Blog posts of '2026' 'November'

Black tourmaline, obsidian, black onyx and hematite can sit together in a dark-colour display while differing substantially in composition, structure and care. A black surface is a starting observation, not a material identity. A useful…

Lapis lazuli, sodalite and amazonite offer three different blue or blue-green appearances. They should not be combined under a generic blue crystal identity. Comparing a few labelled pebbles helps a buyer understand pattern, mineral naming…

Moonstone, labradorite and sunstone belong to the feldspar world but display different optical effects. The best comparison is a moving view under a simple light, backed by accurate material naming. A dramatic photograph captures one…

Some of the most attractive polished minerals need the gentlest care. Fluorite and malachite are noticeably softer than quartz, and their colour does not protect them from abrasion or breakage. Buy them for an appropriate display and…

Green jade is too broad a label for a careful material purchase. Ask which jade material is intended, whether its identity has been checked and what treatment is known. A green pebble may be a useful decorative object while still being…