Gemstones are often considered valuable or semiprecious stones, but there are many different definitions of what constitutes a gemstone. The most popularly accepted definition is that a gemstone should have an attractive appearance so that it can be cut and polished for jewelry or other adornments. Gemstones are also used to manufacture industrial and electronic equipment, such as lasers and optical fibers.
However, many stones not traditionally considered “gems” have been used as such. There is no internationally agreed-upon definition of what constitutes a “gemstone” and what does not. The word “gem” has previously been applied to any semiprecious, crystal brightly colored, or stones that exhibit pleasing iridescence.
The west traditionally classified gemstones based on their levels of being precious. They considered some gemstones as precious while others as semiprecious. The difference openly shows the rarity of the respective stones in the old days, and their quality: precious stones were highly valued for their intangibility and durability. In contrast, common ones were generally considered worthless.
“Gem” in gemstone originates from “jeme”, an Old French word. The ancient Greeks wore amulets made of gems for protection against weathering, disease and evil spirits. Archaeologists excavating tombs in Egypt have found amulets that were made of jasper, carnelian and lapis lazuli thousands of years old. The ancient Egyptians believed that jasper was formed when lightning struck sand, while carnelian was thought to have been formed by the solidification of blood from the blood-red eyes of certain snakes.
Benefits of Gemstones
Gemstones in Jewelry
Gemstones are often used in jewelry, and the precious metals gold and silver being used for adornment for thousands of years. The gemstone is usually the center of attention in a piece of jewelry. Still, it is also common to set a gemstone into jewelry that has been made from other materials such as metal or plastic. The use of gemstones in jewelry can be traced back throughout history, but the use of large or colored gems has been especially prevalent since the 19th century.
Gemstones in Medicine
Some gemstones are used for gemstone therapy, a form of alternative medicine.
The therapy is holistic and non-invasive as it is based on the belief that all of the body’s organs are represented by corresponding stones, thus allowing the stones to be used to heal or maintain health.
Gemstones in Religion
Some cultures use gemstones in their religious practices. Christians use gems as symbols for their religious beliefs, such as using amethyst to protect from drunkenness and lapis lazuli for its beauty and association with heaven. In Judaism, amethyst is used for its symbolism as a stone of spirituality, strength, and peace.
Gemstones in Mythology
Some gemstones are used in mythology. Jade is loved for its healing properties and opal for its ability to reflect all rainbow colors. In Greek mythology, amethyst is associated with Bacchus, god of wine and intoxication; in Roman mythology, amethyst was thought to be able to protect against drunkenness.
Reasons making Gemstones Special
Gemstones are Durable
Gemstones display high endurance levels, which are vital for their functioning. The property is different from being hardy, as is seen with diamonds. Gemstones have been used for centuries to the present day as they are durable enough to endure long-term use. Their chemical and physical properties determine the durability of gemstones. Chemical and physical properties can be grouped into two broad categories:
Gemstones do not require special care like diamonds, as they are resilient and hardy. In some cases, taking extra care may even damage the gemstone. For example, cleaning with a lint-free cloth is recommended for opals and pearls; however, this can lead to scratches on the stone’s surface if done improperly.
Gemstones are Rare
Their tendency to be rare boosts the uniqueness of gemstones. Among the gemstones that one cannot locate quickly include alexandrite and tanzanite. Alexandrite is not as common as it used to be in the past and can only be found in Russia. Tanzanite, on the other hand, is very rare because of its location. It is found only in Tanzania.
Article about What is the rarest gemstone?
The rarest gemstone is the black opal. It is found only in a few places around the world and is very difficult to find.
Opals are typically found in white, blue, or green colors. However, black opals are the rarest and most valuable type of opal. They are found only in a few places around the world, including Australia, Ethiopia, and Brazil.
Black opals are prized for their unique coloration. They range from dark gray to black and often have bright flashes of color within them.
While all opals are considered rare gemstones, black opals are the most rare and valuable type. They are often used in high-end jewelry and can command very high prices.
If you are lucky enough to find a black opal, it is sure to be a treasured addition to your collection!
What type of stone is gemstones?
