Rock & Gem magazine

09/11/2026

Heading to a gem show? 💎🛍️ Don’t let the excitement blow your budget!

Learn practical gem show tips for setting a budget, finding vendors, negotiating prices, avoiding buyer's remorse and shopping smarter.

09/10/2026

From digital design and online learning to new tools and easier access to information, technology is changing the way people discover and practice lapidary.

See how a new generation of technology is helping drive a lapidary renaissance—and shaping the future of the craft.

Discover how technology, online access, digital design and new tools are driving a resurgence in lapidary arts and shaping the future of the craft.

09/08/2026

Can you spot quartz in the wild? 🪨🔍

Identifying quartz is an essential skill for any rock collector. Learn the common mineral characteristics that can help you recognize quartz and distinguish it from other minerals before adding a specimen to your collection.

Learn how to identify quartz using hardness, streak, luster and crystal shape. This guide explains common quartz traits and varieties.

09/07/2026

09/06/2026

Native copper-in-quartz cabochon (2” wide), cut by lapidary Wolfgang Mueller and native copper specimen, both from the Ray Copper Mine in Arizona.
✨✨
📸: Helen Serras-Herman

09/05/2026

Amazonite 💙✨💚 A blue-green microcline feldspar with serene color and collector appeal. 📸: Jeff Starr Collection

09/04/2026

Luminous pink translucent rhombohedral cobalt-rich calcite crystals on matrix (1.20 lbs., 4.5 x 4") from the Mashamba West Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
📸 from Astro Gallery of Gems

09/03/2026

Learn how to facet a large quartz gemstone, maximize light return and create a brilliant display stone.

Gem cutting combines precision and geometry. Learn how to facet a large quartz gemstone, maximize light return and create a brilliant display stone.

09/02/2026

Two quartz varieties in one striking gemstone!
💜💛
Ametrine combines the purple of amethyst and the yellow of citrine in a single crystal. Learn how this rare bicolor quartz forms, what gives it its distinctive color zoning and why Bolivia is its most important source. 📸: Björn Wylezich

Read more 👉 https://www.rockngem.com/ametrine/

09/01/2026

Shattuckite from Namibia, Africa. Reminiscent of a forget-me-not flower, this cabochon's blue and green hues come from its copper content.
💙💮
Cab & 📸: Juvy Andres