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Herderite is a rare collector’s gem, typically found in smaller sizes. This mineral occurs in green, bluish green, white, colorless, yellowish, or gray. Herderite was first discovered in Germany in 1828, but Brazil is today's dominant source. Collectors treasure herderite for cyclic and “fishtail” twinned crystals. Some specimens exhibit phosphorescence when exposed to X-rays.

Orthoclase is part of the feldspar mineral family, one of the most abundant mineral families in the world. It is a common constituent in granite used for industrial purposes. For example, "Black Pearl" granite countertops are composed mostly of feldspar. While orthoclase, a potassium-rich feldspar, is better known to collectors, there is one variety that many are familiar with: moonstone, prized for its shimmering adularescence.

Named for the German biologist Lorenz Oken. Specimens often found as “cotton ball” formations because the crystals are straight and fibrous and they radiate out in orb like structures.

Verdelite refers to green elbaite tourmaline that does not contain chromium. Although green is a common color of tourmaline, not all greens are valued equally. Verdelite gems come in varying shades of green; some so saturated that direct light is necessary to see the body color. From lush grass-green to electric yellow-green to olive, and even bluish green, there is a verdelite gem to fit all tastes.

The Italian glass industry dates to the 8th century. In 1291, Venetian glassmakers were ordered to move to the island of Murano to prevent fire from destroying the wooden buildings of Venice. Glass artisans handed down their knowledge and skills through the generations. The Murano artists are forever innovating, and they are known for their use of color and intricate glass decorations.

Bayong is a hardwood tree from the Philippines. The wood is used to make beads and jewelry. The leaves can be woven into purses and baskets.

Hiddenite is the green chromium-rich variety of spodumene, which is rarer than its pink sibling, kunzite. Hiddenite is named for American gemologist William Hidden, who first discovered this transparent green variety in North Carolina in the area that now also bears its name, Hiddenite.

Highly coveted South Sea pearls are often described as the pinnacle of cultured pearls--they're certainly among the most rare and expensive available. Primarily farmed in the pristine waters off Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, South Sea pearls are generally much larger than other pearl types, ranging from nine to 20 millimeters, and have a unique luster due to their nacre coating. As there are two varieties of this oyster, a gold-lipped and silver-lipped, pearls can be both white to silver and golden.

Jade has been treasured for some 7,000 years for its unique luster, lovely color and impeccable toughness. This precious gem has always had special significance in many Asian cultures, and can be compared to the West's admiration of diamonds and gold. For centuries, nephrite jade and jadeite were considered one and the same. It was not until 1863 that they were identified as different minerals with a similar appearance and properties.

Angelite is the bluish gray nodular polished form of anhydrite that was discovered in Peru in 1987. It is used in jewelry, spheres, and carved eggs.

Gemstones are usually treasured for their crystalline varieties that contain little or no inclusions. Some varieties, however, are favored because of their unique inclusions. One such variety is rutilated quartz. Striking in appearance, the thin, elongated red to golden rutile needles may form parallel to one another or have random distribution throughout the quartz. On rare occasions, needles may radiate in six different directions, creating a star-like pattern. Specimens exhibiting this pattern are the most highly prized of all.

Ametrine is a bi-color quartz variety that, as its name suggests, is a unique combination of amethyst and citrine within a single crystal. How the gem forms is still a bit of a mystery, but the differences in color are believed to be the result of the presence of iron in different states of oxidation from natural heating. Combining the golden sunburst of citrine with the violet sunset of amethyst, this naturally colored gem is commercially mined at a single source: the remote Anah mine in Bolivia and is shrouded in fascinating local legends and lore.