What is Cairngorm stone?

Scotland is rich in gemstones, particularly amongst the granite landscape of the Cairngorms. Its national gemstone is the Smokey Quartz, Cairngorm Stone or simply ‘Cairngorm’. These crystals are a brown or warm brown/orange colour and are found in the typical hexagonal forms.

What gems can be found in Scotland?

Scotland is not renowned as a major gemstone producer, but nevertheless is endowed with a number of species, such as sapphire, ruby, topaz, beryl, tourmaline, garnet, zircon and agate, which have produced quality stones in the past and include some which have the capacity to do so in the future.

What is the national gem of Scotland?

Cairngorm quartz
Introducing the official national gemstone of Scotland! A particular type of smoky quartz found exclusively in the Cairngorm mountain range, it is known as ‘Cairngorm quartz’, ‘Cairngorm stone’ or simply ‘Cairngorm’! It was extraordinarily popular during the Victorian age and was a favourite gem of the queen herself.

Where can I find gemstones in Scotland?

The most famous site for Scottish agates is the Blue Hole near Montrose, where the deep blue and white agates were particularly popular in the 19th century. The Isle of Harris, in the Outer Hebrides, is where sapphires were discovered back in the 1980s, during the construction of a farm path.

Is there gold in the Cairngorms?

Sizeable nuggets of gold were discovered within the Park in recent weeks by estate workers on hill maintenance duties. “There’s gold in them thar hills” said Mark Tate, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms Business Partnership.

What is the gemstone of Scotland?

Introducing the official national gemstone of Scotland! A particular type of smoky quartz found exclusively in the Cairngorm mountain range, it is known as ‘Cairngorm quartz’, ‘Cairngorm stone’ or simply ‘Cairngorm’!

Can diamonds be found in Scotland?

In Scotland, sadly, there are no diamond or emerald deposits and while sapphires are found here and are cut into beautiful stones, rubies are quite rare. But we do have a wealth of semi-precious resources and other minerals that are often cut and polished. Perhaps the most famous is cairngorm.

What gemstone is Scotland known for?

Is there any jade in Scotland?

Found in Scotland, these exquisite axeheads were made over 6,000 years ago, high in the Italian Alps. Now, thanks to a French-led project involving National Museums Scotland – Projet Jade – their fascinating story can be told.

What gems are from Scotland?

How pure is Scottish gold?

22 carat scottish gold means that the products are composed of 22 carats making them 91.6% pure. However, it must be mixed with pure copper and silver to help ensure the strength of the product. Each piece of Scottish Gold jewellery will be hallmarked by the Edinburgh Assay Office to prove the amount of gold used.