Precious stones are defined as visually appealing gemstones created from rocks or
minerals. Often used for jewelry and fashion accents, this term was created in the
mid-1800’s to refer to four specific stones; diamonds, rubies, emeralds and
sapphires. All precious stones are translucent and are valued by the richness
of their color, except for the diamond, which has a higher value based on being
colorless.
Diamonds
The diamond is the most popular of all gemstones. The diamond is the highest valued
precious stone, which takes millions of years to form. A diamond is a mineral compound
made of pure carbon and is the hardest natural substance on the planet.
Rubies
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, one of the hardest minerals on
Earth, of which the sapphire is also a variety. Corundum is the mineral form of
alumina which crystallizes in the hexagonal system. The red color of ruby results
from a small admixture of chromic oxide. Only red corundum is entitled to be called
ruby, all other colors being classified as sapphires.
Emeralds
Emerald is one of the most fascinating and beautiful gemstones. The name of this
remarkable gemstone comes from Greek 'Smaragdos', meaning 'Green Stone'. Its beautiful
green color, combined with durability and rarity, makes it the one of the most valuable
gemstones. Deep green is the most desired color in emeralds. The green color of
this stone occupies a special position in many cultures and religions.
Sapphires
Sapphire is also a variety of the mineral Corundum and represents all the colors
except red Corundum, which is Ruby. Its physical and chemical properties are virtually
similar to properties of Ruby. Blue is the main color of the Sapphire whereas this
gemstone is also found in colors like green, orange, pink, gray, colorless, black,
brown, and purple. The word 'Sapphire' in its plain context refers only to blue
Sapphire, unless a prefix color is specified.
Find out more about Diamond Cut from Wikipedia.
Gemstones those are valued for their beauty and not covered under any one of the
four ‘Precious Stones’, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby or Sapphire, are known as Semi-Precious
Stones. Semi-Precious Stones are available in all price ranges from low priced to
high priced. There are many Semi-Precious Stones:
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a form of the mineral Chrysoberyl, discovered in 1830 in Russia and
named after Czar Alexander II, who was then Crown Prince of Russia. This is a very
attractive and rare stone, and therefore finely faceted Alexandrite above one carat
is among the most expensive gemstones in the world, rarer than fine Ruby, Sapphire
or Emerald.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a variety of Quartz family, colored by traces of manganese, titanium
and iron. Deeper-colored amethysts are more highly valued. Rich purple has always
been a rare and noble color. Amethyst’s name comes from Greek word 'Amethystos'
mean 'Not Intoxicated' or ‘Not Drunken’. The Amethyst is said to bring good luck
and to radiate love. This brilliantly sparkling stone is the most valued gemstone
from the quartz family.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a variety of mineral Beryl. This is a fascinatingly beautiful gemstone
found in colors like light blue of the sky to the deep blue of the sea. The more
intense the color of an Aquamarine, the more value is put on it.
Citrine
Citrine is a variety of mineral Quartz and often mistakenly called ‘Topaz’. This
radiant, lemony yellow gemstone gets its name from the French word ‘Citrin’, meaning
‘Yellow’. There are not many yellow gemstones in the world of jewels and the Citrine
fulfils everyone's color wishes, from lemon yellow to reddish brown, in affordable
price range.
Garnet
Garnet is a family of stones having many varieties differing in color and in their
constituents. This name is derived from its resemblance in color and shape to the
seeds of the pomegranate. The most common color of Garnets range from light red
to violet, but can also be white, green, yellow, brown and black except blue.
Iolite
The name Iolite comes from the Greek word 'Ion', which means ‘Violet’. Iolite is
often confused with Tanzanite because of its similarity in color. Generally, Iolite
is a deeper shade of violet, with hues ranging from deep blue, purple, lavendar,
and gray-blue.
Opal
Opal is a very popular gemstone, mainly due to its wonderful variety of rich and
beautiful colors. One of the extraordinary features of this gemstone is called Opalescence.
Opalescence is a kind of light play that happens with certain high quality stones.
Light reflects and bounces around the very small structures of the stone, giving
it a wonderful aura and sometimes iridescence.
Find out more about Diamond Clarity from Wikipedia.