Don’t we all love brown? It’s the color of cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and autumn leaves. But brown isn’t just limited to clothing and food – it also comes in gemstone form! Yes, brown is a delightful color for gemstones too.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your jewelry collection or simply curious about brown gemstones, this list of 10 brown gems is sure to enlighten you.
Read on for an impressive lineup of brown gemstones, from brown diamonds to brown sapphires.
But before we indulge in these brown stunners, let’s first discover their meaning and peep into their history.
What are Brown Gemstones: Meaning, History & Popular Names
Brown gemstones’ meaning is associated with stability, structure, and reliability. Brown gems are brilliant stones that help you recognize your capabilities and stay grounded in reality.
In terms of history, brown gems have been around for centuries, with brown diamonds being the most sought-after brown gemstone since the 17th century. Brown is not among the popular gemstone colors, and most of the brown gemstone names we know today were only first discovered in Brazil in the late 19th century.
Some of the famous brown jewels are brown diamonds, brown topaz, brown sapphire, brown tourmaline, and brown quartz.
Other lesser-known gems include brown zircon, brown beryl, and brown tourmaline.
List of Brown Precious and Semi-Precious Stones
Ready to explore what these brown gems have in store for us? Here is a list of 10 precious and semiprecious brown stones, along with their properties, meaning, and price range.
1. Brown Diamonds
The most precious stone of all the brown gems is the brown diamond. Brown diamonds come in a range of shades, from cognac to chocolate and champagne. The inclusion of plastic deformation in the diamond’s crystal structure causes the color. Their rare beauty makes them a hit among jewelry aficionados, and brown diamond rings are all the rage these days!
Brown diamonds symbolize strength, courage, and stability. These charming brown gems have a powerful energy that makes them excellent for manifesting and stabilizing dreams, especially regarding wealth and success. They promote receptivity to new experiences, a connection with nature, and a sense of stability in one’s emotional and mental states.
These gemstones are mined in countries such as Australia, South Africa, and Russia and are available at a variety of prices, from affordably priced to high-end pieces. Depending on the quality and cut, a one-carat stone might cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
Their healing properties include aiding in physical pain relief, as well as psychological and spiritual healing.
2. Brown Sapphire
Brown sapphire is the brown variety of corundum, a mineral composed of aluminum oxide. Iron oxide impurities in the crystal lattice produce a range of brown colors, from a light golden to a dark chocolate hue. The stone has a Mohs hardness rating of 9, making it a durable choice for brown engagement rings.
Brown sapphire promotes strength and resilience, encouraging its wearer to stay grounded and connected with nature. It boosts creativity, mental clarity, and self-confidence.
These stones are mined in many countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, and come in various price ranges. A one-carat brown sapphire may cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000, depending on the quality and cut of the stone.
Brown sapphires have been used in jewelry since ancient times, with many believing that they possess powerful protective energies. They were also often used as talismans to ward off negative energy and attract good luck.
3. Brown Topaz
Brown topaz is a brown variety of the semiprecious gemstone, Topaz. It comes in a wide range of brown tones, from light to dark to even reddish. The shades of the stone can be pretty varied, with some having a subtle hue and others being more vivid. The brown in brown topaz is due to iron and manganese impurities in the stone’s crystal structure.
Brown topaz promotes strength and stability, making it an excellent stone for manifesting dreams. Its purported benefits include the ability to heal emotional wounds and mend broken relationships and an open heart that draws prosperity.
These stones are found in countries such as Brazil, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka and are available in a variety of price ranges. A one-carat brown topaz may cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the quality and cut of the stone.
The ancient Greeks relied on brown topaz as an oracle stone to foretell the future. Therefore the stone has a rich and storied past. Talismans and amulets featuring it were also popular because of the belief that they provided the wearer with safety from harm.
On Moh’s scale, brown topaz scores an 8 in hardness, making it a durable choice for jewelry.
4. Brown Garnet
Brown garnet is the brown variety of the garnet group, a group of silicate minerals. The presence of iron oxide impurities in the crystalline structure causes its observable color to range from very light brown to very dark red-brown.
Brown garnets have a Mohs hardness rating of 7-7.5, making them slightly softer than brown sapphire and topaz.
Brown garnets are ideal for dream manifestation because of their reputation for fostering power and stability.
Brazil, India, and Sri Lanka are home to these stones. A one-carat brown garnet may cost anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on the quality and cut of the stone.
