GEMSTONES OF CANADA

Abstract

Large and relatively unexplored, Canada has yet to produce significant quantities of facetable gemstones. Nephrite jade from British Columbia is the only gemstone produced in large amounts today. Ornamental minerals such as amethyst crystals, labradorite, sodalite, rose quartz, rhodonite, peristerite and amazonite are exploited on a limited scale. Ammolite, and interest-ing new fossil gem material, has recently appeared on the market. The hessonite variety of grossular and green apatite had limited commercial success. Other gemstones discussed are uncommon and/or occur at localities difficult to reach. They are as follows: diamond, corundum, beryl, quartz, grossular and almandine garnets, cordierite, vesuvianite, amber, oligoclase and lapis lazuli.