Why Lapis Lazuli Was More Expensive Than Gold in the Renaissance
In the Renaissance, this blue was worth more than gold: ultramarine, made from lapis lazuli found in only one place on Earth.
Read moreWhy are there such beautiful minerals in Brazil?
Brazil doesn't have one secret for beautiful gems. It has three. Billion-year-old rock, volcanoes that buried half the country in lava, and stones that transform from the inside without ever melting.
Read moreHow should I take care of my mineral?
We'll explain how to take care of your mineral so it lasts forever.
Read moreNot all minerals are gems, and not all gems are minerals
In this post, we explain the difference between a gem and a mineral
Read moreMysteries of moonstone's blue sheen
It's not magic, it's physics. That glow that seems to "float" in moonstone is called adularescence.
Read moreWhat are aqua aura type minerals
Aqua aura quartz takes centuries to form... and only minutes to change colour. We tell you what's behind its shimmering reflections.
Read moreThe stone that guided the Vikings across the sea
No compass, no GPS, no direct view of the sun. Just a transparent crystal that revealed its position.
Read moreObsidian in pre-Columbian culture
Obsidian isn't a mineral, but a volcanic glass that Mesoamerican cultures turned into a tool, weapon, ritual mirror and symbol of status.
Read moreMoon Minerals
Discover Moon minerals: from Apollo 11 lunar basalt to meteorites that fell on Earth.
Read moreFossilized Ammonites: The Spiral That Survived Time
Discover what fossils are, how ammonites form, and why some shine with iridescent colors. Featuring specimens from Madagascar.
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