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If you are a bit of a crystal and gemstone lover like us, you will already know about the amazing array of stones found all over the world. But have you ever wondered what gemstones can be found in the UK?
We did a little research and after digging up the past (yes we had to get a fossil pun in there) we can share what we have found with you.
Gemstones can be found across the whole of the UK. Right up in the highlands of Scotland to the beaches or Cornwall and everywhere in between. Below you will find an array of the most common gemstones you can find in the UK and where you can find them.
One of the most well known stones found in England is Blue John, a type of purple fluorite found in Castleton in Derbyshire. Whilst this stone is now very rare and only mined in small quantities, in the 18th century it was mined in huge quantities and carved expertly into sculptures and into jewellery. Much of which found its way into royal hands and into places such as Buckingham Palace.
Many customers have shared stories of when they were children going into the caves and picking up large pieces of Blue John, and while this is no longer possible you can still visit the caves yourself and take guided tours.
Blue John rarely comes onto the market now for sellers and its rarity means when it does it is quite expensive as it is still sought after. However Fluorite is still found in countries such as Namibia and China and come in various colours such as green, purple, clear and even blue.
Jet is a stone found in England, often referred to as Whitby Jet as this is found in Whitby in Yorkshire.
Jet is fossilised driftwood, very similar to coal. It mainly became a prominent gemstone due to Queen Victoria, who after Prince Albert’s death wore Jet jewellery in remembrance of him.
Like most other stones it is predominantly mined so can be difficult to find, however walking along Yorkshire beaches can sometimes yield some finds for the eagle eyed.
Quartz, or more specifically a form of smoky quartz called cairngorm quartz can be found in Aberdeenshire in Scotland and is officially the national gemstone of Scotland.
In the 1800’s the mountains were mined for this quartz and made into jewellery. Now the mountains and the mines are protected by the national park authority and as such it can be incredibly hard to come by. Most modern examples are bought from private collections and shaped into jewellery. Due to its rareness this is highly sought after and carries a large price tag.
Amber can be found in Suffolk and East Anglia, usually along beaches and coastlines. The coastline between Felixstowe and Southwold is known to some as the “Amber Coast.”
These popular beaches are in fact a great place to look for the fossilised resin, which originated in ancient forests where the Baltic Sea now exists.
Despite what movies will have you believe, the orange colour on amber is often a result of polish or is a different type of mineral. Rough raw amber is often brown and dark so this can often make it very hard to find while walking the beach.
We actually get asked this question a lot, the simple answer is yes, but unfortunately not in the way you may have hoped.
Bristol Diamonds are a type of geode found in the Gorge caves, these were a type of quartz often found in a geode. In the 19th century these were quite the popular item however new finds are quite rare.
That isn’t to say geodes within other caves are impossible, cave systems give the perfect opportunity to find all sorts of crystals and geodes, however the danger of going into caves to find these should never be done by anyone other than a professional.
So while a lot of the major finds in mines are now closed in the UK for the amateur crystal hunter doesn’t mean you have to give up hope.
Gemstones are abundant given the right conditions and the earth’s movement over millions of years while these stones form mean they can turn up anywhere. For example, in Northern Ireland in County Tyrone and County Fermanagh, gemstone quality examples of Ruby, Sapphire, Hematite, Opal, Aquamarine, Quartz and Calcite have been found.
Gold is another mineral found in Wales and has been made into rings for Kate Middleton in her wedding band and other members of the royal family.
So keep your eyes peeled, when next walking along beaches, in woods or even within rocks in your own backyards. Gemstones can turn up anywhere as there is still a great unknown number of mineral finds and deposits everywhere in the UK.
