List of 24 Gemstones with Names, Colors, & Pictures

Sharif Khan
Sharif Khan
Last Updated    EST 
Affiliate links are highlighted in red. Learn more here.

Gemstones have played numerous roles in the myths and tales of human societies throughout history. Although some are believed to have unique powers, each shares a typical beauty, distinct with a unique color, birthplace, and story. Gems come in every color of the rainbow and are gathered from all edges of the globe, with each colored gemstone possessing a one-of-a-kind production of lovely color.

Explore beautiful gemstones and fine jewelry at Blue Nile.

In addition to learning about some of nature's finest gemstones in this article, explore our list of birthstones by month.

Alexandrite

Aleandarite gemstone

If you like magic, specifically the magic of science, you will like Alexandrite, the color-change treasure. In daylight, it appears greenish, carrying a full-spectrum visible light. In the lamplight, it is a red gem with a warm raspberry tone. You could see it flick back and forth by switching from fluorescent to incandescent light. The value of the gemstone increases as the color changes and becomes more distinct.

It is genuinely spellbinding to see the magnificent changing colors in this beautiful gem; you might feel the mystical magic and lore associated with it. It is said to reinforce instinct, help in creativity, and inspire the creative imagination.

Initially uncovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s, it has since been discovered in Sri Lanka, East Africa, and Brazil. However, this gem is scarce.

Refer to this study by GIA on Alexandrite for more details. 

Amethyst

Amethysts gemstone

The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Amethyst would prevent Bacchus's invigorating powers and keep the user clear-headed and quick-witted. Amethyst has been related to several myths, tales, and religious beliefs in many cultures for centuries. It is considered the birthstone for February.

Not only is it the beautiful color that makes this gem so prominent, but it is also extensively offered in different shapes and sizes, making it more affordable. Amethyst matches warm and cool colors, making it look terrific in yellow and white metals. This one-of-a-kind ability suggests that it boosts practically every color in your wardrobe.

This fascinating study finds that "basic gemstone properties of natural and synthetic amethyst, and natural and synthetic smoky quartz are very similar."

Citrine

citrine gemstone

This bright, radiating gem has been regarded as a gift from sunlight. The name Citrine, French for "lemon,” fits well with its color range of succulent lemon yellow to a brilliant orangey-brown. Many people pick a Citrine based on their individual preferences. Some of the most in-demand Citrine gemstones have a clear, glowing yellow-colored to brownish-red color.

In ancient times, Citrine was brought to protect against snake venom and evil thoughts. Today, Citrine is the seller's stone and relates to success and prosperity.

Citrine is one of the most affordable and popular gems. It is relatively plentiful and offered in a wide range of sizes and shapes, consisting of huge sizes. These factors make it an excellent gem for that big, vibrant statement piece.

Refer to this helpful study for understanding and testing rare natural citrine for more insights.

Diamonds

diamond

In ancient times, diamonds were objects of desire. Diamonds are the hardest treasure, formed one hundred miles below the Earth's surface over a billion years ago. They have a long history of folklore; a few claimed that diamonds were developed when lightning bolts struck rocks, while others said the treasure possessed healing powers. For centuries, diamonds have been adorned by ladies and men and regarded as the supreme present and a symbol of eternal love. Diamonds are also considered as April birthstones.

Today, GIA certified diamonds are still appreciated worldwide. Until the middle of the twentieth century, there was no requirement to examine rubies. The GIA created the first—and currently internationally accepted—requirement for describing diamonds: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality are the universal approach for examining any diamond's quality worldwide.

Locating the excellent diamond cannot be ignored. See our diamond guide and learning section for tips and details on buying the best diamonds.

Refer to this study on diamond types by GIA for more insights.

Emerald

emerald gemstone

Green is the color of Spring and has long signified love and rebirth. As the gem of Venus, it was likewise considered to assist in fertility.

Cleopatra, Egypt's tempestuous woman monarch, was as renowned for using emeralds in her time as Liz Taylor was for wearing diamonds in our time. Old Egyptian mummies were often buried with an Emerald carved with the verdure icon—thriving greenness—on their necks to signify eternal youth.