5. Brown Zircon
Zircons are a family of minerals that occur in different colors, including brown. Iron oxide imperfections in the zircon’s crystal structure provide the brown color. The tones of the stone can be quite varied, with some having a subtle hue and others being more vivid.
With a 7.5-8 ranking on the Mohs scale, brown zircon is a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear.
Brown Zircon promotes strength and resilience, encouraging its wearer to stay grounded and connected with nature. It improves creativity, brings clarity of thought, and fosters self-confidence.
These stones are available in different price ranges depending on the quality and cut of the stone. A one-carat brown zircon may cost anywhere from $50 to $500. You can find mines of brown zircon in different countries, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Pakistan.
6. Brown Tourmaline
Tourmalines never fail to make an impression, and the brown variety is no different. Brown tourmaline may range in color from tan to dark chocolate brown because of the presence of manganese in its crystallography.
This gemstone has a hardness rating of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it slightly softer than other brown gems such as sapphire and diamond. It’s not as hardy as other materials, but it’s still fine for jewelry.
Brown tourmaline promotes strength and stability, making it excellent for manifesting dreams. Known for its healing and balancing properties, it also helps with emotional healing by connecting its wearer to the earth.
Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe are just a few nations where you may unearth one of these stones. If you’re in the market to buy these semiprecious brown gemstones, you can expect prices ranging from $50 to $750 for a one-carat stone.
7. Fire Agate
Fire agate is a unique gemstone made up of different shades of brown, yellow, and orange with flashes of fire. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7, it’s a fairly durable gemstone ideal for everyday wear. The presence of iron and manganese in their crystal lattice causes them to form.
This brown gemstone is a potent catalyst for transformation that helps its wearer maintain composure and concentration under pressure. It brings luck and abundance, too.
These stones are found in the US, Mexico, and India in. If you’re looking to purchase one of these semiprecious brown gems, you can expect to pay between $50 and $500 for a one-carat stone.
8. Brown Moonstone
Moonstone is a variety of feldspar and is known for its unique play of color. Because of iron oxide imperfections in its lattice structure, brown moonstones may range in color from pale tan to deep chocolate brown.
This stunner ranks 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale and is relatively soft, making it suitable for special occasions rather than everyday wear.
Brown moonstone inspires creativity and promotes emotional healing. It also encourages its wearer to stay positive and embrace all the changes in their life.
Countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar all have deposits of brown moonstones. If you want to add a piece of brown moonstone to your jewelry collection, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $500 for a one-carat stone.
9. Brown Golden Beryl
Formed by a combination of iron, manganese, and aluminum, brown golden beryl is an alluring and desirable gem. It’s known for its captivating hue and its rarity in the market.
This brown beauty ranks 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable option for all kinds of jewelry. It also has excellent clarity and transparency, making it an attractive choice for pendants and rings.
Brown golden beryl has all the healing properties of traditional beryl, with a particular emphasis on enhancing creativity. It brings its wearer joy and promotes positive vibes all around.
Several nations, including Brazil, Pakistan, and China, are the source of these stones. If you’re looking to buy these semiprecious brown gems, you can expect prices ranging from $100 to $1000 for a one-carat stone.
10. Brown Quartz
Looking for a smokey brown gemstone that stands out in all the right ways? Look no further than brown quartz.
This gem is made of silicon dioxide and is usually found in shades of brown, ranging from light tan to dark chocolate. Brown quartz ranks seven on the Mohs scale and is quite durable for everyday wear.
Brown quartz clears all negative energies from its wearer and provides mental clarity. It also helps its wearer stay focused and eliminate all distractions.
Brazil, Mexico, and China are just some places you can find these stones. If you’re looking to buy brown quartz, you can expect to pay between $50 and $500 for a one-carat stone.
FAQs
Brown Golden Beryl is one of the rarest brown gemstones available in the market.
Yes, some brown gemstones, such as fire agate and brown quartz, are pretty durable and can be used for everyday wear. However, brown moonstone is relatively softer and is best suited for special occasions.
Brown gemstones are available in different countries, including India, Mexico, and Brazil. You can also purchase these stones online from trusted jewelry websites and retailers.
Have You Settled on a Favorite Yet?
Which one of these gorgeous brown gems is calling your name? Whether you love the calming energy of Brown Moonstone, the captivating hue of Brown Golden Beryl, or the smokey look of Brown Quartz, each one is unique and special in its own way.
No matter your choice, different gemstones in different shades of brown make a great addition to any jewelry collection. They bring with them different meanings and energies and are sure to add a unique touch to your look.
So go ahead and get yourself some brown precious or semiprecious stones, and embrace their power!
