Rhodonite is an opaque rose-colored silicate mineral often occurring with veins of gray-black manganese oxide. Occasionally carved, it is generally used in the cabochon form. Gem quality stones are mined in many countries around the world.

Derived from "tapaz," the Sanskrit word for fire, topaz is one of the most brilliant cut gemstones in existence. Topaz comes in a variety of colors from yellow to blue, and deeper blues and pinks are often created by heat-treating stones. Brazil is the world's top exporter of topaz.