Let’s first understand what is a gemstone. A gemstone is a mineral or organic matter used in jewelry or other decorative items. Color is a common way to classify gemstones.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find a list of all the different gemstone colors and their corresponding color charts. If you are seeking colored gemstones, including blue gems, red gems, green gems, or any other color under the sun, we have you covered!
This beautiful and creative chart provides a different perspective on the gemstone universe. It can be an inspiring reminder to appreciate the rarity of certain gemstone colors, such as pink or purple!
It’s time to delve into the vibrant world of gemstones! Let’s start digging.
How Do Gemstones Achieve These Vivid Colors?
Rubies, garnets, and diamonds are all precious stones, but what makes a ruby red? Or a garnet, for that matter?
The answer lies in their chemistry and atomic structure. All precious stones are composed of atoms arranged in a regular, repeating pattern called a crystal lattice. The different colors of these stones result from impurities or defects in the crystal lattice.
For example, rubies get their red color from traces of chromium. Garnets can be a variety of colors, depending on the type of impurities present. And diamonds are usually colorless but can also be yellow, blue, or brown.
So the next time you see a beautiful colored gemstone, remember that it’s the result of millions of years of geological history – and a little chemistry.
List of Different Colored Gemstones with Their Color Chart
Because there is such a wide range of color variance throughout the many different kinds of gems, we have structured this gemstone color chart according to the color families.
Let’s take a closer look at each of them individually.
Blue Gemstones
No matter what your favorite color is, there’s no denying that blue gemstones are some of the world’s most beautiful and popular types of gems. From the deep blue of sapphires to the delicate blue of turquoise, these stones have been cherished for centuries. But what exactly makes blue gemstones so special?
For starters, blue is a scarce color in nature. Out of all the colored gemstones, only a small handful are truly blue. This rarity makes blue gemstones very valuable and highly sought-after.
It’s no mystery why the color blue has come to symbolize grandeur and affluence. A well-cut blue stone can radiate elegance and sophistication unmatched by any other color.
Color Chart for Blue Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Blue Sapphire |  |
| Blue Diamond |  |
| Tanzanite |  |
| Aquamarine |  |
| Turquoise |  |
| Blue Topaz |  |
| Teal Montana Sapphire |  |
| Blue Spinel |  |
| Blue Tourmaline |  |
| Blue Zircon |  |
| Blue Apatite |  |
| Paraiba Tourmaline |  |
| Denim Lapis Lazuli |  |
| Rainbow Fluorite |  |
| Blue Lace Agate |  |
| Dark Blue Beryl |  |
| Kyanite |  |
Red Gemstones
Rubies, garnets, and opals–oh my! There’s a veritable cornucopia of red gemstones to choose from, and each one is as unique as the next. So, what sets these three stones apart?
For starters, rubies are made of corundum (aluminum oxide), while garnets are comprised of various minerals. Opals, on the other hand, are composed of hydrated silicon dioxide. Rubies are also the hardest red stones, making them more resistant to scratches and wear.
Red gemstones get their color because of the presence of a mineral called chromium. These gemstones range in color from orange-red to purplish red, and they are found all over the world.
The durability of red gemstones makes them suitable for a wide range of jewelry applications.
Red gems are also popular because they are associated with love and passion. They make an excellent gift for a loved one, and you can also wear them to express your style.
Color Chart for Red Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Burma Ruby | |
| Rhodonite | |
| Red Jasper | |
| Rubellite Tourmaline | |
| Red Spinel | |
| Fire Opal | |
| Fire Crackle Agate | |
| Garnet | |
| Red Adventurine | |
| Red Coral | |
| Orissa Garnet | |
| Cuprite | |
| Red Zircon | |
| Mexican Cherry Opal | |
| Pyrope Garnet | |
| Red Beryl | |
| Carnelian (Chalcedony) |
Green Gemstones
Green is the color of nature and new beginnings, making it no surprise that green gemstones are some of the most popular choices for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Known for their luxurious hue and natural sparkle, green gemstones are a favorite among celebrities and royal families alike.
Although there are many different types of green gemstones, the most popular choice for engagement rings is an emerald. Emeralds are a type of beryl, a mineral that includes aquamarine and Morganite.
Beryl ranges in color from pale pink to deep crimson, but emeralds are distinctly green.
Another popular type of green gemstone is jade. Unlike emeralds, jade is not a mineral but a type of rock composed of two minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is the rarer and more valuable of the two, ranging in color from white to deep green.
