Wide Selection of Colored Gemstones

Many minerals form beautiful crystals, but the most prized of all are gemstones. In their raw form, they often look quite ordinary and are hard to distinguish from other stones. However, after cutting, faceting, and polishing, their true colors shine through, and their value becomes evident. Of the approximately 3,800 known minerals, fewer than 100 are classified as gemstones. This classification is primarily based on physical properties, including hardness, luster, color, and density. Additionally, as in many other contexts, rarity is a significant factor in determining value.

When talking about precious gemstones, the term typically refers to diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.

Below, you can learn more about sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. If you're curious to learn more about diamonds and explore our selection, follow this link:

> Explore our selection of diamonds

Sapphire

Few people realize that both rubies and sapphires originate from the mineral corundum. These two gemstones share the same chemical composition and mineral structure. In fact, it is only a microscopic amount of impurities that determines whether a piece of corundum develops into a brilliant red ruby or a stunning blue sapphire. The term "sapphire" refers to corundum that ranges from very light blue to deep dark blue. Moreover, the blue color can vary from a greenish-blue to a violet-blue. Sapphires with a deep blue or violet-blue hue are often the most valuable.

Sapphires are mined in several countries, including India, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. This gemstone is known for its extreme hardness—only diamonds surpass it. Due to its durability, sapphire is also used in various industrial applications.

> Learn more about sapphires

Emerald

For over 5,000 years, emeralds have been one of the most sought-after and valuable gemstones. Ancient civilizations in Africa, Asia, and South America discovered their green beauty and elevated them to the highest tier of gemstones. Today, emeralds are also considered the birthstone for those born in May.

Emeralds belong to the "Big Three" of colored gemstones, alongside rubies and sapphires, and together, these three generate more economic activity than all other colored gemstones combined. Emeralds are defined by their green color. To be classified as an emerald, a stone must have a distinct green hue, ranging from bluish-green to yellowish-green, with a deep saturation. Stones with weak color intensity or light tones are classified as "beryl." If beryl has a greenish-blue color, it is known as aquamarine.

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Ruby

Rubies are sometimes called the "queen of gemstones" because they are evaluated using the same criteria as diamonds, making them highly coveted. A ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Its color ranges from pale pink to deep blood-red, depending on its chromium content. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin word ruber, which simply means "red."

Natural rubies are rare, but they can also be produced synthetically. Large, flawless rubies that are deep red and completely clear are both exceptionally rare and extremely valuable.

> Learn more about rubies

Discover More About Our Gemstones

At Aktiv Guld, you will find a wide selection of colored gemstones suited for both classic and modern jewelry designs. Whether you are looking for sapphires, emeralds, rubies, amethysts, or aquamarines, we offer a range of stones in various qualities.

If you have any questions about our assortment or are searching for a specific type of stone not listed on our webshop, feel free to contact us. We have many more stones in stock than what is available online. Our dedicated team is ready to help you find the perfect gemstone, allowing you to bring your creative ideas to life.