In this post, we will be going over the names of the 11 popular types of grey gemstones. This is a list that can come in handy if you are looking to buy a gift for someone or just want to know what stone they would most likely like. If you have always been curious about why there were so many different types of “grey” stones, then this post is for you!
Why some gemstones are grey?
Some gemstones are grey because they contain iron, which adds color. These stones include smokey quartz and hematite. Other gems can also be found in many colors including grey such as turquoise and lapis lazuli. However, these stones will sometimes look more gray than blue or green due to their lightness compared to the surrounding matrix.
Names of 11 Popular Grey Gemstones
- Smokey quartz
- Hematite
- Labradorite
- Moonstone
- Peridot
- Pyrite
- Quartz
- Rhodonite
- Sodalite
- Topaz
- Turquoise
Smokey quartz
Smokey quartz is a type of brown to black quartz. The color is caused by natural irradiation and heating. It can be found in different shapes and sizes, but it is usually a translucent stone. Smokey quartz can also be found with inclusions that look like clouds or smoke.
Hematite
Hematite is a mineral that can be found in many colors including grey. It has the chemical formula of Fe2O3, which means it contains iron oxide or ferrous-ferric oxide. You may have seen hematite before because it was used to make early mirrors by ancient civilizations. Hematites are often polished into cabochons or beads.
Labradorite
Labradorite is a gemstone that can be found in various colors including white, yellow, orange, and grey. It has an iridescent play of color with flashes of blue or red when the stone is moved around. Labradorite gets its name from Labrador exactly where it was first discovered by French mineralogist Charles-Marie de la Brenner in 1770. It is found in Canada, Russia, Finland, and Madagascar.
Labradorite is a form of feldspar that contains more than 50% albite. Feldspars are a group of minerals that make up about 60% of the Earth’s crust!
Moonstone
Moonstone is a gem that can be found in different colors including grey, white, blue-grey, and pink. It gets its name from the pale glow it gives off when light hits it at certain angles. Moonstones are often polished into cabochons or beads.
This stone has been used for thousands of years to help people who are seeking enlightenment. Moonstone is said to be the stone of new beginnings and change!
Moonstones are made up of two types of feldspar, orthoclase, and albite.
Peridot
Peridot is a gemstone that can be found in different colors including yellow-green, lime green, and grey. It gets its name from the Arabic word “faridat” which means gem. Peridots are often polished into cabochons or beads.
Peridot is said to be the stone of renewal and change!
Peridots are made up of olivine.
Pyrite
Pyrite is a mineral that can be found in different colors including gold, silver, and grey. It has the chemical formula of FeS2, which means it contains iron sulfide. Pyrite gets its name from the Greek word “pyr” meaning fire because when it is struck with steel, it creates sparks!
Pyrite is composed of iron sulfide, which makes it a type of sulphosalt mineral!
Sulphosalts are usually found in the area where volcanic activity has taken place because these types of minerals form when hot water meets rocks that have been exposed to high heat and pressure.
Quartz
Quartz is a mineral that can be found in different colors including grey, white, rose, and yellow. It has the chemical formula of Si02, which means it contains silicon dioxide or silica. Quartz gets its name from the German word “quarz” because an early description used as hard as a rock!
Quartz crystals are one of the most common minerals on Earth! They make up about 12% of our planet’s crust.
Rhodonite
Rhodonite is a mineral that can be found in different colors including pink, red, and grey. It has the chemical formula of MnSiO3, which means it contains manganese silicate. Rhodonite gets its name from the Greek word “rhodon” meaning rose. It is often polished into cabochons or beads.
Rhodonite is said to be the stone of love and relationships!
Rhodonite is composed of manganese silicate, which makes it a type of inosilicate mineral! Inosilicates are usually found in volcanic rocks.
Sodalite
Sodalite is a mineral that can be found in different colors including blue, white, and grey. It contains sodium chloride or salt. Sodalite gets its name from the Latin word “soda” meaning soda ash.
Sodalite is said to be the stone of truth!
Sodalites are made up of sodium chloride, which makes them a type of halide mineral! Halides are usually found near areas where volcanoes have erupted in the past or present.
Topaz
Topaz is a mineral that can be found in different colors including blue, yellow, and grey. It gets its name from the Sanskrit word “tapas” meaning heat or fire. Topaz is often polished into cabochons or beads.
Topaz is said to be the stone of love and relationships!
Topazes are made up of aluminum silicate, which makes them a type of silicate mineral. Silicates are usually found in rocks that have been subjected to high heat and pressure.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a mineral that can be found in different colors including blue, green, and grey. It gets its name from the French word “turque” meaning Turkish because it was first mined near Turkey! Turquoises are often polished into cabochons or beads.
Turquoise is said to promote self-healing, creativity, and communication!
Turquoises are made up of aluminum phosphate, which makes them a type of phosphates mineral. Phosphates are usually found near areas where there has been or is volcanic activity.
How to take care
As with any other gemstone, it is important to take care of your grey gemstones! Here are a few tips on how to do that:
- Store them in a cool, dry place.
- Do not expose them to harsh chemicals or extreme heat.
- Clean them using warm water and mild soap. Be careful not to use harsh chemicals, as this could damage the gemstone.
- Do not scrub them or use any type of abrasive material.
- Use a soft cloth to dry them after cleaning.
- Make sure they are protected when you are not wearing them by placing them in a jewelry box or pouch.
- Polish with a rock tumbler.
Final thoughts
There are so many gemstones to choose from, it might be hard to find one that your loved ones will love. But with this list of the most popular gemstones and their colors, you’ll have an easier time picking out just what they want! And if you can’t think of anything else, grey labradorite would be a safe option. They’re always in style. Maybe this post has helped give you some ideas about which stone someone may like? We hope so!
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