Are There Big Differences Between Precious and Semi-Precious Stones?

By Bill October 11, 2022

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Are you intrigued by the world of gemstones , but overwhelmed by the array of choices? What is the difference between precious semi-precious and precious gemstones? What are the different kinds sizes, colors and cuts? If you're just beginning with the different types, colors, sizes and value can be confusing as well. What can you do to determine which gems are safe investment options?

If you're interested in learning more about the fascinating world of gemstones, keep looking for useful details that will help you in your quest.

What Makes Gemstones Special Vs. Other Rocks?

Gemstones and common rocks comprise of minerals. They can appear very similar in their rough appearance.

But, although rocks for tumbling come in all shapes and sizes but they don't possess the exact structure that gemstones have. Gemstones generally have a crystalline structure that, when cut , and polished, reveals the brilliance and colors and color of the gemstone. In certain instances, however stones are semi-precious; an example of this is lapis lazuli.

Which Gemstones Are Precious Stones?

Four gemstones are the only ones that can be classified as precious stones. They include:

Diamond
Emerald
Ruby
Sapphire

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The four gems of these precious stones are distinguished by their quality, clarity and toughness. In addition, diamonds gain worth due to their brightness, and the other gemstones are valued for their vivid hues.

These four stones all rate very high on the Mohs scale determines the mineral's resistance to scratching. In the Mohs scale, 1, is the most soft and 10 is the most hard. Diamonds are rated at 10.10 on the Mohs scale. They are the strongest natural substance on Earth and are the only way one other diamond cut a diamond.

Ruby and sapphires both have an average hardness of 9 while emeralds range between 7.5 up to 8. They are less hard than diamonds, but are more durable than other materials.

The definition of the four stones listed as precious is a bit outdated. The majority of semi-precious stones that are high-quality are more valuable than lesser-quality precious gems. Additionally, many semi-precious stones are more scarce that precious gemstones. Don't fall for the notion that because a stone is semi-precious does not mean it's not as attractive or valuable like a precious stone.

Certain experts consider alexandrite, jadeite and pearls in the category of precious stones because they are precious and rare. Some jewelry experts agree that the distinction between semi-precious and valuable isn't clear and shouldn't be solely the measurement of the value of a gemstone.

What Are Some Common Semi-Precious Stones?

The International Gem Society provides more than 300 gemstones. Some of them include:

Amethyst
Aquamarine
Citrine
Garnet
Jasper
Moonstone
Opal
Pearl
Topaz
Turquoise

Semi-precious stones can be found in a myriad of shades and opaqueness. Some are faceted as precious stones, while others are opaque, like turquoise and pearl.

What Makes Precious Gemstones More Valuable Than Semi-Precious Gemstones?

It is here that it gets a bit complicated. In general diamonds, emeralds sapphires and rubies are more expensive than semi-precious stones, there are some exceptions. It all comes down to the quality and the rarity.

For instance, a rare green garnet tsavorite is a semi-precious stone that might be worth more even a sapphire with a moderate grade. Alexandrite jadeite, Alexandrite and tanzanite are more rare than diamonds, and they can fetch the prices of their exclusiveness.

For the most part the rarity of gemstones gives the stones a greater value. Also, their clarity which is a major aspect in the value of a stone. Precious gems usually have clear, while some semi-precious stones can be transparent or completely opaque.

Clarity determines the stone's imperfections that include any imperfections in the surface, fractures or other minerals in the stone. The less imperfections a gemstone has, the greater its clarity, and the greater its value.

How Do We Classify Gemstones?

There are five classifications of gemstones. We employ these classifications based on the stone's formation and any modifications that are made.

Natural Gemstones

Natural gemstones are polished and cut however, other than that, they're created within their natural environment and with the same conditions that they are in jewelry. There were no other modifications made.

Genuine Gemstones

Genuine gemstones are genuine stones that have undergone treatment to improve their appearance.

Treatment of gemstones could include changing their colors through the use of heat, radiation, or other chemicals. This also involves the repair of fractures or holes through filling them up with an inert material. This improves the appearance of the fractures and also increases their longevity.

