What are the different types of semi-precious stones?

Introduction

Gemstones are divided into precious and semi-precious categories. However, some of them have complex compositions and structures that make classification challenging. A semi-precious stone, often known as a gem or gemstone (sometimes a jewel, a gem, or a precious stone), is a mineral fragment that is purified and carved into jewellery or other embellishments. There are also organic resources or exact rocks that are not minerals (for example, jet or amber) used in jewellery and are classified as gemstones. However, the majority of them are easily distinguishable, and here are some popular semi-precious gemstone types.

The different types of semi-precious stones

There are over 200 semi-precious stones, and we'll go over the most popular and commonly utilised gemstones in jewellery. All gemstones are valuable; however, the rarity of a gem increases its worth. Semi-precious stones are less common than valuable stones like diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. They are, therefore, referred to as semi-precious, even though they are valued on their own and can be worth more when compared to other precious gemstones of superior quality. Aside from these well-known gemstones, various other precious and semi-precious gems, such as beryl, jade, feldspar, lapis lazuli, topaz, and peridot, are commonly utilised in various decorative items and jewellery. Some of the types of semi-precious stones include-

1. Types of quartz gemstones- Quartz is the most widely distributed mineral on the planet. It comes in a broad variety of hues. Quartz is widely available, yet it is nevertheless regarded as a valuable gemstone since flawless and perfect quartz for jewellery and other decorative products is difficult to come by. Rock crystals, commonly known as clear quartz, can be found everywhere in the world.

• Amethyst is one of the most popular and well-known members of the Quartz family with a mild to deep purple colour. Because of the trace levels of iron and aluminium, the hue is purple. Amethyst is commonly known as the stone of safety and cleansing. Many individuals feel that wearing amethyst as a decorative piece or in jewellery helps keep their inner peace and energy field in balance and well-being.
• Citrine is a mineral that belongs to the Quartz and silicon dioxide families. Citrine gets its yellow tint from iron, and the word originates from the French word Citron, which meaning lemon. Citrine is a favourite gemstone among ladies and is frequently used in jewellery. Women prefer large citrine stones on their rings since they are less expensive than large diamond stones, and Hollywood celebrities have been seen wearing them.
• Smokey Quartz stones are popular types of semi-precious stones that have never been considered a rare gem in the past. Smokey Quartz has grown in popularity as a result of its accessibility and affordability. The hues range from light brown to rich chocolate brown, with a hint of black. Smokey Quartz beads and rings are popular in jewellery, and a spherical or rock version of it is used as a decorative rock or crystal in the home. Smokey quartz has been found in a variety of places and is well-known in reiki and meditation. It is renowned for shielding our surroundings from bad influences.
• Rose Quartz is the stone of unconditional love for oneself, partner, children, family, friends, the planet, the universe, and the divine. The hue rose quartz is derived from its name, and it is one of the great mother's stones. It connects one's heart to the earth's and universe's hearts. It is popular among meditators since it blends well with many gemstones. Rose Quartz is commonly used in jewellery manufacturing in conjunction with other gemstones. Rose Quartz was first used and admired by the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians.
• Aquamarine is a Beryl crystal with a stunning blue or blue-green colour. The name comes from the Latin phrase "aqua Marinus," which means "water of the sea" and relates to the crystal's clarity and ocean-like tint. This stone has been utilised by sailors since ancient times as a stone of courage, bringing confidence, fortune, and security. Aquamarine has recently been utilised for crystal healing, meditation, Reiki, jewellery, home design, and more.
• Because of its wide range of colours, the lovely crystal is known as the Rainbow stone. Tourmaline is available in practically every colour of the rainbow (yellow, red, black, pink, green, blue, golden, brown, white transparent and more). The Tourmaline's wide range of colours and low prices have made it a popular choice among gemstone collectors. In addition, tourmaline comes in various colours, each with its own set of healing powers.
• Kunzite is a mineral with a pale pink to light violet colour found in colourless, pink, yellow, or green crystals. Kunzite comes in a variety of colours and has vertical striations. Kunzite was called after the stone's discoverer, American mineralogist George Frederick Kunz (1). The heart is opened to the energies of love, interpersonal love, love for humans, animals, plants, and self-love by the delicate pink glow of kunzite. Kunzite is worn as jewellery by women and is also used for meditation.
• Peridot is olive to lime green magnesium iron silicate mineral. Peridot is commonly confused for Emerald due to its green hue; nevertheless, peridot is a common mineral that is generally available and not as rare as emerald. If shame or sorrow for past actions bothers you, Peridot can help you reclaim your self-worth.
• Chrysoberyl is also recognised for its hardness, as it has a larger percentage of beryllium. It's a lovely gemstone with green and yellow hues that change colour in different types of light. Alexandrite and Cat's eye are two well-known chrysoberyls that are frequently used in jewellery.

• Types of rock gemstones 

• Lapis, the king of all stones, lapis lazuli, is one of the most costly rock gemstones in the world. The name comes from a Latin phrase that means "blue stone." Also derived from the Arabic term "Lajaward," the Persian name for the stone from which Lapis was first extracted. Lapis is made up of three minerals: lazurite (blue), calcite (white), and pyrite (red) (the gold part). Lapis has been used for thousands of years. It is known as the stone of majesty and sanctity. Afghanistan produces some of the finest and most valuable Lapis. Lapis is utilised as a building material in Lapis tiles, countertops, Lapis fireplaces, and more and is worn as pendants or beads.
• Jade comprises two unique minerals: nephrite and jadeite, both incredibly durable stones with tightly connected crystal structures. Jade has been used for jewellery and carvings of important religious figures for thousands of years. China favours Jade above all other stones and carves dragons and other religious writings out of it. Myanmar is the principal source of jade, as it possesses the best jade and has been supplying China for more than 200 years. Green and blue jade and yellow, red, white, lavender, grey, and black jade are all rock minerals with a lot of strength.
• Jasper was once a valuable gemstone, and its name means "spotted or speckled stone." People adore Jasper because of its stunning colours, including white, black, orange, yellow, brown, green, and even blue. The iron is responsible for the rich black hue, and it is commonly dyed into other colours. In addition, the stone's spotted, ringed, and striped patterns make it a unique choice for countertops, wall decor, and tiles.
• Types of organic gemstones- Some organic gemstones are also well-known for their unrivalled beauty, and brilliant colours, pearls, and amber are two well-known examples of natural gemstones that do not come from a mineral source but instead come from an organic source. Organic gems come in various shapes and sizes, and they're commonly utilised in jewellery and other decorative things.
• The exquisite pearls have been treasured for thousands of years, and unlike other jewels, the pearl is generated in fresh saltwater beneath the sea. As a result, it is known as a natural gemstone. It is found in clams, oysters, mussels, and other animals and is not a rock or mineral specimen. Since ancient times, everyone has prized Pearls, even kings and queens. Pearls are appreciated as gemstones because of their natural high quality, and their colours range from white to pink, blue, brown, grey, and black.
• Jet is a mixture of carbon and hydrocarbon molecules that appears in a black or dark brown tint. It's made from ancient wood and resembles coal, but it's considerably more complex and more durable. Jet has been used as part of the Cross in the shape of beads in Roman Catholic churches. It has a rich history, but it has only recently been popular as part of jewellery, primarily in Spain and other European countries.
• Amber, like Jet, is a hydrocarbon-based natural botanic resin that has been fossilised. The name comes from the Arabic word "Amber," which means "the same colour." It is generally translucent and ranges in colour from yellow to brown to reddish-brown. Amber was once considered a holy object, and it was thought that burial it with the deceased would protect them in the hereafter.

Conclusion

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