Gem Quiz

I Am Rare, Stunning and Contain a Gemological Mystery in My Core

I am California’s official gemstone (no Googling allowed!).

Published

4 years ago

February 5, 2020

Chris Burslem

I Am Rare, Stunning and Contain a Gemological Mystery in My Core

I AM ONE OF the world’s rarest gemstones and one of gemology’s greatest mysteries — science has been unable to explain my color, nor has anyone been able to artificially reproduce my crystal structure. First found in California’s southern Mount Diablo range in 1906, I am today that state’s official gemstone. Shreve & Co., the famed San Francisco store, led the drive to market me as a jewelry stone but despite my stunning brilliance — my dispersion is only slightly less than that of a diamond — I have never caught on with consumers (I am a little soft and usually very small in gem quality samples). Nevertheless, I remain highly prized among collectors.

Who am I?

Wilkerson Testimonials

Wilkerson: “They Feel Like Family”

Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., was a true institution. But after being at the helm for most of his life, owner (and descendent of the original founder) Kelly Newton decided it was time to retire. He chose Wilkerson to handle the sale. “I’ve known the owners of Wilkerson for a long, long time. I felt at home with them,” he says. The final retirement sale was just a “blast” and the Wilkerson sales team made it so very simple and straightforward, says Newton. Would he recommend Wilkerson to others? Absolutely. “They’ve done incredible work,” says Newton. “They feel like family.”