Starburst Jasper

Ruby is the red variety of the mineral known as Corundum, while Sapphire is the blue variety of the same mineral. Although Corundum is abundant, its gems are relatively rare and highly sought. In its natural crystal form, Ruby can be found trapped in different rock groundmasses. Ruby in Feldspar is one of them.

If you are tantalized by tantalite, you must have an affinity for large, less than glimmering gems! Most specimens of tantalite that are unearthed are quite large, dull, and are better seen as a fun find than an ornamental adornment. In industrial applications, it is an ore of Tantalum and used for multiple high-tech devices.

Libyan Desert Glass is a rare rock that can only be found in the Western Desert of Egypt, which is where it gets its name. This rock is primarily made from pure molten silica glass called lechatelierite. While the origins of libyan Desert Glass are unknown, it is strongly suggested that this rock was regarded by ancient Egyptians as a gemstone.

The candy-looking stone known as cinnabrite is quite rare, but it makes an interesting material for cut gems, beads, and cabochons. Its name has probably been derived from the similarity of its reddish or pinkish markings to the color of the mineral known as Cinnabarite, although cinnabrite doesn't contain Cinnabarite at all. The pinkish dots are actually the mineral called Thulite.

Pyroxenite is a coarse-grained, light or dark green igneous rock. It can be crafted into jewelry, but its many practical and decorative uses include the building of kitchen countertops, use as a facing stone, construction of buildings and walls, the manufacture of cement, the foundation for roads, and the carving of decorative stones or cemetery markers.

Chalcanthite crystals that are naturally formed are scarce to come by. There are, however, many specimens that have been created in laboratories for collectors to acquire. Be skeptical of any large crystals not labeled as synthetic. Less-attractive formations of chalcanthite are used to create a cleaning agent for sewage systems.

Ironstone Concretion are rounded mineral formations found in sedimentary rock layers, primarily composed of iron compounds. Formed under specific chemical conditions, they accumulate around a nucleus like a leaf or bone. Often rusty-brown or reddish, these dense formations can range from small nodules to large boulders. They might resemble fossils externally and can even encase real fossils internally. Found globally in rocks like sandstones and shales, they intrigue rock collectors and can be used decoratively when polished.