The deeper and more dazzling the color of green, the extra useful the gemstone will be. The most stunning and valuable emeralds show an intense bluish tone that enhances their primary strong green color. Among the rarest treasures, emeralds are almost always found with birthmarks, referred to as inclusions. Some inclusions are expected and do not detract from the stone's worth as much as with other gemstones. Emeralds are birthstones of May.

To learn more about emeralds, check this study on a "New Type of Emerald from Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley."

Garnet

Garnet gemstone

This treasure is available in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red Hippie Garnet to the Russian Demantoid's lively greens and African Tsavorite. It appears in the oranges and browns of Spessartite and Hessonite from Namibia and Sri Lanka and Rhododendron’s subtle pinks and purples.

Legend says that Garnets illuminate the evening and safeguard their proprietors from problems. Tourists have long brought garnets to protect against accidents far from the residence. Garnet is the birthstone for January. However, with a spectacular variety of colors and mystical powers, it has been gifted at events for centuries.

Jade

Jade Gemstone

Jade has been treasured in China as the royal gem since at least 2950 BC. Given the idea of maintaining the body after death, Jade could be found in the emperors' tombs from thousands of years ago. To this day, many individuals believe that Jade will secure them from harm.

Jade is recognized for its dazzling green and shimmery, smooth shapes, but it is likewise available in lavender, pink, yellow, and white. One of the most familiar shapes is the flat, donut-shaped disc called a pi, which is generally worn as a pendant.

Wearing a spectacular item of Jade jewelry will certainly make any individual 'green' with envy.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapiz gemstone

Recognized by man as early as 400 B.C., Lapis Lazuli has always been cherished. Used to create stunning ocean blues and lively sky blues in paintings throughout the Renaissance, Lapis Lazuli is a tinted gemstone revered for centuries.

Its name suggests "blue stone," and it could not be more precise. Lapis Lazuli is a dark blue microcrystalline rock that often shines with gold pyrite incorporations. This spectacular treasure is evocative of the stars in the midnight sky. Lapis Lazuli was also thought to be a strong medication. The Romans believed this gem to be a powerful aphrodisiac. Between the ages, it was thought that the arm or legs should be kept free and that the heart should be healthy from envy, fear, and mistakes.

Once you cast your views on this treasure, you will be entranced by its charm of beauty.

Moonstone

moonstone

Ancient Romans believed this shimmering rock was developed from frozen moonlight, calling it Moonstone.

It comes in colors ranging from colorless to grey, brownish, yellow, green, or pink, and it has a quality that goes from transparent to clear. The best Moonstone has a blue sheen, excellent quality, and lifeless body color. Located in India and Madagascar, rainbow Moonstone comes in a selection of colors, from pink to yellow, peach, purple, and blue.

An excellent Moonstone is quite rare. We have looked to the ends of the Earth to locate several of the globe's most sensational Moonstones.

Morganite

Morganite gemstone

With its dazzling radiance and soft colors of clear pink, peach, and hot fuchsia, it is not surprising that it is referred to as the rock of divine love. The delicate pink treasure promotes love and success.

With pink colors controlling the garment industry, Morganite is a favorite for females of every age. It radiates appeal and tenderness and comes in pinks from subtle lavenders to bright fuchsias and even light pink apricot blends. Its mass appeal is due to its functional pink colors, which complement all skin tones, and it can be set in white or yellow gold.

Onyx

Onyx gemstone

When we think of Onyx today, we often preface words with black to distinguish it from other selections. This treasure comes in white, reddish-brown, brownish, and grouped. A selection of reddish-brown Onyx with white and lighter reddish bands is known as sardonyx.

Black never goes out of design, so you can never fail with black Onyx. Its appealing, abundant black color can be both traditional and modern.

Opal

 Opal Gemstone

In old times, the Opal was known as the Queen of Gems because it included the colors of all other gems. Each Opal is as unique as our fingerprints. Some choose the calming flashes of blues and greens; others like the brilliant reds and yellows. With its rainbow of colors, as you turn and move the Opal, the color plays and moves, offering you a treasure that can be worn with a plethora of ensembles.

