Green is one of nature’s most captivating colors, and green gemstones bring that energy into jewelry with rich, varied tones. From deep emerald green to pale green and bluish green, these stones offer unmatched visual appeal.
Here are 15 standout green stones to consider for the next addition to your next jewelry collection.
1. Emerald
Perhaps the most famous green gemstone, the emerald is a precious gemstone prized for its intense saturation and unique characteristics. Its green hue comes from chromium and vanadium, and it ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale.
2. Green Diamond
Rare and often enhanced through natural irradiation, green diamonds can command premium prices. Their crystal structure and brilliance make them perfect for engagement rings and diamond set jewelry.
3. Green Sapphire
Lesser-known than its blue counterpart, the green sapphire features rich tones and excellent durability for everyday rings. It also ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamonds.
4. Chrome Tourmaline
Chrome tourmaline offers a deep forest green hue and is rarer than its standard tourmaline siblings. It’s often used in unique shapes and jewelry settings that showcase its vibrancy.
5. Demantoid Garnet
This member of the green garnets category is admired for its exceptional brilliance and golden inclusions known as horsetail fibers. It’s one of the most popular green gemstones among collectors.
6. Green Topaz
Green topaz is often created through irradiation and delivers a yellow green or olive green tone. It’s a budget-friendly option for anyone exploring other green gemstones.
7. Green Tourmaline
Found in a range of green shades, green tourmalines are durable, versatile, and often feature secondary hues like blue green or yellow green, depending on lighting.
8. Green Zircon
Often mistaken for diamonds due to its high brilliance and fire, green zircon stands out for its sparkle and visual appeal. It’s perfect for daily wear but requires careful handling due to its relative softness.
9. Green Quartz
Also called prasiolite, this green variety of quartz offers an affordable entry into green gemstone jewelry. Its pale green tone pairs well with hard surfaces like sterling silver.
10. Green Agate
With its intricate patterns and range of colors from apple green to deep green, green agate is a durable choice for all kinds of other jewelry.
11. Green Jasper
Green jasper is known for its mottled patterns and dark green hues. It’s a protective stone (for those who believe in protective crystals and such) and is often carved into beads or amulets.
12. Green Chrysoberyl
Featuring cat’s-eye effects and exceptional hardness, green chrysoberyl is an excellent yet underappreciated green gem for anyone looking for something unusual.
13. Green Zoisite
Often paired with ruby in natural formations, green zoisite is visually striking with bluish green tones and adds bold contrast to jewelry collections.
14. Green Aventurine
This shimmering green quartz variety gets its sparkle from mineral inclusions. Green aventurine is often used in carved pieces and beaded bracelets.
15. Chrome Diopside
Offering deep green hues and excellent clarity, chrome diopside is rising in popularity as an alternative to more expensive green gemstones.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