Treated Gemstones

These are similar to natural gemstones, however treated gemstones may also contain synthetic gemstones. Gemstones can undergo treatments to change their colour or eliminate imperfections.

Synthetic Gemstones

The synthetic gemstones are becoming more popular, not just because they allow you to obtain a more premium or unique stones at less price however, they also remove the mining process that can be debated. Synthetic stones are physically and chemically the same as the natural counterpart however, it was developed in a laboratory , not extracted by the Earth.

The majority of gemstones can be created in a laboratory, including diamonds. Jewelery made from the gems is identical to natural stones, unless you are the expertise of the jeweler.

Simulated or Imitation Gemstones

These imitation gems aren't real gemstones. They are usually made of made of plastic or glass to look similar to gemstones, and are easily recognized by an expert jeweler.

What Are Gemstones Made From?

Gemstones are the most valuable substance, however they are made up of a variety of natural substances, such as mineral substances, volcanic glass and rocks. Some gemstones are also of animals or plant origins.

Four precious stones comprise mineral Diamonds are the sole gemstone made from just one element, namely carbon that is highly pressurized. The other stones are compound and small amounts of a second mineral which gives them their hue.

The semi-precious stones that are formed from minerals comprise:

Amethyst
Aquamarine
Citrine
Garnet
Peridot
Quartz
Topaz
Tourmaline
Zircon

The volcanic activity is responsible for the formation of obsidian, which is a natural glass created by rapid cooling the lava.

Certain semi-precious stones are stunning and rare rocks. They include jasper lapis, lapis Opal, tiger's Eye and turquoise.

Some gems also come from living sources, whether from a plant or an animal. Amber is derived from the resins of several trees, such as pine. Coral is the skeletons that have been hardened that are made of coral polyps. Ivory comes from the tusks and the teeth of walruses, elephants hippos, warthogs, and whales. Pearls are made through oysters.

How To Care for Gemstones

Although stones appear to be unbreakable, some are more prone for damage than the others and all including diamonds, require certain attention.

Although precious stones as well as certain semi-precious stones are resistant to scratching, be sure to keep them all together. Diamonds are best stored in a separate container since they could scratch any other substance, even other diamonds.

In addition the stones that are impervious to scratching may break. If you dropped anything that is heavy on the diamond or another precious gem, it might fracture or break.

Other semi-precious stones are on the lower side on the Mohs hardness scale and may be damaged or scratched more easily. Pearl and Amber particularly, are very soft, with an Mohs rating of two up to 2.5 and 2.5 to 3, respectively.

When selecting the right gemstones for jewelry, take into account their usage. Soft stones are better for earrings than bracelets or rings because you fingers experience more wear and tear than your ears.

It is important to understand what your precious stones can take when you're looking after them. Emeralds, for instance, can easily break and will not stand up to ultrasonic cleaning. Other gems, like citrine, amethyst, and topaz, are susceptible to fading and shouldn't be stored out in the sun's rays for long time.

Tips for Getting Started With Gemstones

If you're looking to collect gemstones it is likely that you start with semiprecious stones as they tend to be cheaper. You can buy more stunning models for the same price you'd spend on a tiny valuable gem.

A few affordable semi-precious stones that you can begin with are:

Agate
Carnelian
Garnet
Quartz
Topaz

Stones that are treated or synthetic are an ideal way to begin your collection with some attractive stones without breaking the bank.

When it comes to stones make sure you purchase the highest quality stones which you are able to afford. Choose stones that you love. If you see a vivid quartz that looks more appealing than a diamond that is flawless, you'll probably be happier with a larger quartz piece than tiny diamonds for exactly the same price.

Journey Into the World of Gemstones

Now, you are aware of the distinctions between semi-precious and precious stones. You've learned about the names of various gems, the way they're valued, their different classifications and the materials they are made of and how to take take care of them.

With these guidelines If you've mastered these tips, you'll be ready to explore the stunning world of gems. However, if you're still left with questions, please inquire by commenting below.

It is important to note is the fact that diamonds rubies, emeralds and sapphires are valuable and all other stones are semi-precious. However, remember that this distinction is only as significant as you consider it to be.