Gemstones are typically minerals that have been cut and polished to be used in jewelry or other decorative items. Some common gemstones include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
Gemstones can be found in a variety of colors, depending on the type of mineral. They are often graded based on their clarity, color, and cut. The rarest and most valuable gemstones are typically those that are large, have few flaws, and exhibit intense colors.
While all gemstones are considered rare, some are more rare than others. Black opals, for example, are among the most rare and valuable gemstones in the world. If you are lucky enough to find one, it is sure to be a treasured addition to your collection!
Article About What are the big 4 gemstones?
The big four gemstones are diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth and have been used as symbols of love and power for centuries. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are all beautiful gemstones that have been treasured since ancient times.
All four of these gemstones are popular choices for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Each stone has its own unique properties that make it special.
Diamonds are known for their exceptional hardness, which makes them ideal for wear in everyday jewelry. Sapphires are prized for their deep blue color, while rubies and emeralds are cherished for their rich red and green hues respectively.
No matter which of the big four gemstones you choose, you are sure to have a beautiful and valuable piece of jewelry that will be treasured for years to come.
Which of the big four gemstones is your favorite?
Do you have a piece of jewelry that features one of these stones?
The nine precious stones named after are:
1. Diamond
2. Emerald
3. Ruby
4. Sapphire
5. Topaz
6. Opal
7. Pearl
8. Aquamarine
9. Garnet
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and they are also the hardest natural material on Earth. They are named after their exceptional hardness, which makes them perfect for engagement rings and other jewelry.
Emeralds get their name from the Latin word “smaragdus,” meaning green. This precious stone is known for its deep green color and has been used in jewelry for centuries.
Rubies get their name from the Latin word “ruber,” meaning red. These stones are prized for their rich, red color and have been used in everything from engagement rings to crown jewels.
Sapphires come in many colors, but blue sapphires are the most popular type. These beautiful stones get their name from the Greek word “sapheiros,” meaning blue.
Topaz gets its name from the Greek word “topazios,” which was first used to describe a yellow-green gemstone found on the island of Topazios (now called St John’s Island). Today, topaz comes in a variety of colors including pink, blue, and even white.
Opals are unique because they display all colors of the rainbow within one stone. The name opal comes from the Sanskrit word “upala,” meaning precious stone or jewel.
Pearls have been treasured since ancient times and were once considered more valuable than diamonds! These gems get their name from the Latin word “perna,” meaning leg or foot, as they were often found by divers searching for oysters at the bottom of lakes or oceans.
Aquamarine gets its name from two words: “aqua” meaning water, and “marine” meaning sea – fitting given this gem’s ocean-blue color .This stone is said to protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage . Last but not least is garnet ,which gets its name form he Latin word “granatus”meaning seedlike ,referring to it’s resemblance to pomegranate seeds.
So there you have it, a brief history of the nine precious stones named after!
Article About Which gemstone is for all planets?
There is no one gemstone that is considered to be for all planets. Each planet has its own associated gemstone, and some people believe that wearing the correct gemstone can help to bring balance and harmony to the wearer’s life.
The gemstones associated with each planet are as follows:
Sun – Ruby
Moon – Pearl
Mercury – Emerald
Venus – Diamond
Mars – Coral
Jupiter – Yellow Sapphire
Saturn – Blue Sapphire
Uranus – Opal
Neptune – Moonstone
Article About Which is the most powerful gemstone in astrology
There is no definitive answer to this question as the power of a gemstone is relative to the individual wearing it. Some people believe that diamonds are the most powerful gemstones, while others may feel that rubies or sapphires are more potent. Ultimately, it is up to the person who is wearing the gemstone to decide which one they believe is the most powerful.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the perceived power of a gemstone. The type of stone, the cut, the clarity, and the color all play a role in how potent it is thought to be. In addition, the way in which the gemstone is set can also affect its power. For example, a diamond that is set in gold is often thought to be more powerful than one that is set in silver.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which gemstone they believe is the most powerful. Some people may choose to wear multiple stones in order to benefit from their combined power. Others may only wear one stone that they feel particularly connected to. There is no wrong answer when it comes to choosing a powerful gemstone – it is simply a matter of personal preference.
How do you activate a gemstone?
There is no one way to activate a gemstone. Some people cleanse their gemstones with water, salt water, or sage smoke. Others charge their gemstones in the sun or moonlight.