Cairngorm

/ˈkernɡɔrm/ noun

Definition

A type of smoky yellow or brown semi-precious quartz gemstone, originally found in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland.

Etymology

Named directly from the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland ('cairn' from Gaelic 'càrn' meaning pile of stones, plus 'gorm' possibly meaning 'dark' or 'blue'). The stone became fashionable in 19th-century jewelry.

Kelly Says

Victorian jewelers loved cairngorms so much that they created entire industries around Scottish tourism—people would visit the Cairngorms specifically to collect these golden-brown crystals!

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