weathering. Pebble is most commonly found in and around running waterways, like beaches, streams, and rivers. Because it is so easy to find, this mineral has been used as a tool for centuries and continues to be implemented in landscaping and for other construction.

Andesite is a volcanic stone that, although found around the world, is most prevalent in the Andes Mountains (thus its name). Sporting a speckled grey or blue-grey appearance, andesite is sometimes used to make decorative tiles, statues, or stone garden features. It has few industrial uses, occasionally being used as a filler.

Slag is a non-metallic by-product of smelting or glass creation. Slag can range from glassy to dull and stony in appearence, and has been used in construction, road building, and even jewelry design. The first record of the uses of slag has been found in ancient Egypt. Nowadays, slag with vibrant colors and unique patterns is a popular choice for decorative purposes.

Nacre is a strong, iridescent material produced by some molluscs to protect the inner layer of its shell. It is also known as mother of pearl, and is the material from which pearls are grown. Nacre is used to make mother of pearl jewelry, decorative items, and clothing accessories. It is also used to adorn musical instruments and create mosaic tiles.

Dendritic Jasper is an interesting form of Jasper, prized for its unusual pattern that resembles fossilized plants. The fern-like or tree-like filaments are actually inclusions of iron and manganese oxide. Dendritic Jasper is commonly sold in the form of tumbled stones, but it's also used in jewelry.

Cubic Zirconia is similar in appearance to natural diamonds, making it one of the most popular man-made stones. Natural and lab-grown diamonds are composed of carbon, while cubic Zirconia consists of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂). Cubic Zirconia can also occur in a variety of colors. These stones provide distinctive and affordable substitutes for fancy colored diamonds, or colored gemstones, such as emerald, ruby, and sapphire. If you're on a budget, cubic Zirconia will be a great, inexpensive option for your engagement ring, usually priced at less than $100.

A naturally occurring variety of quartz, ametrine is a popular commercial mineral mined primarily in Bolivia and sold by the trade name of bolivianite. Prized for its gradient colors and toughness, it is regularly used in the jewelry industry. According to a legend, this mineral was first introduced in Europe in the 17th century, as a conquistador's gift to the Spanish queen.