Australia's Lightning Ridge is known for its magnificent and uncommon black Opals. The suitable Opal displays broad patterns covering the surface area, with all the rainbow colors, including red. Since Opals are the most specific gemstone with their series of colors, pick one that reflects your color preference and pattern. Opal is the birthstone of October.

Paraiba Tourmaline

tourmaline

Paraiba Tourmaline has become one of the planet’s most valuable gems, even though it was only found in the 1980s. Its unusual shades of electric blues and greens are like the heavenly seashores of Paraiba, where this gem is extracted. These unique, vibrant blue and green colors are not found in any other gemstone worldwide.

Pearls

Pearls

Throughout history, humanity has appreciated and worshipped pearls. Persian folklore called them "the tears of the gods." An ancient Chinese tale declares that the moon holds the power to produce pearls, instilling them with its celestial glow and mystery. Pearls are also considered the birthstones of June.

Pearls are exceptional because they are the only gems developed within a living creature. Because all-natural pearls are rare and unusual in recovering from the sea's depths, man developed the strategy of culturing salt and freshwater pearls from mollusks meticulously seeded with toxic irritants like those created by nature.

Cultured pearls are available in several gorgeous colors, from light cream to white to rose, lilac, green, gold, gray, and black. There are four main types of cultured pearls: Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and Freshwater, each with distinct qualities.

Today, pearls are both timeless and contemporary. A pair of white pearls could be timeless, though an armband of chocolate pearls is more contemporary. In the case of pearls, it is crucial to note that regardless of the color or size, they can be worn daily and enhance the most official outfit.

Peridot

Pearls

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that exist in one color only, a unique trademark lime green. In old times, it was believed that Peridot was a present of nature to celebrate the annual creation of a new globe. Peridot is claimed to bring the user extraordinary powers and properties to safeguard against nightmares when provided as a present. It is likewise believed to instill powers and impact through wearing the gems.

Today, most Peridot comes from Arizona, but it has been discovered in China, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Peridot is available in several colors, varying from yellow-colored green to brownish, yet the brilliant lime greens and olive greens are some of the most wanted. If you choose citrus tones or planet tones, you will discover that Peridot belongs in your jewelry collection. Peridot is also the birthstone of August.

Peridot gemstones smaller than 3 carats are very common. Still, gems over five carats are uncommon and have a greater value. Peridots weighing 10 to 15 carats are more unusual but give a strong and bold look for an inexpensive cost.

Ruby

Ruby

Ruby stands for love, courage, emotion, and interest. For centuries, this gem has been considered the king of all gemstones. It was thought that using a fine red Ruby bestowed good fortune on its owner. Rubies have been the prized ownership of emperors and kings throughout the ages. 

The color of a Ruby is one of the most vital attributes of the gems. Rubies are available in a variety of red tones, from blue and purple-red to orange-red. Ruby's brightest and most important color is typical "a Burmese Ruby"—a sign that it is a rich, passionate, warm, full red with a mild blue hue. This color is usually described as "pigeon blood" red, a Ruby color connected with the Mogok Valley mines in Myanmar. Pigeon Blood Ruby red is not associated with the color of a pigeon's blood but with the color of a white pigeon's eye. Ruby is also the birthstone of July.

Sapphire

.Sapphire

Many individuals quickly visualize a stunning violet-blue gemstone when hearing "Sapphire," Greek for blue. For centuries, the sapphire has been described as the supreme blue gemstone because it guarantees sincerity, commitment, purity, and dependability. To keep with this practice, Sapphires are one of the most popular involvement gems today. Sapphire is the birthstone of September.

Sapphire is found in numerous world components; however, the most valued Sapphires come from Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, and Sri Lanka. Sapphires with a highly saturated violet-blue color and "velvety" or "drowsy" transparency are more unusual. The purer the heaven of the natural Sapphire, the better the price. However, people find that the darker tones of Sapphires could be just as enticing.

Sapphires are not just blue; they are available in virtually every rainbow color: pink, yellow, orange, peach, and violet. The most desired color for the expensive Sapphire engagement ring is the beautiful and rare Padparadscha: a pink-orange corundum with a distinctive salmon color reminiscent of an exotic sunset. These ultra-rare, ultra-expensive stones are among the most sought-after gems worldwide.

