Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks can all be found in Texas, along with several fossils and precious and semi-precious crystals and gemstones.

Into the Central Texas area of Llano is where in the Llano river can be found topaz, quartz crystals, agate, onyx, pyrite, feldspar crystals, mica, garnet, Llanonite (only found in Llano, TX), gold, fluorite, hematite, blue quartz, smoky quartz, silver, tourmaline, types of opals and many more.

Hardness

Where are Rare Gems & Minerals found in Texas?

• Amber. Rich brown to yellowish amber has been found near Eagle Pass, Maverick County, in Cretaceous coal and on Terlingua Creek, Brewster County.
• Augite. Augite of gem quality occurs near Eagle Flat, Hudspeth County, Texas.
• Beryl.
• Celestite.
• Diamond.
• Epidote.
• Fluorite.
• Gadolinite.

Texas

In fact, high-quality emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are all rarer in nature than diamonds. However, nearly colorless diamonds can top prices of $10,000 per carat because demand for them has been carefully cultivated and supply is tightly controlled.

Value. A fine quality ruby is generally more expensive than most sapphires and emeralds, with record prices of up to $1,000,000 per carat. Sapphires can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $11,000 per carat, but you’ll find good-quality stones at $450 – $1,200 per carat.

Padparadscha Sapphires. Padparadscha Sapphires are the rarest of sapphires. These extremely rare stones are unknown to most, but when discovered usually become an absolute favorite. They are strikingly beautiful and almost no other colored stone compares to this unique mix of pink and orange.

Sapphires can come as cheap as $25 per carat, to over $11,000 per carat. A blue sapphire around 1 carat is likely to cost from as little as $450 to $1,600, depending on quality.

In 1812, Friedrich Mohs – famous geologist and mineralogist created a scale of mineral hardness grading from the softest (1) to the hardest (10). The scale was created using the simple technique of one mineral’s ability to visibly scratch another….The Mohs Scale – A List of Gemstone Hardness.

Navaratna is a combination of nine precious gemstones (Ruby, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Emerald, Red Coral, Pearl, Cat’s eye and Hessonite) worn in a single ornament.

Countertop Intelligence

• Quartz. Pros: It mimics the look of stone but requires less maintenance.
• Granite. Pros: Each slab of this natural material is unique; rare colors and veining cost more.
• Soapstone, Limestone, and Marble.
• Laminate.
• Solid Surfacing.
• Recycled Glass.
• Butcher Block.

Granite

The most heat resistant countertops include those made of granite, concrete and metals such as stainless steel and copper.

• Laminate, Solid-Surface and Engineered Stone.
• Granite and Other Natural Stones.
• Soapstone Countertops Offer Granite Alternative.
• Terrazzo and Recycled Glass.
• Stainless Steel, Copper and Aluminum.

Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you’ll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.

The air fryer heat may be damage your countertop. You should immediately use any heat-resistant materials like silicone mat, wooden board, and tiles. But the best option is you should use a silicone heat-resistant material. They are reliable, good heat resistor, anti-skid surface, flexible & washable.