Amethyst vs Purple Sapphire – The Similarities and Differences (With Photos)

pear cut purple sapphire

Purple sapphire provided by SparsileCo

I’m always thrilled to talk about the amazing world of gemstones. One interesting topic is how to differentiate purple sapphire vs amethyst, two gems that might look similar but are actually quite different.  Purple sapphire is actually a type of corundum, which is the same mineral family as rubies and blue sapphires. Amethyst, on the … Read more

The 23 Best Spots For Gem Hunting In Idaho In 2025

pink opal gemstone from Idaho

The nickname “The Gem State” makes more sense once you learn how many places hold gemstones in Idaho, even if the terrain takes some effort to explore. The range of minerals is broad enough that collectors can stay busy across different parts of the state. Idaho’s geology supports everything from common minerals to stones that … Read more