Can You Identify More Than 11 of These Gemstones?

By: Teresa McGlothlin
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify More Than 11 of These Gemstones?
Image: Julie Thurston/Moment Open/Getty Images

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? 


Tourmaline This gemstone shares October with the opal - do you know what it is?
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 A gemstone known for glowing when put in front of a light source, are you able to name it?
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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Opal What is the name of this gemstone you might give someone for their 14th anniversary?
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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Onyx Can you identify this dark gemstone from the agate family?
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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Ruby Which gemstone name belongs with the photo you see here?
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 This unique gemstone dates all the way back to the 1500s - can you figure out its name?
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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Amethyst Also known as Wednesday's official gem, what is this purple gemstone's other name?
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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Rose Quartz Are you able to correctly identify the pink gemstone seen in this photo?
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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Tiger's Eye What is the name of this gemstone that is known as a symbol of vitality?
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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Tanzanite This gemstone is more than 585 million years old - can you identify its proper name?
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 The gemstone seen here is a cousin of the emerald - can you name it?
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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Sodalite Found in Greenland, the gemstone in this photo has an interesting name. What is it?
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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Citrine In French, this gemstone's name means "lemon," but do you know what we call it?
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 Can you identify the gemstone you see here?
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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Sunstone At only $20 per carat, this gemstone is a bargain. Can you choose the right name for it?
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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Peridot It's easily recognized by its color, but what is this popular gemstone's name?
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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Beryl What is the name of this colorless, colorful gemstone?
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 March claims this gemstone as its birthstone - do you know its proper name?
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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Nephrite Do you know the correct name of this green gemstone?
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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Alexandrite This gemstone is one of the world's most expensive. What would you call it?
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 If you are looking for motivation, this gemstone will help. What is it?
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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Aventurine The sign of Taurus lays claim to this as its planetary gemstone. Can you identify it from the list below?
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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Pyrite Don't let the name of this gemstone fool you! Can you figure it out?
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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Amazonite Which of the names below is the correct name of the gemstone seen here?
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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Emerald The Columbian variety of this gemstone is the most expensive, but what is it called?
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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Larimar Can you identify the other name of the Stephilia's Stone seen here?
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 It's not quite a gemstone, but it's often included in gemstone lists. Can you identify it?
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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Turqoise Sometimes called the Holy Stone, this gemstone has another name. What is it?
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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Jade Most popular for its green tones, this gemstone come in many colors. Can you identify it?
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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Lapis Lazuli The gemstone in this photo is one of the world's most prized. What do you call it?
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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Agate Do you know the name of this gemstone that is said to improve circulation?
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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Malachite These gemstone is known for its dramatic banding - can you identify the correct name for it?
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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Labradorite Can you correctly identify the Canadian gemstone you see in this photo?
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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Rhodonite This interesting-looking gemstone is said to increase compassion levels. What is it named?
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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Heliotrope What is the name of this gemstone from the jasper family?
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 If you are looking to enhance your psychic abilities, you'll need to know the name of this stone. What is it?
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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Spinel A carat of this gemstone will cost you more than $3,000. Can you identify its name?
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 Do you know what this Bolivian gemstone is named?
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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Chrysoberyl A variety of this gemstone is called Cat's Eye. What is the name of the variety seen here?
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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Chalcedony What is the name of the lightly colored gemstone in this photo?
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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