What Is the Meaning of Drusy Gems?

Types

• Most drusy gemstones are types of quartz, either agate or chalcedony. Rarer types of non-quartz drusy include uvarovite garnet, rainbow pyrite, azurite and turquoise (see Reference 1).

Types

• Quartz drusy crystals are usually tan, cream, white or gray. Non-quartz drusy colors vary. Rainbow pyrite features a rainbow effect, while azurite is blue (see Reference 1).

Source

• The drusy gemstone is found within quartz geodes or in the interior of a mineral deposit. Quartz is one of the earth's most common minerals, but high-quality drusy---quartz or non-quartz---is difficult to find (see Reference 2).

Function

• Designers use drusy for earrings, pendants and brooches. Because the crystals can detach from the stone's matrix, drusy is not a good choice for a bracelet or ring (see Reference 1).

Considerations

• Designers sometimes dye the crystals or coat them with titanium or another metallic finish for an iridescent effect (see Reference 1).