Orange is not a common color for gemstones. It is a color with strong symbolism, usually associated with warmth, creativity, sunshine, joy, and happiness. Orange gemstones in jewelry always add a touch of exotic elegance to anything you choose to pair them with.😊
Orange gemstones are great if you are looking to make a powerful statement and grab the attention of everyone in the room with you. There are several types of orange gemstones to choose from. All these types have their own unique features and price points.
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What are orange gemstones?
Orange is a strong and energetic color. It is a bright color that is usually associated with happiness and positivity. Orange is also a spiritual color, bringing up feelings of compassion and spirituality. The color is very attention-grabbing, explaining why it is used in traffic signs and a lot of advertisements.
The quality of orange-colored gemstones is usually determined by assessing the intensity of the hue, tone, and saturation of the color of the gemstones. Generally, the value increases with an increase in intensity. The popular hues include pure orange, reddish-orange gemstones, orange and blue gemstones, green and orange gemstones, and yellowish-orange gemstones, among others.
Our reviews of 10 top orange gemstones (Appearance, symbolism, properties, and more)
The most popular types of orange gemstones include; orange diamond, orange sapphire, imperial topaz, orange spinel, orange zircon, orange tourmaline, orange amber, orange carnelian, spessartite garnet, the Oregon sunstone, among others.
Below is a list of orange gemstones, their properties, and buying tips.👇🏻
Orange Diamond
Orange diamonds are referred to as "fire diamonds" because of their intense fiery color. The orange hue is exceptionally attractive and because of this, orange diamonds are highly sought after. However, they are extremely rare and very expensive. Diamond is the birthstone of April and it is associated with strength, power, and purity.
Orange diamonds are sometimes referred to as “pumpkins”.🎃 This is mainly due to their orange color and after one of the largest fancy vivid orange diamonds known as the Pumpkin Diamond. The Pumpkin Diamond weighs 5.54 carats.
Features
The orange color is a result of the presence of nitrogen in the carbon structure of the diamond. Most orange diamonds usually have secondary hues of yellow, brown, and pink. They also occur in different shades of orange, ranging from light orange to a deep orange shade. The value of orange diamonds increases with the intensity of the shade.
Like all other diamonds, orange diamonds are very hard, having a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. They exhibit an impeccable brilliance which is shown by the diamond’s high refractive index.
Due to their rarity, orange diamonds are very expensive, with top prices ranging from $1 million to upwards of $4 million.
Pros
- Very durable
- Excellent jewelry choice
Cons
- Extremely rare
- Very expensive
- Possible confusion with synthetic varieties
Orange Sapphire
Sapphire occurs in every color except red. Red sapphires are referred to as ruby. Orange sapphires are rare. They occur in different shades of orange ranging from light shades to dark intense shades. They also have a variety of hues, ranging from orange to yellowish orange to reddish-orange. Sapphire is the birthstone for September and it helps wearers fulfill their ambitions.
Features
Orange sapphires usually have traces of pink and yellow in them, and sometimes have a pink secondary color, referred to as padparadscha sapphires. These are among the rarest gems and they are highly valued—with the largest coming in at 100.18 carats.
Most orange sapphires are usually heat-treated to achieve the desired orange color. However, naturally occurring orange sapphires get their color from traces of vanadium within the crystal structure. Sapphires are very hard, having a rating of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them second only to diamonds in hardness. As such, they are very durable and ideal for all types of jewelry.
Pros
- Very durable
Cons
- Rare
- Expensive
Imperial Topaz
Topaz is a fairly affordable and rather common gemstone. Imperial topaz, which is also referred to as precious topaz, however, is the rarest variety of topaz. It is also the most valuable variety of topaz and among the most valuable colored gemstones. Topaz is a November birthstone. One of the most notable imperial topaz pieces is the one worn by Anne Hathaway.
Features
The colors of imperial topaz are compared to the evening sun or the color of the sky during sunset. It occurs in a variety of hues and can appear pinkish-orange, yellow-orange, golden brown, or bright yellow.
Imperial topaz usually has excellent clarity with little or no visible inclusions and has a vitreous luster. The orange stone has a rating of 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is incredibly durable and can be used for daily wear. Imperial topaz is versatile and can be faceted into different stunning and fascinating shapes.
Pros
- Very durable
Cons
- Very rare
- Expensive
Orange Spinel
Spinel occurs in a wide range of colors. Orange spinel, however, is rare. This stone is very popular among collectors.
Features
Orange spinel occurs in different shades with the ones with vivid and intense orange saturation being the most sought after. The gemstone is usually free of any inclusions. Some, however, have needle-like rutile inclusions which are very attractive. These inclusions can give the gemstone a highly sought-after phenomenon known as asterism.
Orange spinel is very hard and durable, having a rating of 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It also has very good brilliance as a result of the high refractive index of the stone. Orange spinel, however, does not handle heat very well and the color may fade due to long exposure to heat.
The stone does not usually require any form of treatment. However, there are lab-grown synthetic varieties that are common in the market available at a fairer price.
Pros
- May display asterism
- Very durable
- Good brilliance
Cons
- Rare
- Color may fade due to long exposure to heat
Orange Zircon
Zircon is usually confused with cubic zirconia, a cheap Diamond simulant, due to their similar names. Zircon, however, is a naturally occurring gemstone that has excellent brilliance. It is one of the oldest known minerals on earth. It is the only naturally occurring gemstone whose brilliance is comparable to that of diamonds.
