LIST OF GEMSTONES
A gemstone, (also called a semi-precious or precious stone) is actually a piece of mineral which in cut and polished form, (scroll down for the list of gemstones),
has long been used for jewelry.
There are many different kinds of
gemstones present in the earth's surface.
Rarity, clarity and special characteristics like chemical composition, structure, specific gravity and durability classifies them
into precious and semi-precious stones and hence there market value and price.
In today's world the precious stones are diamonds , rubies, sapphires
and emeralds with all the other gemstones being semi-precious. This distinction is
not scientific and only reflects the rarity of the stone and their quality : all are translucent and very hard except for the diamonds.
In modern times gemstones are identified by gemologists who identify gemstones by their chemical composition. They are then classified into
different groups, species and varieties.
Physical characteristics that make a colored stone valuable are color, clarity to a lesser extent (emeralds will always have a number of
inclusions), cut, unusual optical phenomena within the stone such as color zoning, and asteria (star effects).
The Greeks, for example, greatly valued asteria in gemstones, which were regarded as a powerful love charm, and Helen of Troy was known to have
worn star-corundum.
Historically, gemstones were classified into precious stones and semi-precious stones. Because such a definition can change over time and vary
with culture, it has always been a difficult matter to determine what constitutes precious stones.
Aside from the diamond, the ruby, sapphire , emerald, pearl (strictly speaking not a gemstone) and opalhave also been considered to be precious.
Up to the discoveries of bulk amethyst in Brazil in the 19th century, amethyst was considered a precious stone as well, going back to ancient
Greece. Even in the last century certain stones such as aquamarine, peridot and cat's eye have been popular and hence been regarded as precious.
Nowadays such a distinction is no longer made by the trade. Many gemstones are used in even the most expensive jewelry, depending on the brand
name of the designer, fashion trends, market supply, treatments, etc. Nevertheless, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds still have a
reputation that exceeds those of our other list of gemstones.
Comprehensive list of gemstones:
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Agate
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Amber
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Alexandrite
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Almandine
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Amethyst
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Aquamarine
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Beryl
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Bloodstone
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Carbuncle
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Carnelian
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Cat's-eye
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Chalcedony
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Chrysoberyl
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Chrysophrase
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Citrine
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Corundom
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Demantoid
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Diamond
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Emerald
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Fire opal
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Garnet
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Girasol
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Hyacinth
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Jacinth
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Jade
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Jasper
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Jet
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Lapis lazuli
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Malachite
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Marcasite
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Moss agate
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Olivine
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Onyx
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Opal
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Pearl
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Peridot
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Pyrope
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Rose quartz
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Ruby
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Sardonyx
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Sapphire
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Smoky quartz
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Sunstone
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Tiger's eye
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Topaz
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Tourmaline
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Turquoise
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Zircon
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Go to Crystal Jewellery from List Of Gemstones.
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