Spinel

Spinel

Centuries ago, Sanskrit writings described Spinel as the little girl of Ruby. The brilliant red color of Spinel is so closely related to Ruby that both are frequently perplexed with one another. Spinels are rarer than Ruby, yet they can be in huge sizes, unlike Ruby.

In addition to stunning rich reds, Spinel can be discovered in orange, beautiful pastel pink, and purple tones. Of particular passion is a brilliant, warm pink with a tint of orange mined in Burma. It is among the most fantastic gemstone colors and unlike any other treasure. Spinel can also be found in gorgeous blues, which are exceptionally rare.

A Spinel is thought to protect the owner from harm, resolve differences, and calm unhappiness. Nevertheless, its charm is the variety of rich, fantastic, and affordable colors.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a unique gem unlike others and can only be discovered in one place on Earth: the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. This treasure has an exotic silky blue with a rich overtone of purple—a rare color.

Among today's most prominent blue gemstones, Tanzanite diamond engagement rings can be found in various shapes, sizes, and striking arrays of blue tones. Seldom pure blue, Tanzanite usually displays its trademark overtones of purple. Tanzanite usually consists of lighter tones in smaller sizes, while lavender is extra common. Tanzanite typically presents a further, more prosperous, and beautiful blue in bigger sizes.

Tanzanite is also a birthstone for December.

Topaz

Topaz gemstone

In colors of yellow, brownish, honey, green, blue, red, pink, and, in some cases, no color, Topaz has a mass appeal. Topaz is often found in an amber gold, yellow, or a flushing pink-orange; however, a light pink or a sherry red Topaz is remarkable. One of Topaz's most valued colors is Imperial Topaz, which features a stunning orange with pink touches. Blue, the rarest color of Topaz, is the most usual today due to man's capacity to boost its color; Topaz with natural blue color is extremely rare. Topaz is considered the birthstone of November.

The ancient Egyptians and Romans associated this gold gem with the sun god, offering it the power to recover and protect, enabling it to eliminate enchantment. With its worldwide mass appeal, you will quickly be under its spell when you find that perfect Topaz.

Tourmaline

tourmaline

Offered in a spectrum of colors and color mixes, Tourmaline meets its name, suggesting "mixed stone." With a rainbow of colors, Tourmaline can easily enhance any jewelry collection. Cranberry red, hot magenta, bubblegum pink, orange, peach, canary yellow, mint, grass and forest green, ocean blue, and violet—Tourmaline comes in these colors, among others.

Tourmaline is likewise recognized for presenting several colors in one gemstone. These tri-color or bi-color gems are formed in many combinations and are highly treasured. One multi-color variety is Watermelon Tourmaline, which features green, pink, and white bands. The gemstone is reduced into thin slices with a pink center, white ring, and green edge to resemble its namesake.

Tourmaline is available in many colors, allowing gem enthusiasts to pick one in their favorite color.

Turquoise

turquoise

Turquoise is amongst the earliest recognized gemstones. Its popularity has spanned the world for centuries, gracing Egyptian Pharaohs' necks and decorating very early Native Americans' ceremonial dress. This gorgeous robin's egg blue gemstone has been connected with healing powers, promoting the wearer's standing and comprehensive range, protecting from wickedness, and bringing good fortune.

Turquoise is an opaque, light to dark blue or blue-green treasure whose finest color is an intense blue. Recognized as the matrix, these veins of color are sometimes in the form of a detailed pattern called a spider web.

Zircon

Zircon gemstone

When people hear Zircon, they usually think of intense sky blue. However, it is also offered in lovely green, dark red, yellow, brown, and orange planet tones. Today, one of Zircon's most popular colors is the dazzling blue and brilliant Caribbean Sea colors.

In the Middle Ages, Zircon was claimed to help in resting, bring success, and advertise honor and wisdom in its proprietor.

Its beautiful color, rarity, and affordability are why it is becoming increasingly popular today. Some treasure collectors seek Zircon from various places, catching gems in every rainbow color—anemic (colorless), green, blue, yellow, brownish, orange, dark red, and all the colors in between.