Unusual Stones: Why Unconventional Stones Make the Greatest Gifts

Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are some of the most well-known gemstones in the world. After all, most royal figures have worn these gemstones as part of the decoration of their crown jewels and coronation robes for centuries. However, there are gemstones that are not quite as popular, but which are also extremely beautiful. Since sometimes the best gifts are the most unique, here’s a list of some gemstones that you might not be aware of that can be terrific fashion accessories and gifts to give others.

Druzy in the rough

Not a “doozy,” but a druzy is a type of gemstone texture with glittering tiny crystals on top of a mineral. This beautiful effect is very commonly produced by gemstones such as amethyst and agate, but can also be found with garnet and calcite. A druzy is very fragile and thus can be difficult to cut. Therefore, this rough cut gemstone is sometimes treated with coated films of gold, silver, platinum, or titanium. Most druzy types of gemstone come from Brazil and are fairly inexpensive. If you like the bohemian look, this gemstone is perfect.

Sea blue chrysocolla

Chrysocolla is very similar to the turquoise gemstone in that it possesses the same sea blue color with black veins interlacing across the surface. However, it can sometimes appear to be one solid color with no veins or with a marble texture. Chrysocolla is cheaper than turquoise, but both are equally beautiful. This gemstone is named after the Greek word, “chrysos” or “gold” and “kola” which means “glue.” It can be found in many places throughout the world including the Congo in Africa, Arizona (United States), Israel, Australia, Mexico, Chile, and Peru.

Green apple chrysoprase

Most green gemstones have a deep tone like emerald or a spring green like peridot. Chrysoprase on the other hand, is a fresh green apple or mint color which is perfect for the spring season, or any day you want to add something bright to an otherwise dull outfit. During ancient times, the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used this gemstone for jewelry and other decorative pieces. Chrysoprase comes from the Greek “chrusos,” meaning gold and leek, and is so named because of the leek gold green color. Emerald tends to be the traditional gemstone for the month of May, but chrysoprase is another great substitute to consider as well. Legend has it that this gemstone can help heal a broken heart and increase a person’s self-esteem.

Bohemian moldavite

Historically, Moldavite could have resulted from a meteorite impact centuries ago in the Bohemia region of what is today part of the Czech Republic. This olive-green gemstone’s name comes from the Greek word, “tektos” or “molten” and was discovered near the Moldau River (or Vltava in Czech). Its color is so unique because of its mix with silicon dioxide, aluminum dioxide, and other elements. Most molten stones are a mixture of dark brown and black, but instead moldavite is a beautiful translucent crystal green. Due to erosion, this gemstone also has unique curves that have been carved out of the rock by water and sediment.

African and Chinese piertersite

Piertersite might be one of the most beautiful and least known gemstones. Discovered in Africa in 1962, it’s similar to tiger’s eye because of its beautiful range of colors that look like a mix between molten lava and marble texture. The bands wrapping around the gemstone are not structured, but chaotic as they swerve across the surface. No piertersite gemstone looks the exact same, but they all tend to be a mix of gold, red, blue, and black.

Any gemstone is a wonderful gift to give someone, but this time, step outside of the box and give someone a jewel that is unique and non-traditional.