This post works best on a desktop. Scroll sideways for mobile devices.
This table shows gems, rocks, or minerals that may be confusing. Either their names are misnomers or they are intentionally deceiving.
Images are linked to their sources. We are not endorsing or verifying any information contained in the source site.
Image
Name
True Name
Type
Information
African Turquoise
Jasper
Resembles turquoise
Amazon Jade
Amazonite
Microcline
Aqua Terra Jasper
Variscite
Dyed
Arabic Script Stone
Limestone with fossils
Aura Quartz
Metal-coated
Auralite 23
Amethyst with Hematite inclusions
There are not 23 different minerals in the stone
Balas Ruby
Spinel
Black Amber
Jet
Black Moonstone
Larvikite
Monzonite
Blue Moonstone
Chalcedony
Moonstones with a bluish tinge do exist
Blue Onyx
Chalcedony
Dyed
Blue Opal
Lazulite
Blue Opal does exist, but is rare
Blue Tiger's Eye
Hawk's Eye
Quartz
Blueberry Quartz
Glass
Manmade
Bumblebee Jasper
Calcite
Orange and yellow = realgar
Black stain = pyrite
Candy Jade
Probably not jade
Dyed
Cherry Quartz
Glass
Manmade
Coquina Jasper
Limestone with fossils
Crab Fire Agate
Carnelian or glass
Dyed
Dalmatian Jasper
Dalmatian Stone
Arfvedsonite (dark spots) on Feldspar (light background)
Black spots are frequently misidentified as tourmaline
Dragon Breath Opal
Glass
Synthetic
Dragon Skin Agate
Probably chalcedony or jasper
Dyed
Dragon Vein Agate
Probably chalcedony or jasper
Dyed
Elephant Skin Jasper
Limestone with fossils
Emperor Jasper
Polymer resin
Synthetic and Dyed
Gaia Stone
Glass
Made from the ashes of the Mt. St. Helens eruption in 1980
Helenite
Glass
Made from the ashes of the Mt. St. Helens eruption in 1980
Made from the ashes of the Mt. St. Helens eruption in 1980
Nebula Stone
Kabamba Stone
Eldarite
Igneous
Ocean Jasper
Silicified Rhyolite
Opalite
Glass
Orbicular Jasper
Silicified Rhyolite
Oregon Jade
Dark Green Chalcedony or Jasper
Picasso Jasper
Picasso Stone
Picasso Marble
Metamorphic Limestone
Poppy Jasper
Silicified Rhyolite
Purple Jade
Sugilite
There is a real variety of jadeite
Purple Turquoise
Sugilite
Rainbow Moonstone
Labradorite
Rainflower Jade
Polymer resin
Synthetic and Dyed
Rainforest Jasper
Rainforest Rhyolite
Rhyolite
Rhinestone
Glass or polymer
Originally made from stone prior to 19th century
Script Stone
Limestone with fossils
Sea Sediment Jasper
Polymer resin
Synthetic and Dyed
Utah Turquoise
Variscite
White Buffalo Turquoise
Howlite
White Turquoise
Howlite
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.