Coloured gemstones are an affordable alternative to diamonds. They’re inherently playful, and their unique, indescribable beauty comes in a range of colours that complement every personality and preference. 

However, did you know that there are around 200 types of gemstones? 

With so many to choose from, each with its own properties and vibrations, it can be tough to select the right stone for you.

But don’t worry. Here are 15 of the most popular and noteworthy stones you should know about.

Amethyst 

Favoured by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, and Victorians, this rich, purple variety of quartz is widely viewed as a “stone of peace.” It is said to keep the wearer clear-headed, opening their third eye to power, wisdom, and positive energies. It is low maintenance, with a toughness of 7 on the Mohs scale. 

Aquamarine 

Ranking 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is a hard-wearing mineral beryl with a dark to slightly greenish-blue hue. Often referred to as “breathstone,” it evokes the calmness of crystal blue waters, allowing the wearer to look inward and outward. When worn, it can cleanse the mind, improve the intellect, and purify the heart.

Citrine

Citrine (French for lemon) is a pale yellow to orange-brown gem associated with positivity and optimism. Also connected to the energising quality of the sun — the centre of all life force, it can cultivate confidence in the wearer. It is available in different sizes but has a common objective: welcoming abundance and prosperity. 

It ranks 7 on the Mohs scale and is suitable for everyday wear.

Emerald

The emerald’s bluish, bright green hue has been a long-standing favourite of ancient cultures for good reason. This gorgeous stone is said to open the heart chakra, enabling the wearer to give and receive pure unadulterated, unconditional love. It also fortifies the spirit and calms the emotions, ensuring one’s well-being. 

Emeralds measure 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, requiring some care to maintain their shine. 

Garnet

Garnet is available in many colours, with red being the most popular. Admired since the early Egyptian and Roman eras, this stone is said to restore balance. It also signifies hope, facilitating the healing of broken love, fertility, and feminine bonds. In addition, it’s great for business since it attracts people to the wearer.

Coming up at 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, it’s perfect for dainty jewellery pieces. 

Iolite

Ranking a fair 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, this blue-violet gemstone requires direct contact with the pulse points to unleash its beneficial properties. It’s ideal for bracelets, necklaces, and stud earrings. It uplifts your soul, planting you in the present while allowing you to recover your direction and regain a sense of purpose.

Moonstone

The moonstone is a magical gem with a colour profile ranging from grey and brown to yellow, green, and pink. It is said to harvest the moon’s energy and is thus most powerful on a full moon. It has calming properties that help you accept change, tapping into your intuition to help you clearly see sensitive and difficult situations. 

Its Mohs score sits at 6-6.5, so it might need a bit of upkeep to last longer.

Onyx 

Onyx is most often seen in black hues, but it comes in almost every colour with different names. Its classic appeal never goes out of style, but its properties take the cake. It’s endowed with the ability to increase happiness, strength, and stamina. It can also provide a sense of stability, allowing wearers to adjust to different situations. 

Its hardness is 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, so that you can wear it often with proper care.

Pearl

Associated with the moon, this stone made by marine or freshwater molluscs is “always appropriate”, according to former first lady Jackie Kennedy-Onassis. It is very delicate, ranking just 2.5 on the Mohs scale, making it susceptible to scratches. 

When worn, the movement of water within can bring peace, calmness, and courage while helping the wearer stay positive and focused. 

Peridot

This olive-green gemstone rates 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. It is known as the “stone of compassion” and is believed to have healing properties. It also instils the wearer with the power and influence to channel abundance into their lives. It helps them recognise patterns of destruction and get in touch with their inner voice. 

Quartz

Measuring 7 on the Mohs scale, this “stone of harmony” is colourless in its pure form, though it’s common to see variants in virtually every colour. It can amplify healing energy, benefitting your physical, emotional, and spiritual planes. 

Quartz can also facilitate concentration and focus, making it an asset for boosting inspiration and creativity with spectacular mental clarity. 

Ruby

The pure, vibrant red colour of ruby symbolises love, passion, and commitment, but it’s so much more than that. It is nurturing and protective, able to stabilise one’s balance so they don’t feel shaken. It is also associated with improved concentration, creativity, power, vitality, strength, and zest for life. 

Measuring an impressive 9 on the Mohs scale, just one point shy of the diamond, it is a practical choice for everyday wear.

Topaz

Deep blue topaz is the most widely used colour in jewellery, though you could also get this joyful and rejuvenating stone in a wide array of hues ranging from red to brown. Its Mohs hardness of 8 makes it a good mineral to wear, especially if you believe in the art of manifestation. This “stone of awareness” can help promote peace, calm the temper, and support clear thoughts and emotions.

Tourmaline

Measuring 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline, while rare, is an excellent alternative to diamonds. For starters, it comes in stunning colour combinations that will inspire you with its aesthetic beauty. Meanwhile, it can balance yin and yang energy, strengthen stamina, and promote self-confidence.

Turquoise 

The blue-green colour of turquoise is a radiant combination that adorned Egyptian Pharaohs. Its mystical and spiritual properties include dispelling negative energy, aligning the chakras, offering protection, and strengthening your connection with your intuition. However, its hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale means it can be rather delicate for everyday wear.  

Hunt for the Perfect Gemstone at Amanda Coleman Jewellery

Whether you’re selecting a birthstone, looking for spiritual and emotional aids, or just want a pretty stone to complement your outfits, Amanda Coleman Jewellery has a wide collection of gem-studded jewellery that can bring out the best in you.