The Gemstone Edit

Precious Gemstones A–Z

Alexandrite
A rare and color-changing gemstone that shifts from green in daylight to reddish-purple under incandescent light. Valued for its rarity and mystique, alexandrite is a symbol of duality and transformation.
Origin: Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka
Sourcing Ethics: Often sourced in limited quantities; ethical sourcing ensures minimal environmental impact and fair labor practices.
Care Tips: Clean with warm soapy water; avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Aquamarine
A serene blue to blue-green beryl, aquamarine evokes the calming power of the sea and symbolizes tranquility and communication.
Origin: Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar
Sourcing Ethics: Often ethically sourced from regulated mines; low environmental impact.
Care Tips: Avoid high heat and harsh chemicals; clean with mild soap and water.

Chrysoberyl
Best known in its rare cat’s eye and alexandrite forms, chrysoberyl is a durable and lustrous gemstone often found in yellow, green, and brown hues.
Origin: Brazil, Sri Lanka, India
Sourcing Ethics: Typically mined in smaller-scale operations with lower ecological impact.
Care Tips: Clean with warm soapy water; avoid ultrasonic if stone has inclusions.

Diamond
The hardest known natural substance, diamond is prized for its unmatched brilliance and enduring symbolism. Available in a variety of colors beyond traditional white, it represents strength, love, and eternity.
Origin: Botswana, Russia, Canada, South Africa
Sourcing Ethics: Sonoran Tide supports conflict-free, ethically mined diamonds following the Kimberley Process and beyond.
Care Tips: Durable but can still chip—store separately; clean with gentle solution or steam.

Emerald
A lush green member of the beryl family, emerald has long been associated with royalty and rebirth. Known for its vibrant color and natural inclusions (or "jardin"), it's both bold and timeless.
Origin: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil
Sourcing Ethics: Many mines now employ responsible labor practices—look for sources certified by ethical mining organizations.
Care Tips: Avoid ultrasonic cleaners; clean gently with a soft brush and warm soapy water.

Opal
Known for its dazzling play-of-color, opal is a unique gemstone that comes in a range of hues, from fiery black opals to soft pastels.
Origin: Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico
Sourcing Ethics: Most opals are sourced through small-scale and artisan mining; Australian opals are highly regulated.
Care Tips: Opals are porous and delicate—avoid heat and chemicals; store in a moisture-stable environment.

Paraíba Tourmaline
An extremely rare and vivid blue-green variety of tourmaline, treasured for its neon glow and copper content.
Origin: Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria
Sourcing Ethics: High demand increases risk of unethical sourcing—Sonoran Tide partners with traceable and responsible suppliers.
Care Tips: Store carefully, avoid hard knocks; clean with soft brush and water.

Pearl
An organic gem formed within mollusks, pearls are prized for their soft luster and elegance. Available in a wide variety of natural colors and shapes.
Origin: Japan, China, French Polynesia, Australia
Sourcing Ethics: Cultured pearls are often farmed sustainably; ethical practices include habitat protection and fair labor.
Care Tips: Keep away from chemicals, perfumes, and abrasives; wipe gently after wear.

Red Beryl
Also known as bixbite, red beryl is one of the rarest gemstones in the world with a vibrant raspberry-red hue.
Origin: Utah, USA
Sourcing Ethics: Mined in limited quantities, often with strict environmental oversight.
Care Tips: Rare and fragile—clean gently with warm water and a soft cloth.

Ruby
A rich red variety of corundum, ruby is the stone of passion, vitality, and protection. Its fiery color and durability make it one of the most sought-after gems in the world.
Origin: Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique, Thailand
Sourcing Ethics: Ethical rubies are sourced with transparency—Sonoran Tide favors suppliers adhering to fair trade practices.
Care Tips: Durable, but avoid harsh chemicals; ultrasonic cleaning usually safe.

Sapphire
Most famously blue, sapphire comes in a rainbow of colors (except red). Known for its elegance and durability, sapphire symbolizes wisdom, truth, and loyalty.
Origin: Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia, Kashmir
Sourcing Ethics: Ethically sourced sapphires come from transparent supply chains, often small-scale mines with fair labor.
Care Tips: Clean with warm soapy water or ultrasonic cleaner; avoid sudden temperature changes.

Spinel
Often mistaken for ruby in historical jewels, spinel comes in vivid reds, pinks, and blues. A durable and brilliant gem, it’s gaining attention for its beauty and rarity.
Origin: Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania
Sourcing Ethics: Typically mined in artisanal operations—Sonoran Tide sources from known ethical suppliers.
Care Tips: Easy to maintain; clean with warm soapy water or a damp cloth.

