04/08/2026
At first glance, this colorful gem might look like a piece of modern art. In reality, it's thomsonite—a rare member of the zeolite mineral group known for its striking concentric patterns and radiating crystal structures.
Many of the finest examples come from the shores of Lake Superior, where rounded nodules are shaped by nature and later polished to reveal their distinctive "eye-like" patterns. The mineral's intricate bands and bursts of color have made it a favorite among collectors and lapidary enthusiasts.
Named after Scottish chemist and mineralogist Thomas Thomson, thomsonite is a reminder that some of nature's most fascinating treasures aren't always the most famous gemstones.
Have you ever seen thomsonite before?
Stone image courtesy of Thomas P. Shearer
