Gemstones are rare, durable, and beautiful minerals or organic materials prized for jewelry and collecting. Collectors typically evaluate specimens based on the Four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Hardness
1-10
Mohs
Luster
Various
Transparency
Transparent
Is this gemstones?
3-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch gemstones with a known reference. Gemstones sits at Mohs 1-10 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gemstones typically shows a various luster.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: various.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 1-10
- Density
- null
- Colors
- Luster
- Various
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Jewelry, Collector, Investment
- Typical price
- $10 to $10,000+ per carat
Where rockhounds find gemstones
3 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Sri Lanka
- Brazil
- Myanmar
- Colombia
- Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee — start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify gemstones?+
Mohs hardness is 1-10. It typically shows a various luster. Common colors include various.
Where is gemstones found?+
Notable localities include Sri Lanka; Brazil; Myanmar; Colombia; Madagascar.
Can I find gemstones in the United States?+
RockHoundR maps 3 gemstones rockhounding spots across 3 U.S. states — the top states are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee.
How much is gemstones worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10 to $10,000+ per carat. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What is gemstones used for?+
Gemstones is used in jewelry, collector, investment.
Find gemstones on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
