Scene-Stealing Crystals: A Focus on Precious v/s Semi-Precious Stones!
Do you know that gemstones are distinguished between Precious and Semi-precious stones? Yes, although it is also true that Precious stones are confined to only four gems, whereas all others are considered Semi-precious stones. We agree that this is surprising but interesting. So, let us move forward to draw your focus on Precious v/s Semi-precious stones!
Raising The Curtains for Precious and Semi-Precious Stones
"Gems, in fact, are a species of mineral flowers; they are the blossoms of the dark, hard mine; and what they want in perfume, they make up in durability."
~Harriet Beecher Stowe, an American author.
This above-written quote about gemstones is a simili that beautifully demonstrates the resemblace between two opposite things. It tells us that crystals are enduring and inexhaustible pieces of nature. Coming from the past times, jewels have been recognized for their therapeutic, bland, and affirmative characteristics. They are contemplated for a long time due to their color, origin, and rarity. The organic minerals, chemical properties, temperature change, and minerals are the factors that ascertain their attractiveness. Whether precious or semi-precious stones, they are also employed in making many things, such as sculptures, other artworks, and, most prominently, jewelry, including necklaces, pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets, etc.
Dig a Hole Deeper to Know the Difference Between Precious v/s Semi-precious Stones!
Gemstones like Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, and Emerald are credited for being Precious, for as much as all other gemstones in the world apart from these four are acclaimed as Semi-precious gemstones, and these are the respective types of gemstones. Nowadays, many semi-precious gems are more valuable and rarer than precious stones. There are many grounds on which the differentiation could be done.
| Basis | Precious Gemstones | Semi-Precious Gemstones |
| Hardness | When measured with the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, Precious gemstones are relatively tough and range between 7.5-10. | When measured with the Mohs mineral hardness scale, Semi-precious gemstones score less than 8. |
| Sensitivity | Precious stones are less sensitive as they cannot fade their color or be damaged easily, even when worn for a long time. | Semi-precious stones are very sensitive to dust, heat, temperature, chemicals, or sweat and can be tarnished when worn for a long time. |
| Clarity | Precious stones with less or zero inclusions are extremely occasional; otherwise, even high-quality stone has some inclusions. | Semi-precious stones with zero inclusions are of premium quality and copiously available. |
| Cut | Precious gems are generally sculpted in faceted cut to accentuate their quality, and their cabochon variety is infrequent. | Semi-precious gems are primarily carved in cabochon cut but can also be beautifully engraved in faceted cut. |
| Color | Precious jewels are available in only a few colors, such as blue, green, and red; diamonds are colorless. | Semi-precious jewels offer an abundant variety of colors in gemstones ranging from dark to light. |
| Demand | Precious gemstones are demanded due to their rarity, beauty, durability, and persistence. | Semi-precious gemstones are in demand due to their limitless colors and inexpensiveness. |
| Affordability | Precious gemstones are relatively high-priced due to their uniqueness. | Semi-precious stones are less costly due to less rarity. |
| Distinctiveness | Precious gemstones are admiringly unique and distinctive because of their sturdiness. | Semi-precious gemstones are less unusual and distinct because of their softness. |
In The Know about Precious and Semi-precious Gemstones!
It is essential to understand that gemstones other than Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, or diamond are considered semi-precious but are not less worthy and beautiful. Even many gemstones are more precious and expensive than precious gemstones, such as Tanzanite, Alexandrite, Jadelite, Opal, etc. But we know it is just a means of differentiation, which never bothers gem collectors or jewelry enthusiasts. It doesn't matter whether you opt for Emerald or Sapphire or adorn yourself with Amethyst or Turquoise; what matters is how beautifully a stone makes you fascinating.
Gemstones are prevalent these days as they are used to make engagement rings. People are stopping the cliche of using diamonds for their engagement or wedding ring and selecting gemstone rings for their special day. But it is important to address that their gemstones can be either Precious or Semi-precious. You can choose a Ruby ring or a Garnet ring, what ever is best suitable for you.
