Classification

The section ‘Classification’ presents descriptions of 171 different kinds of natural gemstones (106 mineral species). The Nickel-Strunz systematic order (10th edition) is used. Specimens of the classes shown below are currently available. Since gemmology does not always follow the systematics of minerals in naming, many popular varieties or just ’names’ are also listed.

Classes after Nickel-Strunz

1. Elements
2. Sulphides & sulphosalts
3. Halides
4. Oxides & hydroxides
5. Carbonates (Nitrates)
6. Borates
7. Sulphates
8. Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
9. Silicates

List of minerals

Alphabetic list of gemstones

Synthetic stones and simulants

Featured

Titanite

— Also known as sphene; a common accessory mineral in intermediate and felsic rocks, pegmatites, and alpine veins; in gneisses, schists, and some skarns (Anthony et al., 2001—2005).

Specimen figured

Titanite — specimen 0313 — weight: 0.62 ct; shape: round. Very clean specimen; very good mixed style cut. Source: David Weinberg, Multicolour Gems Ltd.