Color Chart for Green Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Emerald | |
| Chrome Tourmaline | |
| Green Sapphire | |
| Green Topaz | |
| African Jade | |
| Malachite | |
| Prasiolite Quartz | |
| Peridot | |
| Rainforest Topaz | |
| Grossular Garnet | |
| Green Moonstone | |
| Cat’s Eye Enstatite | |
| Aventurine Quartz | |
| Tsavorite Garnet | |
| Idocrase | |
| Chyrsoprase | |
| Green Fluorite | |
| Apatite | |
| Chrome Chalcedony | |
| Williamsite |
Pink Gemstones
Who knew there were so many different shades of pink? From the palest blush to the deepest fuchsia, pink gemstones come in a wide range of hues. And while they might all look alike at first glance, each type of pink gem has its unique properties.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most popular pink gemstones:
Roses quartz: Widely used in jewelry and ornamental objects, rose quartz is the quintessential pink stone. It’s said to have calm, soothing properties.
Rhodochrosite: A relatively soft stone, often used in carvings and other decorative objects. It ranges in color from pale pink to deep red.
Pink Tourmaline: Tourmaline comes in a wide variety of colors, but pink tourmaline is one of the most popular. Many people wear jewelry made from it because they believe it has healing properties.
Pink Garnet: Garnet comes in several different colors, but pink garnet is stunning. It often serves as a gift and stands for compassion and affection.
Color Chart for Pink Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Rose Quartz | |
| Pink Tourmaline | |
| Pink Garnet | |
| Pink Sapphire | |
| Pink Spinel | |
| Morganite | |
| Pezzottaite | |
| Rhodochrosite | |
| Kunzite | |
| Pink Diamond | |
| Pink Topaz | |
| Pink Adventurine | |
| Pink Coral | |
| Crazy Lace Agate |
Yellow Gemstones
There’s something about yellow gemstones that just radiates happiness. Maybe it’s because they remind us of sunny days and warm summer evenings. Or perhaps it’s because they’re just so darn beautiful. Whatever the reason, yellow gemstones will surely bring a smile to your face.
But yellow gemstones are more than just pretty faces. These vibrant stones can represent everything from strength and courage to wisdom and knowledge.
Many civilizations think yellow gemstones may harness the sun’s energy and bring good luck.
Color Chart for Yellow/Bronze/Gold Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Yellow Sapphire | |
| Citrine | |
| Yellow Diamond | |
| Imperial Topaz | |
| Yellow Tourmaline | |
| Yellow Fluorite | |
| Honey Zircon | |
| Sphene | |
| Golden Beryl | |
| Scapolite | |
| Lemon Quartz | |
| Chrysoberyl (Cat’s Eye) | |
| Lemon Jade | |
| Sphalerite | |
| Orthoclase |
Orange Gemstones
When it comes to orange gemstones, there is a lot of color variation. From the fiery red-orange of a rubellite tourmaline to the pale orange of a morganite, these gemstones span the spectrum. And while they may not be as popular as their blue or green counterparts, orange gemstones are certainly eye-catching. Here are a few things you should know about these vibrant gems.
First, orange gemstones are relatively rare, meaning if you’re looking for one, you may have to pay a bit more than you would for other colors.
Orange gemstones are associated with energy and vitality. If you’re looking for a stone that will give you a boost of energy, consider one of these gems.
Color Chart for Orange Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Poppy Topaz | |
| Orange Sapphire | |
| Orange Tourmaline | |
| Orange Spinel | |
| Mexican Fire Opal | |
| Padparadscha Sapphire | |
| Citrine | |
| Malaya Garnet | |
| Mandarin Garnet | |
| Orange Chalcedony | |
| Spessartine Garnet | |
| Clinohumite | |
| Cachemirine Garnet | |
| Mexican Jelly Opal | |
| Mexican Matrix Opal |
Purple Gemstones
Rare purple gems don’t come along very often. These semiprecious stones have a high value. Since ancient times, people have loved them for their rich color. The most popular purple gemstones include amethyst, violet sapphire, and lavender jade.
These gemstones range in color from deep purple to pale lavender. Each stone has unique properties that make it prized by collectors and jewelers. Amethyst is the most popular purple semi-precious stone. It is treasured for its rich purple color and is said to have calming properties.
Another rare and desirable gem is the purple sapphire. This stone ranges in color from pale lilac to deep violet. It is said to represent wisdom and royalty.
Lavender jade is a semi-precious stone that ranges in color from pale lavender to deep violet. It is said to represent purity and serenity.
Color Chart for Purple/Violet Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Amethyst | |
| Purple Sapphire | |
| Charoite | |
| Iolite | |
| Lavendar Chalcedony | |
| Lavendar Jade | |
| Purple Garnet | |
| Purple Diamond | |
| Purple Spinel | |
| Violet Sapphire | |
| Violet Spinel | |
| Scapolite | |
| Purple Fluorite | |
| Jeremejevite |
White Gemstones
Do you know what jewelry to wear with a little black dress? The answer is simple: anything goes! But if you’re looking for something a little more unique, why not try pairing your LBD with a piece of jewelry featuring a white gemstone?
White gemstones are perfect for adding a touch of sparkling elegance to any outfit. And because they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, you’re sure to find the perfect stone to suit your style.
