Gemstones Beginning with "R"

Rainbow Obsidian is a form of obsidian with bands of metallic-looking rainbow colors in shades of pink, gold, blue and green. Deposits can be found in the United States. See Obsidian for more information.

Red Jasper is a vivid brick-orange red variety of jasper, often with white to gray specks or stripes. The stone is colored by hematite. Deposits can be found in Brazil, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Red jasper is said to energize the circulation and warm the system and to promote self-belief and the courage to act. See Jasper for more information.

Red Tiger's Eye is the yellow variety of tiger's eye that has been heat treated to change its color. The result is a reddish-brown shade with the same silk-looking shimmer effect. Deposits can be found in Australia, India, Myanmar, South Africa and the United States. Red tiger's eye is said to help ease sluggishness and "winter blues;" to gently energize the body and awaken sexual energy; and to soothe the emotions. See Tiger's Eye for more information.

Rhodochrosite is a transparent to opaque pink mineral with zigzagging bands in shades of white to dark gray. The shade of pink can range from a deep raspberry to light pink, often with a pearly luster. The name comes from the Greek word for pink. Deposits can be found in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, South Africa and the United States. Rhodochrosite is said to help recovery after an emotional trauma and to dissolve fiery or deep-set emotions such as anger or jealousy. Mohs' hardness: 4.

Rhodonite is a red-pink mineral named for the Greek word rhodon, meaning rose. It is usually opaque and frequently contains dark gray to black inclusions, making it look like a dark pink marble. Deposits can be found in Australia, Finland, Japan, Canada, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia, Sweden, South Africa, Tanzania and New Jersey. Rhodonite is said to revitalize the reproductive system and promote fertility; to heal physical and emotional wounds; and to help ease shock, anxiety or mental overload. Mohs' hardness: 5-1/2 to 6-1/2.

Riverstone is a smooth, rounded pebble found in rivers and on beaches. Typical colors are a creamy beige and a pale ash color, referred to as gray riverstone. It is considered by some to be related to the jasper family. Riverstone is said to help make changes that lead to greater spiritual experiences.

Rock Crystal, also known as clear quartz or crystal quartz, is a transparent, colorless quartz. Often there are traces of air or water bubbles in the quartz that causes areas of cloudiness, as well as inclusions of other minerals. Deposits can be found all over the world, but key ones include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States and the Alps. Rock crystal is said to clear impurities and psychic debris from the energy field that permeates the body; to realign and refocus the body, mind and spirit toward clear goals; and to increase power of concentration and focus. Mohs' hardness: 7.

Rose Quartz is named for its pink color, which can range from semi-transparent to opaque, in shades of very pale to deep pink. The color is caused by impurities of titanium. It is often crackled, can contain specks of rutile and is frequently dyed to maintain a uniform color. Rose quartz is photosensitive and will fade in sunlight. Deposits can be found in Brazil, Madagascar, India, Mozambique, Namibia, Sri Lanka and the United States. Rose quartz is said to ease emotional stress or regulate the physical effects of stress, such as panic attacks; to ease anxiety and fear, bringing the warmth of compassion and unconditional love to the system; to bathe the whole body in a healing ray of love; to encourage and awaken an appreciation of beauty; and to increase fertility. Mohs' hardness: 7.

Rubellite is the variety of tourmaline that includes pink to red colors, sometimes with a violet tint. See Tourmaline for more information.

Ruby is the red variety of corundum, named for the Latin word for red, ruber. It is the hardest gemstone after the diamond, as well as one of the most expensive gems. Ranging from transparent to opaque, the red color of the ruby varies within each individual deposit, making it impossible to determine the source area from the color. The most desirable shade, a pure red with a hint of blue, is referred to as "pigeon's blood." Rubies are often heat treated to improve the color and sometimes contain inclusions, which help to identify a natural stone from a synthetic stone. Deposits can be found in Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, India, Cambodia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Nepal, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Montana and North Carolina. Mohs' hardness: 9.

Ruby Zoisite, also known as anyolite, is a green zoisite rock with black inclusions and large, mostly opaque, rubies. It was first discovered in Tanzania in 1954. Deposits can also be found in Norway, Australia and the United States. Ruby zoisite is said to help increase the awareness of the super-ego and to help amplify the whole energy field of a person, reaching within to release inner talents of the mind. Mohs' hardness: 6-1/2 to 7.

Rutilated Quartz is a clear quartz containing gold-colored strands of rutile, a mineral composed of titanium oxide. The strands look like golden hair trapped within the stone. See Quartz and Rock Crystal for more information.

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