Semi-Precious Stones
By definition, all gemstones are valuable, although some command far greater prices than others.
The labels "precious" and "semi-precious" have traditionally been used in the gemstone business to distinguish the main four stones (Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires) from the others.
This is mostly due to historical convention. While we now know that rarity or antiquity have no influence on the definition of a semi-precious stone, for the sake of clarity and simplicity, we'll use the traditional term for this guide.
Let's have a look at some of the most popular semi-precious stones.
Red Semi-Precious Stones
1. Spinel
Because of their deep red colour, spinels are notorious for being mistaken for rubies by European aristocracy. However, it is not the same mineral as corundum (the mineral origin of Ruby and Sapphire).
Red is the most common colour, although it also comes in pink and blue tints. High-quality spinels are more difficult to find than rubies and sapphires and are found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. This is the birthstone for August babies.
2. Red Beryl
This semi-precious stone, formerly called as Bixbite after Maynard Bixby, who found it in Utah in 1904, is an incredibly uncommon variety of beryl and highly valued for its deep red colours.
The Wah Wah Mountains in Beaver County, Utah, are the sole mining region for gemstone-quality red beryl. Because of its scarcity, clarity and colour grade are less essential, with gem cutters focusing on carat weight in its cut.
Blue and Violet Semi-Precious Stones
1. Aquamarine
Aquamarine, the March birthstone, is a blue and greenish-blue variation of Beryl that is coloured by tiny quantities of ferrous iron.
This stone contains less inclusions than typical Beryl, which contributes to its transparent appearance. Aquamarines, named after the Latin word for saltwater, were thought to safeguard sailors at sea, as well as to calm waves and cleanse water. Brazil is the primary supplier of aquamarine, and the stones are typically pale in colour. Darker and more saturated Aquamarines are the most valued because to their scarcity.
2. Amethyst
Amethysts, the purple form of Quartz and the most well-known purple gemstone, ranging in colour from light lilac to deep purple. Amethyst gets its colour from the presence of aluminium and iron impurities.
Until the discovery of vast reserves in Brazil, the value of this stone was comparable to that of ruby and emerald. It was also considered to inhibit inebriation!
It should be stored away from direct sunlight and other gemstones to minimise scratches and colour loss. This is the birthstone for February babies.
3. Tanzanite
Tanzanite stones are blue because zoisite contains tiny levels of vanadium. Tiffany & Co. named it after Tanzania, where it was found in 1967.
This stone can only be found in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania's Lelatema Mountain. Tanzanites are pleochroic, which means they show three distinct colours when viewed from three separate crystal orientations.
4. Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque mineral made up of hydrated copper and aluminium phosphate. Sky blue and robin egg blue are its most valuable colours.
It was discovered 6,000 years ago at Egyptian burial sites and was formerly employed as a protective amulet. Its principal mining suppliers are now the United States, China, and Iran. Turquoise jewellery must be properly cleaned and preserved to avoid colour change.
Green Semi-Precious Stones
1. Jade
Jade has two pure forms: Jadeite and Nephrite. Jadeite is more uncommon, harder, and brighter; but nephrite is more durable for jewellery and carved art.
The ancient Chinese utilised jade to make both luxury goods and utilitarian. It is still highly valued in China today, with the Imperial Jade kind being the most valuable. Mines for jade may be found in China, Canada, Myanmar, and Russia.
2. Peridot
Peridots, which are said to aid in learning and healing, were discovered in pallasite meteors and comet dust. The dark olive and lime green colours of this stone are the most popular.
Its principal mining location is Arizona, however larger and higher grade Peridot may be found in Pakistan and Myanmar. The yellowish-green type of Olivine is the birthstone for August.
Yellow and Orange Semi-Precious Stones
1. Citrine
The iron traces in Quartz are responsible for the crystal's yellow to reddish-orange colour. Natural Citrine is uncommon, with most current stones being heat-treated Amethyst. This November birthstone is said to be energising and is mined largely in Brazil.
2. Amber
Amber is not really a gemstone because it is formed of biological stuff rather than mineral. A highly prized amber features obvious fossilised inclusions such as plants and insects and is mostly comprised of Pinus succinifera resin that has been preserved for at least 30 million years (think: Jurassic Park).
Its principal source is the Baltic Sea region's Kaliningrad Oblast. Avoid contact with solvents, alcohol, heat, and chemicals to preserve its quality.
Multi-Coloured Semi-Precious Stones
1. Opal
Despite being a common stone found almost everywhere on the earth, gemstone-quality Opals are highly valued for their ability to vividly flash numerous colours when light strikes them.
Its "colour play" is formed by carefully placed tiny spheres of silica. Precious opal (those with "play-of-color") is the most valuable and is highly uncommon. Opal, which is mostly found in Australia, is said to be a stone of strength, knowledge, and healing, making it an appropriate birthstone for individuals born in October.
Opal jewellery should be handled with caution since it is softer than other gemstones.
2. Garnet
Although the red form is the most well-known, garnet is a mineral group that comes in a number of colours, including green, yellow, orange, purple, and blue. Tsavorite Garnets, on the other hand, are prized for their uncommon green colour, which is created by tiny quantities of chromium or vanadium.
3. Topaz
Topaz is a rare silicate mineral that comes in a variety of colours such as blue, green, orange, yellow, red, pink, and purple. However, natural pink, red, and a brilliant reddish-orange termed "Imperial Topaz" are its most sought-after colours.
Topaz stones, like Tanzanites, are pleochroic (shows different colours when viewed at different angles). This birthstone for November is predominantly mined in Brazil and Sri Lanka.
4. Pearl
Pearls, the only gemstone generated by living animals, may be found in both fresh and saltwater mollusks. Nowadays, most pearls are farm-grown rather than naturally occuring.
The most well-known are cream and white pearls, but there are also pink, blue, red, purple, yellow, green, and black pearls. The most sought-after form, however, are large, white, blemish-free round Pearls. Real pearls, which are considered a sign of purity and virtue, have a roughness that contrasts with unnaturally smooth counterfeit pearls.