Of course, white gemstones are not just for fashionistas. Many people wear jewelry with birthstones representing their own personal style.
For example, those drawn to traditional jewelry may prefer the look of diamonds, while those who prefer understated elegance might prefer pearls.
Color Chart for White/Colorless Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| White Diamond | |
| Mother-of-Pearl | |
| Moonstone | |
| Opal | |
| White Zircon | |
| Moissanite | |
| White Sapphire | |
| White Tourmaline | |
| South Sea Cultured Pearls | |
| Akoya Cultured Pearl | |
| Freshwater Cultured Pearl | |
| Petalite | |
| Danburite | |
| Goshenite Beryl | |
| Clear Quartz | |
| Peace Jade | |
| White Howlite | |
| Mystic Topaz | |
| White Agate |
Black Gemstones
The color black is often enigmatic when it comes to gemstones. Unlike other gemstone colors, black doesn’t seem to have any light-reflecting properties. In fact, some people even say that black gemstones are simply the absence of color.
So what exactly makes black gemstones so unique? For starters, their striking color is incredibly rare in nature.
Most gemstones occur in a wide range of colors, with black being one of the least common. As a result, black gemstones are often highly valued by collectors.
The unique color of black gemstones can also create a feeling of mystery and sophistication. When used in jewelry, they can add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
The vast majority of black gemstones come from metamorphic rocks. Because they’re so rare, black gemstones can be pretty expensive.
Additionally, they can be challenging to cut and polish because they don’t reflect light very well. As a result, many jewelers choose to set them in dark-colored metals like silver or platinum.
Color Chart for Black Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Black Diamond | |
| Black Star Sapphire | |
| Black Agate | |
| Black Jade | |
| Black Onyx | |
| Black Tourmaline | |
| Amphibolite | |
| Black Obsidian | |
| Tahitian Cultured Pearl | |
| Jet | |
| Lava | |
| Ocean Jasper | |
| Tektite | |
| Black Opal | |
| Black Spinel | |
| Black Star Diopside |
Gray Gemstones
Gray is the color of storm clouds and ashes and often brings to mind feelings of gloom and sadness. But not all gray things are dreary – in fact, some of the most beautiful things in nature are gray.
This is especially true of gray gemstones, which come in shades from pale silver to deep charcoal.
While gray may not be the first color that comes to mind when thinking about jewelry, it can be pretty flattering, lending an air of sophistication to any outfit.
These subtle gems may not stand out as much as their flashier cousins, yet they may be every bit as stunning. Some of the most popular gray gemstones include gray diamonds, gray pearls, hematite, moonstone, and smokey quartz.
Color Chart for Gray Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Grey Quartz | |
| Grey Star Sapphire | |
| Grey Moonstone | |
| Botswana Agate | |
| Russian Agate | |
| Cat’s Eye Opal | |
| Golden Sheen Obsidian | |
| Snowflake Obsidian | |
| Grey Marbel | |
| Hemalyk | |
| Magnetite | |
| Tourmalinated Quartz | |
| Picasso Jasper | |
| Zebra Jasper | |
| Fossil Agate |
Brown Gemstones
Brown gemstones are some of the most popular gems in the world. From classic brown diamonds to vibrant brown topaz, these stones come in various colors and styles. But what do they all have in common?
Most brown gemstones get their color from trace amounts of iron or other minerals. For example, brown diamonds get their color from traces of graphite, while smoky quartz gets its color from radiation exposure. This means that brown gemstones can range in color from very light (like champagne diamonds) to very dark (like Smoky quartz).
Interestingly, brown is actually one of the most popular gemstone colors, second only to blue. That’s because brown gemstones are versatile and flattering on a wide range of skin tones. Plus, they go well with both neutral and colorful wardrobe choices.
If you’re looking for a classic brown gemstone, consider a diamond. Or, try chocolate or cognac-colored stone like amethyst or citrine for something with a little more flavor.
Color Chart for Brown Gems
| Gemstone Name | Gemstone Picture |
| Brown Diamond | |
| Camel Jasper | |
| Andalusite Garnet | |
| Moukaite Jasper | |
| Sardonyx | |
| Bronzite | |
| Tigerskin Jasper | |
| Chrysanthemum Stone | |
| Feldspar | |
| Wooden Agate | |
| Grain Stone | |
| Brown Tigereye | |
| Mahogany Obsidian | |
| Waldo Stone | |
| Landscape Stone | |
| Pietersite |
Which of These Colored gemstones is Your Favorite?
So, which of these colored gemstones is your favorite? We’d love to hear about it in the comments! In the meantime, we hope you enjoyed learning about all the different gemstone colors and corresponding charts.
Whether you’re looking for the list of gemstones’ names or just curious about their color chart, we think this post has got you covered.
Stay tuned for more posts on interesting topics like this one – after all, variety is the spice of life!
