Reference guide / Published July 16, 2026
Gemstone Dice Types: A Reference Guide to the Natural Stones Used in Tabletop Dice
Quick answer
The gemstones most used for tabletop dice are quartz-family stones — amethyst (purple), rose quartz (pink), tiger's eye (golden-brown banded), green aventurine (green), and clear or smoky quartz — plus obsidian (black volcanic glass). Quartz stones sit around Mohs hardness 7 and are the most durable common choices; obsidian and stones like turquoise are softer and more delicate. The table below is a quick reference for brands choosing a stone.
Gemstone dice reference table
Hardness values are approximate Mohs ratings; natural stone varies. "Best for" reflects how each stone is typically positioned in a tabletop line.
| Stone | Color | Family | Hardness (Mohs) | Character & best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amethyst | Purple | Quartz | ~7 | Visible zoning and mineral character; the flagship purple gemstone set. |
| Rose Quartz | Soft pink | Quartz | ~7 | Milky pink with natural clouding; elegant collector and gift sets. |
| Tiger's Eye | Golden-brown | Quartz | ~7 | Chatoyant banding that shifts in light; warm, premium look. |
| Green Aventurine | Green | Quartz | ~7 | Fine mineral shimmer (aventurescence); nature, druid, forest themes. |
| Clear / Smoky Quartz | Clear to brown-grey | Quartz | ~7 | Glassy transparency or smoky tint; clean, neutral premium sets. |
| Obsidian | Glossy black | Volcanic glass | ~5–5.5 | Deep black with high-contrast numbers; softer, handle with care. |
| Sodalite | Blue | Feldspathoid | ~5.5–6 | Deep blue with white veining; arcane, ocean, night themes. |
| Lapis Lazuli | Deep blue | Rock (lazurite) | ~5–5.5 | Rich blue, often with gold pyrite flecks; luxury tier, higher cost. |
| Labradorite | Grey with flash | Feldspar | ~6–6.5 | Iridescent blue-green schiller; striking, magic-themed sets. |
| Red Jasper | Brick red | Quartz (chalcedony) | ~6.5–7 | Opaque earthy red; fire, blood, warrior themes. |
| Turquoise | Blue-green | Phosphate | ~5–6 | Often stabilized for durability; distinctive but delicate. |
The core quartz-family stones
Quartz-family stones are the backbone of the gemstone dice market because they are widely available, take a good polish, and are hard enough (about Mohs 7) to survive normal handling.
Amethyst (purple)
Amethyst is the flagship gemstone dice material — a purple quartz with visible color zoning and mineral inclusions. Color runs from pale lilac to deep violet, and light-to-medium tone sorting is common so a set reads consistently. It is the go-to for a premium purple set.
Rose quartz (pink)
Rose quartz gives a soft, milky pink with natural cloud-like veils. It photographs beautifully and suits elegant, gift-oriented, and collector-tier sets.
Tiger's eye (golden-brown)
Tiger's eye shows chatoyant banding — a silky, shifting light effect across the golden-brown layers. Because the banding falls differently on every face, each die is visibly unique, which collectors prize.
Green aventurine (green)
Green aventurine is a green quartz with a fine internal shimmer called aventurescence. It is a natural fit for nature, druid, and forest-themed lines.
Obsidian and the softer stones
Obsidian is technically a natural volcanic glass rather than a crystalline mineral, but it is grouped with gemstones for dice. It delivers a deep, glossy black that makes engraved numbers pop, and it is polished to a gloss and inspected for stable edges before engraving. At around Mohs 5 to 5.5 it is softer than quartz, so obsidian dice — like turquoise, lapis, and sodalite — chip more easily and need careful handling and protective packaging. These stones are worth offering for their distinctive look, provided customers understand the trade-off.
A note on natural vs. treated stones
All the natural-color stones above vary from piece to piece — that is the point. Be aware that some materials on the market are dyed or otherwise treated to imitate pricier stones (for example, dyed howlite standing in for turquoise, or color-enhanced quartz). None of that is inherently wrong, but a brand's product claims need to match reality, so always confirm with your manufacturer whether a stone is natural or treated. For how this fits into a full sourcing plan, see our gemstone dice wholesale guide, and for the broader picture of gemstone as a premium tier, the complete gemstone dice guide.
Frequently asked questions
What types of gemstone are used to make dice?
Most often quartz-family stones — amethyst, rose quartz, tiger's eye, green aventurine, and clear or smoky quartz — plus obsidian, with sodalite, lapis lazuli, labradorite, red jasper, and turquoise also used.
What is the most durable gemstone for dice?
Quartz-family stones at around Mohs 7 (amethyst, tiger's eye, rose quartz, green aventurine) are the most durable common choices. Obsidian and turquoise are softer and more prone to chipping.
Is obsidian a gemstone?
It is a natural volcanic glass, not a crystalline mineral, but it is commonly grouped with gemstones. It gives a glossy black and, at about Mohs 5 to 5.5, needs careful handling.
Are gemstone dice colors dyed or natural?
The stones covered here are natural colors, which is why they vary. Some cheaper materials are dyed to imitate pricier stones, so confirm whether a stone is natural or treated before making product claims.
Choosing a stone for your gemstone dice line? We produce amethyst, tiger's eye, rose quartz, obsidian, and green aventurine, and can source others. Start an RFQ.