Features
Orange zircon is incredibly brilliant and its clarity is one of a kind. The gemstone is often faceted to maximize its brilliance. It has a vitreous luster and excellent transparency. The stone is fairly durable with a rating ranging from 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is not very tough and is not resistant to breaking and chipping. Orange zircon is a fairly affordable gemstone.
Pros
- Excellent brilliance
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Brittle
Orange Tourmaline
Tourmaline occurs in a wide range of colors and is usually referred to as the rainbow gemstone.🌈 Orange, however, is not a commonly occurring tourmaline color. Orange tourmaline is known to make beautiful jewelry.
Features
Orange tourmaline occurs in a wide range of hues ranging from a brownish undertone to vivid pure orange. Vivid pure orange tourmaline is more valued and costs more. Tourmalines usually exhibit pleochroism, a phenomenon where a stone displays two different colors when viewed from different angles. The two colors displayed with orange tourmaline are brown and orange.
Orange tourmaline is usually heat-treated to enhance the color of the gemstone and it is often faceted to maximize brilliance and clarity.
Pros
- Durable
- Has good brilliance
Cons
- Possible confusion with the synthetic variety
Orange Amber
Amber is an organic gemstone made of fossilized tree resin from the Pinus Succinifera tree. Amber is a gemstone that has been used as jewelry for centuries with evidence of its use dating as far back as 13,000 years. Amber symbolizes warmth and well-being. It is believed to carry the energy of the sun and is good for nurturing people who are recovering from an illness.
Features
Amber is available in hues ranging from golden yellow to honey brown. In some cases, the resin will trap insects and other inclusions before hardening. This results in amber with very interesting inclusions, often highly prized.
Amber has a low density and is very fragile compared to other gemstones. For this reason, it should be highly cared for to avoid scratching. It has a rating of 2 on the Mohs hardness scale and is not suitable for most types of jewelry. It is also sensitive to chemicals, perfumes, and alcohol. Amber is usually warm to the touch with a slight smell of pine.
Pros
- Contains interesting inclusions
Cons
- Low durability
- Requires very special care
Orange Carnelian
Carnelian is a beautiful orange gemstone. For years, the gemstone was known as Carbuncle, a term reserved for red garnet. The term, however, is now used to describe any red cabochon gemstone.
The name carnelian is believed to come from cornel cherry which is similar in color. Orange carnelian symbolizes action. It is a powerful boost to your willpower and physical energy.
Features
Orange carnelian occurs in different hues, ranging from reddish-orange to brownish orange. It is a member of the quartz family. The orange color is a result of the presence of iron in the crystal structure of the stone. The gemstone is relatively durable with a rating of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Moderate hardness
Spessartite Garnet
Spessartite garnet is the most famous orange gemstone, and has shades ranging from faint orange to orange-red. It is a member of the garnet family.
Features
The orange color is a result of the presence of traces of manganese within the crystal structure of the gemstone. Large spessartite garnets with good clarity are quite rare and are valuable.
Spessartite garnet has a rating of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is durable and contains no cleavage. This makes it suitable for use in nearly all types of jewelry. It has good brilliance and is usually transparent. The stone can be faceted or shaped into cabochons.
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Good durability
Cons
- Eye-clean pieces are scarce
Oregon Sunstone
The Oregon sunstone is quite rare and is not a popular gemstone. The stone is named after the state of Oregon, USA, where it is primarily found.
The sunstone embodies the expansiveness of the sun and symbolizes generosity. It encourages creativity, a feeling of being alive, and leadership.
Features
The stone exhibits aventurescence, which is a milky luster or glowing that comes from just below the surface of the gem. This is an optical phenomenon that is caused by inclusions of goethite or hematite of varying size and density.
The Oregon sunstone may also exhibit asterism, although pieces that do this are extremely rare. This is an optical phenomenon that makes the stone appear to be glowing. The sunstone is not very durable, having a rating of 6 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Pros
- Exhibits aventurescence
- May exhibit asterism
Cons
- Very rare
- Not very durable
Other Notable Orange Gemstones
There are a variety of naturally occurring orange gemstones in the world. Some of the most notable that didn’t make the list include; hessonite garnet, orange fire opal, orange agate, orange citrine, moonstone, and orange coral, among others.
What benefits do orange gems bring to the wearers?
Orange is a powerful and energetic color. It is a color that symbolizes spirituality and compassion.
Orange gemstones are believed to play an important role in replacing the energy of the wearer and are also believed to increase vitality and sexual energy of the wearer. Orange stones make the wearer feel more alive and support their endurance and leadership abilities.
How do I choose orange gemstone jewelry?
Several important factors need to be considered when choosing orange gemstone jewelry. You first need to consider the relation of orange gemstones to metal colors.
It is also important to consider the hardness and durability of the stone. For instance, amber is quite affordable but it’s very soft, so the most suitable choice for it would be using it on bezel setting earrings.
You should also consider the color of your outfit and the occasion. Orange gemstones pair very well with dark color monochrome outfits such as black dresses, or earthy tones like brown and rustic reds.🤳
Where to buy orange gemstones?
Orange is not a common color for jewelry. For this reason, you may not find many options at a local jewelry shop. You can buy orange crystals for a statement from James Allen and Brilliant Earth. Another place where you can find orange gemstone rings with exquisite designs is Ross-Simons.
If you are looking for orange gemstone jewelry with unique designs, you can find them at Etsy.
You can also shop online for orange gemstone jewelry for everyday wear from Amazon.
Wrapping up
Orange is a beautiful color. It makes for beautiful and eye-catching gemstones. This is why most orange jewelry pieces are not only a fashion statement but also of sentimental significance to the wearer.😎
