A semi-precious stone or also known as a gem or gemstone is a portion of mineral, which, in refined and cut form, is used to create jewelry. Aside from minerals, there are also organic resources or precise rocks that are also used for jewelry and can be considered as gemstones as well.
Those who identify gemstones are called gemologists. They are the ones who label gems in the arena of gemology using practical language and their features. They also use the gemstones’ chemical arrangement to classify them. Another factor that determines the status of gemstones as semi-precious is the purity of the stone.
Jewelry with semi-precious gemstones is mostly worn by women as a way to easily and affordably enhance their fashion and style. Some even believe that gemstones provide health benefits with their energy properties and other effects. Each has its own unique look and style that can be utilized in jewelry design.
A semi-precious gemstone is any gemstone that is not a diamond, ruby, emerald, or sapphire. If you want to know more about them, here are the different types of semi-precious gemstones used in jewelry.
Topaz
This gemstone is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine. The color of Topaz in its natural state is a golden brown that is almost yellow. Some treatments can make it change into wine red, reddish-orange, pale gray, pink, completely opaque, or transparent.
One of the most popular gemstone colors for topaz is blue. In fact, Blue Topaz is the state gemstone of Texas. A naturally occurring blue topaz is rare to find, so those that you see used in jewelry have been treated to produce the blue color.
Chrysoprase
This gemstone contains small quantities of nickel. It is usually apple-green but can vary to deeper greens as well. The word ‘Chrysoprase’ came from the Greek words ‘chrysos’ meaning ‘gold’ and ‘prasinon’ meaning ‘green’.
This gemstone is composed of fine crystals that are not seen under normal magnification. The known sources of this gemstone are Queensland, Western Australia, Tanzania, Poland, Germany, Arizona, Russia, California, and Brazil. The green chrysoprase is thought by some to be a power-enhancing stone. Some would even say that this stone attracts energy for new love and prosperity.
Some users say that they can feel the positive energy of this bracelet right away, as chrysoprase remove negative energy and alleviates conditions like depression and anxiety. It’s also a gorgeous piece of jewelry in itself, so is probably worth the purchase even if you don’t believe in the healing energies.
Amber
This semi-precious gemstone is made from fossilized tree resin. It is famous for its natural color. Amber gemstones have been used in jewelry since the Stone Age, which was about thirteen thousand years ago. This gemstone is believed to contain a healing power, which means that whoever wears jewelry with this gemstone will have a sense of good health.
There’s also evidence of amber being used as a preserving technique, whether naturally or deliberately. When insects sit on a tree and get covered in the tree resin, they might get fossilized along with the coating substance. The resulting amber serves as a way to preserve the DNA or prehistoric insects, which makes it an important gemstone in the field of paleontology.
Onyx
This gemstone is formed by alternating bands of chalcedony in light and dark shades. The most famous variety of this gemstone in jewelry is the black onyx. Onyx can be found in different regions such as Germany, Canada, China, Argentina, and various states in America. Some say that wearing jewelry with the onyx gemstone can help release negative emotions, as it is the gemstone for relaxation.
Turquoise
This gemstone is an opaque blue-to-green mineral. Historically, this was one of the first gems to be mined. It was in the 14th century when Turquoise became an important stone, as the Roman Catholic Church used it for making secular jewelry. Some cultures believe Turquoise to be a holy stone and a bringer of good fortune.
Amethyst
This violet gemstone is a variety of quartz which is often used in jewelry. It is the traditional birthstone for February. The ancient Greeks believed that the amethyst gemstone can prevent intoxication. It used to be considered one of the most valuable gemstones in line with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, but eventually lost its value due to extensive deposits in Brazil.
Aventurine
This is another variety of quartz, which is usually colored green. The term ‘Aventurine’ comes from the Italian word ‘aventura’ meaning ‘by chance’. Most of the green aventurine gemstones originated from India but can also be found in Chile, Spain, and Russia. It’s usually available in the form of beads which are used in making bracelets. It is believed that wearing jewelry with aventurine gemstones can increase optimism and confidence.
