Connecticut’s rocky landscape holds plenty of garnets. These reddish gems have been part of the state’s identity for a long time. In fact, garnet is Connecticut’s state mineral. I’ve spent many weekends hunting for these crystals throughout the state. Sometimes they’re hiding in plain sight, while other times you need to look harder. The thrill … Read more
Connecticut’s bedrock holds a fascinating secret – it’s part of the same geological formation that created some of America’s most famous gemstone deposits. While not so well-known for sapphires, our state has several promising locations where rockhounds have struck blue gold. But finding these precious stones isn’t as simple as showing up with a shovel … Read more
Connecticut’s history with silver runs deeper than most realize. Back in Colonial times, the state was home to several bustling silver mines, including the famous Middletown mine that had miners dreaming of striking it rich in the 1700s. These days, while commercial mining is long gone, silver hunters and rockhounds still get lucky finding specimens … Read more
Connecticut’s history with silver runs deeper than most realize. Back in Colonial times, the state was home to several bustling silver mines, including the famous Middletown mine that had miners dreaming of striking it rich in the 1700s. These days, while commercial mining is long gone, silver hunters and rockhounds still get lucky finding specimens … Read more
Imagine yourself holding a piece of the deep red sky at sunset. That’s what holding a ruby feels like! It’s a kind of corundum that gets its captivating red color from a tiny bit of chromium inside it. Because of what ruby looks like, it has been loved for thousands of years and worn by … Read more
Rubies glow with a deep, mesmerizing red, like the first blush of a sunset. They remind us of passion and love. On the other side, emeralds capture the essence of a lush, green forest. They’re like windows to a world of peace and serenity. You might wonder, with such stunning beauty, how do these two … Read more
I’m always excited to talk about gems, and today I’m focusing on comparing rubellite vs ruby. Both of these stones are incredibly beautiful, and they have their own special places in the world of geology and gem collecting. Rubellite and ruby, while they may look similar at first glance, each have unique stories and backgrounds. … Read more
When people think of rubies, they often picture a bright red gemstone, but what color are rubies? The deep red hue most common in rubies is due to the presence of chromium, but the intensity and shade can vary. However, not all rubies are the same shade of red. Some rubies can have overtones of … Read more
Gem enthusiasts and collectors often find themselves comparing spinel vs ruby, two captivating and radiant gemstones. While both of these gems can dazzle and intrigue, there’s a world of differences and shared traits between them. Upon closer examination, you’ll see that each stone has its unique characteristics, ranging from the way they form in the … Read more
Ruby is a gem that has made its mark in history, culture, and fashion. It can be found in countries all over the world, like Thailand, Myanmar, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Now, if you’re wondering how to identify ruby after finding one, you’ll need to learn its unique traits and how to … Read more
