Gems of Color

Tanzanite

Colors: Light bluish purple to rich saturated blues and purples
Sources: Tanzania (East Africa)
Hardness: 6 - 7
Durability: Should not be worn in strenuous conditions

Jade

Jade

Varieties: Jadeite: More valuable
Green, white, black, yellow to reddish orange, brown, gray, and lavender.
Imperial jade is the most valuable (rich emerald green)
Nephrite: Less valuable
Green, white, black, yellow to brown, and gray
Sources: Burma, China, California
Hardness: 6 1/2 - 7
Durability: Durable for some types of jewelry

Citrine

Citrine

Colors: Pale to saturated yellow with orange & brown modifying colors
Sources: Brazil is the primary source
Hardness: 7
Durability: Good for most type of jewelry use