An Introduction to Turkey’s Gemstones

Answer: Turkey produces many well-known gemstones as well as some rare and unusual specimens.

Diaspore Gemstones

One of the most well-known of Turkey's gemstones is diaspore. Although this rare gemstone can be found in other locations around the world, including Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, it can be found notably in Turkey's Mugla Province in the southwest. Typically colorless but also found in yellow, pink, or brown, diaspore is notoriously difficult to facet into jewelry pieces.

Carolyne Marecak

Editor's note: Diaspore stones over 2-3 carats from a single location in Turkey may display color changing. These gems have the trade names Zultanite® and Czarite™. However, gemologically and mineralogically speaking, these gems are diaspore.

Turkey's Gemstones

I have information on Turkey's gemstones on my website, www.birdamlasu.com, under "Gemstones of Turkey" as well as links to interesting sites all over Turkey.

Kind regards,

Oya Borahan

Unusual Gems From Turkey

The International Gem Society's Gemstone Encyclopedia has information on many of Turkey's gemstones, such as adamite, chalcedony, jet, powellite, and Turkish purple jade. You can also browse through photos of gemstones from Turkey in our Gem Gallery.

Colemanite is normally colorless and difficult to cut. This unusual specimen with orange highlights was found in the Mustafakemalpascha mine in western Turkey.

Kämmererite is rare. Clean, facetable rough is even rarer. This stunning gem-quality specimen was found in Erzurum Province, Turkey.

Good luck,

International Gem Society