Gemstones Beginning with "C"

Calcite is calcium carbonate, more commonly known as limestone. It is a common mineral accounting for about four percent of the earth's crust. In metamorphic rocks under pressure, it becomes marble; in caverns and caves, it forms stalactites and stalagmites. It is also the main ingredient in the shells of sea creatures. Calcite is transparent to translucent and available in a wide variety of colors including orange, blue, green, honey, pink, brown, black, gray and clear. Deposits can be found in Mexico, Brazil, Britain, Germany and the United States. Calcite is said to help soothe and calm stress and anxiety. Mohs' hardness: 3.

Carnelian is a brownish red to orange, translucent to opaque chalcedony variety, thought to be named after the color of the kornel cherry. Most carnelians available today are actually agates that are dyed and heat-treated. These forms will often show banding or stripes, whereas natural carnelian shows a cloudy distribution of color. Deposits can be found in Brazil, India and Uruguay. Carnelian is said to speed up healing processes, especially after trauma or injury; to help increase vitality and strength; to purify the blood and improve circulation; and to help bring courage when facing personal challenges. Mohs' hardness: 7.

Cat's Eye is a highly valued variety of chrysoberyl. When light strikes tiny inclusions in the stone, it produces a silver-white line of light making it look like the pupil of a cat's eye. Any stone with this effect is referred to as cat's eye, along with the name of the stone, but the only true cat's eye gemstone is chrysoberyl cat's eye. Deposits can be found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, China, India and Zimbabwe. See Chrysoberyl for more information.

Chalcedony is a species name used by gemologists for a particular form of quartz made up of microscopically small crystals, as well as the actual name of a gemstone. The actual chalcedony, in its natural state, is a waxy or dull stone in a vivid pale blue shade. Deposits can be found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Uruguay and California. Blue chalcedony is said to enhance inner peace; to restore balance in body and mind; and to restore the ability to communicate clearly. Mohs' hardness: 6-1/2 to 7.

Charoite, discovered in the 1940s and named for the Chara River in the Sakha Republic, Siberia, Russia, looks like a form of marble with streaks of light purple, alternating with gray, white and black specks. It may also contain inclusions of a gold-colored mineral called tennesite. Known deposits can only be found in Russia. Charoite is said to be a powerful amplifier of personal energy and power, cleansing, grounding and preparing the way for spiritual expansion. Mohs' hardness: 4-1/2 to 5.

Cherry "Quartz" is actually not a mineral at all, but is manmade. It is a mixture of clear glass with thin swirls and needles of deep pink.

Chrysoberyl is a transparent to opaque member of the beryl species whose color ranges from yellow and green to brown and red. Highly valued varieties of chrysoberyl include alexandrite and cat's eye. Chrysoberyl deposits can be found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Burma, Madagascar, Russia, Zimbabwe and the United States. Chrysoberyl is said to align the personal will and desires with a wider sense of purpose. Mohs' hardness: 8-1/2.

Chrysocolla is an extremely soft mineral that occurs in a range of opaque shades from green to blue-green to turquoise. Deposits can be found in Chile, Israel, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Zaire and Nevada. Chrysocolla is said to help facilitate clear emotional expression and the communication of the heart's desire. Mohs' hardness: 2 to 4.

Chrysoprase is considered the most valuable stone in the chalcedony species and, therefore, fairly expensive in finer grades. Its color ranges from pale greenish turquoise to a bright apple green, with a waxy sheen when polished. Deposits can be found in Australia, Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Russia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and California. Chrysoprase is said to ease negative feelings and promote joy; to attract new love and help prepare the system for new phases in life; and to bring restful sleep and aid relaxation. Mohs' hardness: 6-1/2 to 7.

Citrine is a transparent variety of quartz whose name is derived from its lemon yellow color. Natural citrine, which is rare, is mostly pale yellow. Most commercial citrine, which usually has a reddish tint, is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Natural citrine deposits can be found in Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, Argentina, Burma, Namibia, Russia, Scotland and Spain. Citrine is said to stimulate creative thinking and inspiration, freeing the mind of limitations; to help turn ideas into reality; to enhance physical vitality; and to lift depression. Mohs' hardness: 7.

Common Opal is a subgroup of the opal species that is opaque, rarely transparent, and shows no play-of-color. There are many trade names for these stones, including wood opal (yellowish or brownish like petrified wood), honey opal (honey-yellow translucent) and moss opal (milky with dark green to black fern-like inclusions). See Opal for more information.

Coral is the branch-like skeletal remains of small marine animals (coral polyps) related to reef-forming corals. It is found at depths of up to 1020 feet and mainly harvested with weighted, wide-meshed nets dredged across the seabed. Ranging from translucent to opaque, coral can vary in color from red, pink and white to black and blue. Coral is sensitive to heat and acids and the color can fade when worn. Deposits can be found along the coasts of the western Mediterranean countries, the Red Sea, Bay of Biscay, Canary Islands, Malaysian Archipelago, the Midway Islands, Japan and Hawaii. Coral is said to help restore harmony in the event of emotional conflict and work against nutritional deficiencies, depression and lethargy. Mohs' hardness: 3 to 4.

Corundum is the gemstone species that includes the red ruby and the sapphire. Non-gemstone quality corundum is used as cutting and polishing material. Emery is mainly fine-grain corundum with other materials such as magnetite, hematite and quartz added to it.

Clear Quartz See Rock Crystal

Cracked Quartz, also called flake quartz, is a clear quartz with thin, shiny flakes suspended throughout that make it look like it has exploded. This effect is created through heat treatment. See Quartz and Rock Crystal for more information.

Cubic Zirconia, or CZ, is a synthetic gemstone often used as a substitute for diamond. It is durable and relatively inexpensive and now available in a broad range of colors. A cubic form of zirconium oxide, it is created in a laboratory and, therefore, not considered a mineral. Mohs' hardness: 8-1/2.

Cultured Pearls See Pearl

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