Ruby and sapphire (usually blue, but also in every other color) have been the most important colored gemstones for several thousand years. Originating historically in southeast and central Asia, and more recently in eastern Africa, these colored varieties of the mineral corundum have been much sought as gems because of their rarity, color and durability. Gem corundum can display asterism and chatoyancy due to the presence of oriented mineral inclusions, and in some cases, a change of color when viewed under different light sources.

Learn about aquamarine's durability and how to care for your aquamarine jewelry.

Aquamarine is the green-blue to blue variety of the mineral beryl.

Named after seawater, aquamarine’s fresh watery hue is a cool plunge into a refreshing pool

Learn about the factors that make aquamarine so desirable.

The name “aquamarine” is derived from two Latin words: aqua, meaning “water,” and marina, meaning “of the sea.”

Chemically pure beryl is colorless, but trace elements give rise to green, blue and pink/red colors.

Gemological photojournalist Robert Weldon shares the stories behind some of his favorite photos.

Learn tips and tricks for taking great photos of gems and jewelry, even from your mobile device’s high-resolution camera.