Jewelry IdentifierGemstones by Color
Got a stone and only know its color? That's the fastest starting point. Pick a color below to see every gemstone in that hue, how hard it is, how to tell it apart from look-alikes, and what it's worth — or scan it instantly with the free Gemstone Identifier.
Identifying a gemstone by color
Color is where almost everyone starts when identifying an unknown stone — but it's only the first clue. Many gemstones share a color: a green stone could be emerald, jade, peridot, or green tourmaline, and each has very different hardness and value. To narrow it down, pair the color with two more things: hardness (how easily it scratches) and transparency (clear, translucent, or opaque). The color pages above list these side by side so you can match your stone.
The rarest gemstones
Rarity drives value as much as color. The rarest gemstones — including red beryl, alexandrite, jadeite, Paraiba tourmaline, and fine tsavorite garnet — can be worth more per carat than diamonds. You'll find these flagged in the color lists above, and if you think you have something rare, confirm it before you sell: scan it with the Gemstone Identifier, check whether it's natural with the Is It Real? tool, or get a free jewelry appraisal.