Want to learn more about gemstones? Here are 15 facts you probably didn’t know!
At Gem Source, we believe every gemstone tells a story—one of nature’s marvels, timeless beauty, and historical intrigue. Whether you’re a collector, jewellery enthusiast, or simply fascinated by Earth’s treasures, these 15 gemstone facts are sure to surprise and delight:
1. Alexandrite: Emerald by Day, Ruby by Night
This rare and mesmerizing gemstone changes colour depending on the light—green in daylight and red in incandescent light. This magical shift inspired the phrase “emerald by day, ruby by night.”
2. Amber: Nature’s Time Capsule
Unlike most gemstones, amber is organic. It’s made from fossilized tree resin that has hardened over millions of years. Some even contain prehistoric insects trapped inside!
3. Amethyst: A Gem Against Intoxication?
Named from the Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not drunk,” ancient civilizations believed amethyst could ward off drunkenness. Royalty often wore amethyst to promote clarity and wisdom.
4. Aquamarine: The Gem of the Sea
The word aquamarine is Latin for “sea water.” This calming blue gem was believed to ensure a happy marriage and protect sailors at sea. It is mined at high elevations in countries like Brazil, Pakistan, and Kenya.
5. Beryl’s Colourful Family
Aquamarine and emerald are both types of beryl. Emeralds are the green variety, while aquamarines are blue. Beryl also occurs in pale yellows and greens.
6. When Emeralds Are Too Pale
Did you know light-coloured emeralds are often classified as green beryl instead? If they lack the deep green hue, they’re considered too light to be true emeralds.
7. Peridot from Outer Space
Peridot, the vivid green birthstone of August, isn’t just Earth-made—it’s also found in outer space! In 2005, NASA’s Stardust Space Probe returned with comet dust that contained peridot particles.
8. Tanzanite: A One-Location Wonder
This striking blue-violet gemstone is only found near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The entire deposit spans just 4.3 miles by 1.2 miles, making it one of the rarest gemstones on Earth.
9. Tiffany & Co. Named Tanzanite
Though discovered in 1967, it was Tiffany & Co. that named tanzanite after its country of origin and introduced it to the world.
10. Tourmaline’s Rainbow of Colour
Few gems boast as many colours as tourmaline. From electric blues to fiery pinks, it even comes in multi-coloured varieties like the much-loved watermelon tourmaline—pink in the centre, green around the edge.
11. Boulder Opals: Backed by Nature
Boulder opals form on a host rock (or “mother stone”), which often remains as the backing to enhance the gemstone’s vivid colour play. These natural supports make the opal’s beauty even more dramatic.
12. India: Birthplace of Diamond Discovery
Before diamond mines were established elsewhere, India was the primary source of diamonds until the 18th century. The largest diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan Diamond, weighed over 3,100 carats!
13. Garnet: Like a Pomegranate Seed
The name garnet comes from the Latin “garanatus”—meaning seedlike. It was so named because of its resemblance to the juicy red seeds of a pomegranate.
14. Mohs Scale of Hardness
Gemstones are ranked on the Mohs Scale, which measures a mineral’s resistance to scratching. At the softest end is amber, while diamond—the world’s hardest natural material—tops the scale at 10.
15. Pearls: Nature’s Living Gems
True pearls are the only gems formed by living creatures—usually oysters or mussels. Cultured pearls take one to three years to grow and remain symbols of purity and elegance.
Discover the World of Gemstones at Gem Source
At Gem Source, we celebrate the timeless beauty and fascinating stories behind each gemstone. From rare collector’s stones to vibrant everyday favourites, our curated collection reflects the rich history and diversity of nature’s treasures.
🔗 Explore more at www.gemsource.co.za
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