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

Sinhalite

— A rare accessory mineral formed in boron-rich skarns at the contact of limestones with granite or gneiss (Anthony et al., 2001—2005). Faceted specimens are relatively rare. The largest faceted stone is a 158 carat from Sri Lanka (Arem, 1987: 173).

Specimen figured

Sinhalite — specimen 0150 — weight: 1.43 ct; shape: cushion. Very clean specimen; very good mixed style cut.