Many minerals form beautiful crystals, but the most prized of all are gemstones. Uncut gems often look fairly ordinary–like rocks. It's only when they are cut and polished that they obtain the ...

Crystals and gemstones can be more than just beautiful—they can be deadly. Minerals like arsenopyrite ... However, it contains mercury, one of the most toxic elements. Even slight exposure ...

However, it contains mercury, one of the most toxic elements ... but it’s a mineral best appreciated from behind glass. These dangerous crystals and minerals remind us that not all of Earth’s ...