Tanzanite
A rare violet-blue gem found only in Tanzania. Known for its depth and brilliance, it’s a luxurious choice for special pieces.
Origin: Tanzania (exclusive)
Sourcing Ethics: Must be sourced from regulated mines due to rarity; Sonoran Tide works with responsible exporters.
Care Tips: Fragile—store carefully; avoid heat and sudden temperature changes.

Zircon
Not to be confused with synthetic cubic zirconia, natural zircon comes in blues, yellows, and clear varieties. It has a brilliant sparkle and ancient origins.
Origin: Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Australia
Sourcing Ethics: Sonoran Tide uses zircon from reputable ethical suppliers.
Care Tips: Store separately to prevent scratches; avoid ultrasonic cleaners.

Semi-Precious Gemstones A–Z

Amethyst
A purple variety of quartz known for calming energy and spiritual clarity.
Origin: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia
Sourcing Ethics: Commonly mined; many sources follow ethical guidelines.
Care Tips: Avoid prolonged sun exposure; clean with warm soapy water.

Carnelian
A reddish-orange chalcedony associated with vitality and courage.
Origin: India, Brazil, Uruguay
Sourcing Ethics: Readily available; typically sourced with low environmental impact.
Care Tips: Avoid heat and harsh chemicals; clean with a soft cloth.

Citrine
A golden-yellow quartz promoting joy and prosperity.
Origin: Brazil, Madagascar, Russia
Sourcing Ethics: Many are heat-treated amethysts; ethically low-impact.
Care Tips: Clean with warm soapy water; avoid prolonged sunlight.

Garnet
Available in a rainbow of colors, most commonly deep red. Garnet symbolizes love, strength, and safety.
Origin: India, Sri Lanka, USA
Sourcing Ethics: Often sourced from small mines with lower ecological disruption.
Care Tips: Durable; clean with soapy water and soft brush.

Iolite
Known for its shifting hues of blue and violet; used for intuition and direction.
Origin: India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique
Sourcing Ethics: Typically sourced in modest, ethical quantities.
Care Tips: Avoid harsh cleaners and rapid temperature changes.

Labradorite
A feldspar known for its iridescent flashes of blue, green, and gold.
Origin: Canada, Finland, Madagascar
Sourcing Ethics: Ethically sourced from non-invasive mines.
Care Tips: Avoid abrasion; clean with a soft damp cloth.

Lapis Lazuli
A deep blue metamorphic rock with golden pyrite flecks. Associated with wisdom and truth.
Origin: Afghanistan, Chile, Russia
Sourcing Ethics: Ensure traceability to avoid conflict zones.
Care Tips: Porous—avoid water and chemicals.

Moonstone
Famous for its moon-like shimmer, associated with femininity and emotional balance.
Origin: India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar
Sourcing Ethics: Often mined artisanally with minimal machinery.
Care Tips: Soft stone—store carefully and avoid knocks.

Onyx
Typically black, onyx is sleek and grounding, used in both bold and minimalist designs.
Origin: Brazil, India, USA
Sourcing Ethics: Readily available; often ethically mined.
Care Tips: Avoid scratching and strong detergents.

Peridot
A lime green gem formed deep in the earth’s mantle; symbolizes renewal and abundance.
Origin: USA (Arizona), Pakistan, China
Sourcing Ethics: Arizona sources often follow responsible practices.
Care Tips: Avoid acids and abrasives; clean with warm water.

Topaz
Found in a range of colors; most commonly blue. Known for soothing energy and honesty.
Origin: Brazil, Nigeria, Russia
Sourcing Ethics: Often sourced responsibly from large-scale operations.
Care Tips: Can crack under pressure—avoid sharp blows and heat.

Tourmaline
A colorful gem with a broad spectrum of hues, known for creativity and protection.
Origin: Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique
Sourcing Ethics: Sonoran Tide selects traceable and ethically mined varieties.
Care Tips: Clean with warm soapy water; avoid ultrasonic cleaning.

Turquoise
A sky-blue to greenish-blue gem long treasured by Native American cultures.
Origin: USA (Arizona, Nevada), Iran, China
Sourcing Ethics: Sourced from artisan and traditional mines, particularly in the American Southwest.
Care Tips: Porous—keep away from oils, lotions, and excessive moisture.