Tiger’s Eye
This gemstone is made from metamorphic rock, with the color varying from gold to red-brown. It is also a member of the quartz group. In some countries, this gemstone is believed to ward off the evil eye which is a curse from the ancient times.
Jade
The history of Jade can be traced back to several thousand years ago when it was used to make tools and weapons due to its durability. Its name originated from “piedra de ijada”, a Spanish term which means, “stone for the pain in the side”.
This semi-precious gemstone is known to convey affluence and money and as well as captivate affection and help with self-healing. It is also believed to offer security from adversity and calamities.
Garnet
Garnets have six common types in the gemstones family. This is the birthstone for January and has a deep red color. These gemstones are said to be useful in attracting thoughtfulness and commitment. They are also believed to be givers of happiness and energy enhancers.
Tourmaline
The name tourmaline originated from the term, “turamali” in Singhalese meaning, “stone of mixed colors”. This semi-precious gemstone has a very exclusive spectrum of colors. It is also a very adaptable gemstone and is available in shades ranging from black to a completely colorless hue. It is believed to secure a sound monetary future and to develop physical strength.
Moonstone
This is an opaque and transparent semi-precious gemstone, which is a mixture of sheet mica and plagioclase albite. Moonstone has a dazzling glow which makes it unique and desirable to many. It is named so because of its incredible white and bluish shimmer, which looks like a sort of magical moonshine.
This semi-precious stone is also known as the traveler’s stone, as it is believed to protect those who travel at night. It also aids with the recognition of love and belonging and is often used for new love.
Malachite
This semi-precious stone has unique green veining inside. Malachite is a copper carbonate and not particularly a hard stone. It is typically found near copper ore deposits, especially the mines in the mountains of Russia.
Malachite is known as an authoritative stone of protection from physical damage. It is also known for acts of assistance and service to others.
Jasper
The term jasper came from the Greek word for “spotted stone”. It is made up of foreign materials that make up its streaky color and appearance. This is the gemstone of vivacity, physical energy, and security. It is believed to be a sign of protection at home, at work, and for travel as well.
Rose Quartz
This semi-precious gemstone has a unique soft pink color that tends to be deepened by cloudiness. Its color is thought to derive from tiny traces of titanium impurities has a glowing milky quality as well. These features make it perfect for cutting and carving purposes.
Rose quartz is believed to be a crystal of dedication and love. Some might believe that it can help bring new romance, love, and relationships to your life.
Tanzanite
This semi-precious gemstone is known for its worldwide success and has been in demand from the time it was discovered. There are three different colors on the spectrum of this gemstone, ranging from green to purple to blue.
The most coveted color here is a deep blue, which has a purple shimmer to it. Tanzanite is known to be a communication stone for some who believe in such things. It is believed to increase awareness in meditation and it can also soothe an overcharged mind.
Opal
This semi-precious gemstone is derived from Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and the United States. Its cost depends on the nature and occurrence of color flashes in the stone. Opal is also the most elusive gem that’s universally worn, and it requires distinct care in order to stay shiny and wearable. Opal is believed to be a gemstone of legend and wisdom. It is known to have a calming energy and vivid colors.
Pearl
Pearls are the products of bivalve mollusks, which are mostly mussels and oysters. They are not hard but are difficult to crush and compact. The colors of pearls vary greatly according to the water and type of mollusk.
The pearl is believed to be the representation of virtuousness and pureness. Jewelry pieces with pearls are often worn by brides, and it is also the birthstone for June.
Aquamarine
This semi-precious gemstone is in the same family as emerald. It is famous for its incredible range of beautiful blue colors. In Latin, the name ‘aquamarine’ means ‘seawater’. The most desirable color of aquamarine is dark blue; it’s also the birthstone for March. Some believe that it has soothing qualities, while the ancient Romans used to put it in water for a purifying effect.
Conclusion
Each gemstone is an invaluable gift from nature, and they never cease to amaze us with their unique qualities. The next time you purchase some jewelry pieces with semi-precious gemstones, you’ll know more about their background. This will enable you to appreciate and enjoy the jewelry on a deeper level.