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About This Quiz
Gemstones have long been prized for their beauty and their spiritual properties, but how many of them can you identify from a photo? With more gemstones out there than we can possibly fit into this quiz, it might not be as easy as you think it will be. If you can correctly identify more than 11 of them, you might want to seek out certification in gemstone science!
As you mine your way through our photos, try to remember all of those gemstones you recognize from a jewelry store. Then, push your knowledge a lot further. During this quiz, we have dug up many gemstones that might not fall on the popular or precious side of the scale. We want to challenge you and we want to see how well you do, so we have not made it easy.
When you see the photo, take a moment to consider the correct name of the gemstone you see. Remember to take all the time you need, and try to utilize the hints we've given you if you get stuck. With a little hard work and a lot of thinking, we think you'll get far more than 11 right. Or will you?
Sapphire
Pyrite
Tourmaline
Along with the opal, tourmaline shares the distinction of being the gemstone that represents October. Tourmaline is known to bring creativity to wearers, and it comes in both pink and black varieties.
Topaz
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Moonstone
Through an effect called adularescence, moonstones will only glow when rotated in front of a light source. Displaying a pearly, iridescent appearance, it is a member of the feldspar group of stones.
Sunstone
Opal
Garnet
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Fluorite
Kyanite
Alexandrite
Opal
Also known as one of October's birthstones, the opal is a hydrated silica stone. Opals are formed when water drips into the earth collecting silica deposits along the way.
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Garnet
Onyx
The black onyx sometimes comes with white or brown stripes, but it is known for its dark, black color. Onyx is a member of the agate family of gemstones, and it is said to be the gift for the seventh and the 10th anniversaries.
Beryl
Aquamarine
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Garnet
Amber
Ruby
Along with emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, and diamonds, rubies are considered to be one of the cardinal gemstones. Rubies are the birthstone for the month of July, and they can come in many colors, from bright pink to dark red.
Jade
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Fluorite
Fluorite is a gemstone that comes in every color of the spectrum. Fluorite is full of calcium fluoride, and tends to grow in cubic shapes.
Pyrite
Carnelian
Labradorite
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Alexandrite
Chalcedony
Ametrine
Ameythst
Amethyst is the official gem of Wednesday and the birthstone for those born in February. Amethyst is said to possess powers of protection, and many wearers swear by its benefits.
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Morganite
Rose quartz
Rose quartz is one of the more popular semi-precious gemstones, and it's easy to see why. With its pink hue, it is said to offer the power of love and healing those who possess it. It is often used in Feng Shui designs.
Tanzanite
Rhodochrosite
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Moonstone
Carnelian
Amber
Tiger's Eye
When turned under the light, the crocidolite fibers found in the Tiger's Eye will show off the streaks found in the gemstone's makeup. The Tiger's Eye is said to be a symbol of vitality, clarity, and strength.
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Topaz
Tanzanite
Although scientific dating has dated the tanzanite back more than 585 million years, it was only discovered in 1967. At approximately $375 per carat, tanzanites are a popular choice for jewelers.
Jade
Malachite
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Morganite
At $300 per karat, Morganite is quickly becoming a popular choice for engagement ring buyers wanting something a little different. Morganite is a close cousin of both emeralds and aquamarines, but its distinctive pink hue sets it apart.
Pearl
Pyrite
Agate
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Lapis Lazuli
Sodalite
Originating in Greenland, sodalite is an ornamental gemstone from the cubic crystal system. In terms of spirituality, sodalite is said to foster a sense of objectivity to the environment it occupies.
Tourmaline
Onyx
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Sunstone
Heliotrope
Citrine
Citrine gemstones come in a variety of hues of orange and yellow. The stone's sunny appearance was given the French name for "lemon" because the color resembles the various colors of the lemon's peel.
Opal
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Jasper
The many tones of Jasper are created by mineral inclusions like iron and manganese. Spiritualists believe that Jasper holds a special connection to the earth that encourages a sense of courage.
Jade
Topaz
Amber
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Amber
Opal
Sunstone
The glittery and warm hues found in the sunstone can be attributed to the various minerals that become trapped inside the stone during formation. Sunstone might not be the most expensive gemstone on the market, but it is said to enhance both creativity and sexuality.
Heliotrope
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Emerald
Garnet
Aquamarine
Peridot
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that come in only one color - green. Depending on the size and quality, a peridot stone will cost you anywhere between $1 - $900 per carat.
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Rose quartz
Tiger's Eye
Beryl
The beryl is known as the world's most bountiful colorless gem; however, it can come in nearly every color under the sun. It might be a little confusing, but it makes more sense when you know that the pink beryl is also called morganite.
Chalcedony
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Aquamarine
Considered the birthstone of Pisces, aquamarines are loved for their watery blue hues. If you are looking for a proper 19th-anniversary gift, aquamarine is the way to go.
