Some crystals feel calm and reflective. Carnelian is not one of them. With its fiery shades of orange, red-orange, and amber, Carnelian has long been associated with confidence, motivation, and self-expression. It's the stone people often reach for when they're ready to stop overthinking, start doing, or take that first step toward a goal they've been putting off. And they're not alone. Carnelian's fame isn't new. For millennia, people have been attracted to Carnelian. Ancien

What do Herkimer Diamonds, Lake Superior Agates, Oregon Sunstone, and Bisbee Turquoise have in common? They're among the most iconic rocks, minerals, gemstones, and fossils found in the United States. In celebration of America's 250th birthday, we're taking a coast-to-coast look at ten legendary specimens that have inspired collectors, rockhounds, and gemstone enthusiasts for generations.