> Recognising a natural stone starts with its colour, then a few simple clues: transparency, sheen, veins, hardness. This guide gives the names of the most c *Source : https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/identifying-natural-stones/* --- ● Guide # Names of natural stones: recognising the main ones Published on **26/07/2026** · By **Sébastien Joumel** In brief **Recognising a natural stone starts with its colour, then a few simple clues: transparency, sheen, veins, hardness.** This guide gives the names of the most common stones by colour family and the pointers to avoid mixing them up. For certain identification of a valuable piece, gemmological expertise remains the reference. ## Recognising by colour Colour is the first filter, but it isn't enough: several stones share a hue. Use it as a starting point, then refine with **transparency**, **inclusions** (veins, flecks) and **hardness**. ## Reds & oranges [**Garnet**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/garnet-benefits/) (deep red, transparent), [**carnelian**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/carnelian-benefits/) (translucent orange), [**red jasper**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/red-jasper-benefits/) (opaque brick red). Transparency tells them apart quickly. ## Blues [**Lapis lazuli**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/lapis-lazuli-benefits/) (ultramarine + golden pyrite), [**turquoise**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/turquoise-benefits/) (blue-green + brown matrix), [**aquamarine**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/aquamarine-benefits/) (transparent light blue). Beware: a bright-blue "turquoise" is often [dyed howlite](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/howlite-benefits/). ## Greens [**Amazonite**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/amazonite-benefits/) (water green veined white), [**aventurine**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/aventurine-benefits/) (sparkling green), [**malachite**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/malachite-benefits/) (concentric green bands, unmistakable). ## Purples, pinks & yellows [**Amethyst**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/amethyst-benefits/) (purple), [**rose quartz**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/rose-quartz-benefits/) (milky pink), [**citrine**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/citrine-benefits/) (yellow). All are varieties of quartz. ## Blacks, greys & whites [**Black tourmaline**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/black-tourmaline-benefits/) (striated crystals), [**obsidian**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/obsidian-benefits/) (smooth glass), [**tiger's eye**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/tigers-eye-benefits/) (chatoyant), [**labradorite**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/labradorite-benefits/) (blue flashes), [**moonstone**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/moonstone-benefits/) (bluish veil), [**howlite**](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/howlite-benefits/) (grey-veined white). ## Checking with hardness and expertise **Hardness** (Mohs scale) often decides: a stone scratched by a steel blade is soft (howlite, malachite). For a valuable piece, only **gemmological expertise** (GIA standards) gives certain identification. See our [stone table](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/crystal-properties-table/). ## Sources & references - **GIA** ([gia.edu](https://www.gia.edu)): gem identification. - **French National Museum of Natural History** ([mnhn.fr](https://www.mnhn.fr)): mineralogy. ## Frequently asked questions How do I identify the name of a natural stone? Start with colour, then refine with transparency, inclusions (veins, flecks) and hardness. For example, a transparent red suggests garnet, an opaque red jasper. For a valuable piece, gemmological expertise gives certain identification. How do I tell turquoise from howlite? Real turquoise often shows a matrix (brown veins) and a nuanced blue; dyed howlite shows a very uniform bright blue at a low price. When in doubt, ask the seller for the exact nature of the stone. Is colour enough to name a stone? No: several stones share the same colour. Colour is a starting point, to be confirmed by transparency, inclusions and hardness, or by expertise for important pieces. ## Read also [ Guide Amazonite: virtues, calm and communication ](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/amazonite-benefits/)[ Guide Amethyst: virtues, meaning and how to wear it ](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/amethyst-benefits/)[ Guide Aquamarine: virtues, serenity and meaning ](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/aquamarine-benefits/) ## Find the best jeweller near you Compare the jewellers in your city on verifiable criteria. [See the rankings](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/jewellers/)