Amazonite
Amirite
Ruby
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Jade
Peridot
Emerald
Nephrite
Long before the Chinese used jade to create intricate carvings, they used nephrite. Before 1740, the existence of jade was unknown. You can think of nephrite as the original of the jade world.
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Diamond
Sapphire
Amazonite
Alexandrite
If you want to purchase an Alexandrite, you should start saving now. Known as one of the world's most sought after gemstones, an authentic stone one carat in size can run you up to $50,000!
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Carnelian
Colors of the carnelian can range from light to dark orange. Although it's not a terribly valuable gemstone, spiritual circles prize the carnelian for its motivational and energizing properties.
Amber
Pearl
Garnet
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Amirite
Jade
Onyx
Aventurine
Although aventurine is the star stone of Libra, it's the planetary stone of Taurus. Aventurine is member of the quartz family known for its opaque qualities.
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Kyanite
Pyrite
Also known as fool's gold, pyrite has an important place in weapons history. It's main purpose throughout history was to act as fuel for flintlock rifles.
Larimar
Sunstone
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Kyanite
Sodalite
Emerald
Amazonite
We're not sure if you can order one on that website, but Amazonite is said to help heal any emotional issues that the wearer might be experiencing. It is a member of the feldspar family, and it comes in shades of gray, green, blue, and purple.
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Jasper
Amethyst
Emerald
A member of the beryl family, emeralds are one of the most expensive gemstones in the world. There are many varieties of emerald, but the most sought after are mined in Columbia.
Peridot
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Lapis
Amirite
Larimar
Found only in the Dominican Republic, Larimar was only discovered in the 1970s. Mirroring the gemstone's color, Larimar is said to offer peace and enlightenment to anyone who possesses it.
Amber
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Amber
Amber is technically fossilized pine resin that has hardened over time. Still, its desirability and its value often sees it being included on gemstone pricing lists.
Pearl
Jade
Amirite
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Amazonite
Kyanite
Beryl
Turquoise
Praised in many cultures for its fortune attracting properties, turquoise has remained a favorite throughout the ages. Turquoise takes its color from elements of aluminum and copper.
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Emerald
Jade
Dating back all the way to ancient China, jade is available in almost any color of the rainbow. In earlier times, jade was so expensive and so rare that only the wealthy or the esteemed were allowed to wear the stone.
Peridot
Amazonite
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Sapphire
Lapis Lazuli
With its deep, royal-blue hue, lapis lazuli is one of the world's most sought-after gemstones. Throughout history, it has been known as the stone of gods and power.
Tiger's Eye
Moonstone
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Beryl
Agate
Agates are often used in jewelry that doesn't require expensive gemstones. Agates come in many impressive colors, and they are said to improve the circulation and blood flow of anyone who wears it.
Topaz
Fluorite
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Nephrite
Malachite
The distinct banding found in malachite make it a favorite for those who like dynamic gemstones. Although it's fine to wear malachite for a while, the high copper concentration levels make it a little undesirable to wear long term.
Agate
Diamond
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Amirite
Labradorite
Labradorite was discovered on the Canadian peninsula of Labrador around 1770. Sometimes called the rainbow moonstone, Labradorite possess a unique set of colors and seems to change when being turned under a light.
Kyanite
Nephrite
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Nephrite
Onyx
Opal
Rhodonite
With its unique pink and black marbling, rhodonite is said to offer compassion and forgiveness to those who possess it. The No. 1 source of rhodonite is Argentina. Australia is the second-largest producer of the gemstone.
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Nephrite
Heliotrope
Heliotrope is a member of the jasper family that's sometimes called the bloodstone. Heliotropes might resemble dark opals, but they are a mineral-based gemstone rather than a silica-based stone.
Kyanite
Pyrite
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Kyanite
Found in aluminum-rich soil, kyanite takes on a smoky blue color. Kyanite is valued for increasing the psychic abilities of wearers, and it can be purchased for around $50 per carat.
Amazonite
Ruby
Garnet
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Amirite
Kyanite
Sunstone
Spinel
Spinels are gemstones formed from magnesium and aluminum. From black to pink varieties, they are highly prized around the world for their ability to catch and reflect light.
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Ametrine
Primarily mined in Bolivia, Ametrine is known by its purple, orange, and blue colors. It's often said that ametrines are a mix of amethysts and citrines, and are said to offer the spiritual benefits of both stones.
Amazonite
Jade
Sapphire
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Tiger's Eye
Citrine
Aquamarine
Chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl is one of the hardest and most durable gemstones in the world of gemstones. Varieties of include the Cat's Eye and Alexandrite.
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Larimar
Chalcedony
If you have a skin infection, you should look no further than the gemstone named chalcedony. Found and mined around the world, chalcedony comes in almost every imaginable color.
Moonstone
Opal
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