Where are Gemstones Found?

Nature’s Gift: Where Are Gemstones Found?

Formed over thousands of years, deep within the Earth, natural gemstones truly are a wonder of nature. If you’ve ever looked at the sparkling beauties in your jewelry box and wondered “Where do gemstones come from?”—we’ve got the answers for you below!

How Gemstones Form

The majority of gemstones are formed in the Earth’s crust, roughly 3 to 25 miles below its surface. Diamonds, however, originate in the Earth’s mantle, about 125 miles beneath your feet. The only other gem known to form in the mantle is peridot, which is formed roughly 55 miles below the surface.

Gems are made of minerals which have bonded to create crystal structures. Different conditions create different gemstones—and varying amounts and types of ingredients, pressure, heat, space, and time are all required. Of the three different types of rocks on Earth, each is responsible for creating its own particular gemstones:

• Igneous rock is formed either when magma cools and crystallizes beneath the surface of the Earth or when lava flows on the surface. Gemstones formed below surface are created due to extreme heat and pressure and include garnet, diamond, spinel, tanzanite, tourmaline, topaz, and quartz (including amethyst).

• Sedimentary rock is created when rock is eroded over time and fragments are transported by wind and water. Eventually, they are compressed into gems including opal and zircon.

• Metamorphic rock is formed when extreme heat or pressure underground alters existing rocks. Beryl (including emerald, morganite, and aquamarine), spinel, ruby, sapphire, and zircon are formed this way.

Where Is My Favorite Gemstone Mined?

Now that we understand how gemstones form, let’s explore where around the world your favorite stones are found—along with the metaphysical energy they are said to carry.

Alexandrite

• Mined in: Brazil, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar

• Metaphysical Meaning: Transformation and balance; said to help with emotional healing and inspire joy by shifting one’s perception.

Amethyst

• Mined in: Brazil, Zambia, Russia (Deep Siberian variety)

• Metaphysical Meaning: Peace, protection, and spiritual insight. Often used to enhance intuition and clear the mind.

Aquamarine

• Mined in: Brazil (90%), Asia, East Africa

• Metaphysical Meaning: Calming and soothing energy. Encourages clarity, emotional balance, and courage.

Emerald

• Mined in: Colombia (70%), Zambia (25%)

• Metaphysical Meaning: Heart chakra stone. Supports unconditional love, compassion, and healing emotional wounds.

Garnet

• Mined in: Africa, Russia, South America, US, India, Pakistan

• Metaphysical Meaning: Passion, vitality, and grounding. A stone of regeneration and confidence.

Morganite

• Mined in: Brazil, Afghanistan, US, Namibia, Mozambique

• Metaphysical Meaning: Divine love and compassion. Softens the heart and encourages inner peace.

Opal

• Mined in: Australia (95%), Ethiopia, Mexico

• Metaphysical Meaning: Inspiration and amplification of emotions. Enhances creativity and spiritual insight.

Peridot

• Mined in: US (Arizona), Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, Kashmir

• Metaphysical Meaning: Protection and purification. Clears negative patterns and connects to Earth energies.

Quartz (Clear)

• Mined in: Brazil, Madagascar, US

• Metaphysical Meaning: Master healer. Amplifies intentions, energy, and other crystals. Used for clarity and manifestation.

Smokey Quartz

• Mined in: Brazil, Switzerland, Madagascar, US (especially Colorado)

• Metaphysical Meaning: Grounding and clearing. Transmutes negative energy and aids in emotional release.

Ruby

• Mined in: Myanmar (Mogok), Mozambique, Pakistan (Kashmir)

• Metaphysical Meaning: Courage, vitality, and passion. Stimulates the heart and increases motivation.

Sapphire

• Mined in: Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, East Africa, Madagascar, Australia

• Metaphysical Meaning: Wisdom, mental clarity, and divine truth. Enhances focus and spiritual awareness.

Selenite

• Mined in: Morocco, Mexico, US (Southwest)

• Metaphysical Meaning: Purification and connection with higher realms. Clears auric fields and other stones. Excellent for meditation.

Tanzanite

• Mined in: Tanzania (exclusive source)

• Metaphysical Meaning: Third-eye and crown chakra activation. Assists in spiritual awakening and communication with higher guidance.

Topaz

• Mined in: Brazil (Imperial), Russia, Australia, US, Mexico, Asia, Germany

• Metaphysical Meaning: Joy, abundance, and truth. Stimulates creativity and boosts confidence.

Tourmaline

• Mined in: Brazil, Africa, US (Maine, California)

• Metaphysical Meaning: Protective and grounding. Comes in many colors, each with unique energies—black tourmaline is especially used for energetic shielding.

In Closing

Whether you’re drawn to gemstones for their stunning beauty or the energies they’re said to hold, each one carries a story from deep within the Earth. They’re more than adornments—they are nature’s sacred gifts.

At For Heaven’s Sake, we offer a thoughtfully curated collection of gemstones to support your spiritual path, inspire healing, and bring beauty into your life.

Explore the magic. Discover the energy. And let your favorite gemstones guide your journey.