What are semi-precious stones called?

According to Federal Law of the Russian Federation N 41-FZ “On Precious Metals and Precious Stones” dated March 26, 1998, precious stones are “natural diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and alexandrites, as well as natural pearls in raw (natural) and processed form” and “unique amber formations are equated to precious stones.” There is no concept of semi-precious stones in Russian legislation. Thus, all other stones, except those mentioned, are classified as semi-precious, or jewelry, and semi-precious, or decorative. For centuries, people have used the terms “precious” and “semi-precious” to describe valuable minerals. However, there are many exceptions to this classification. For example, 1 carat of a low-quality diamond can cost 10 times less than 1 carat of a garnet of rare color and exceptional clarity. Although a diamond is traditionally a precious stone, a garnet is not. For this reason, the term “semi-precious” stone is not used in the jewelry industry today and has been replaced by “jewelry” stone. Since the mid-19th century, gemologists have tried to classify natural minerals according to rarity, purpose and price. The first classification of valuable natural stones was developed by the German mineralogist Karl Kluge in 1860. Kluge divided the stones known at that time into two categories: the first – precious with three classes of stones, the second – semi-precious with two classes of stones. In 1896, another German mineral scientist, Max Bauer, introduced a new classification in which he divided valuable stones into three categories: precious, ornamental and organogenic (formed during biological processes occurring in living organisms) precious stones. This classification covered a larger list of minerals and became widespread. Later, Bauer’s classification was expanded by the Soviet mineralogist Alexander Fersman. In 1972, the Bauer-Fersman classification was improved by the Soviet local geologist Vitaly Sobolevsky, dividing valuable minerals into two groups: jewelry (precious) with three classes and non-ferrous minerals with two classes. But Sobolevsky’s classification has two drawbacks. The first – there is no number of generally recognized precious stones, but contains a large number of varieties of minerals, the second – one class combines stones that are completely different in cost. For example, diamond is in the first class of jewelry stones along with euclase. In 1973, Soviet and Russian geologist Evgeny Kievlenko developed a new classification taking into account the market value and purpose of valuable stones. Kievlenko identified three categories of minerals: jewelry (precious) stones, jewelry and semi-precious stones and semi-precious stones. This classification remains the most popular among jewelers.

1 group. Jewelry (precious) stones

• 1st order: ruby, sapphire, diamond, emerald
• 2nd order: orange alexandrite, black noble opal, jadeite, noble purple and green sapphire
• 3rd order: demantoid, spinel, fire and white opal, noble aquamarine, tourmaline, rhodolite, topaz
• 4th order: peridot, yellow, pink and green beryl, kunzite, zircon, turquoise, amethyst, pyrope, almandine, sunstone, chrysoprase, moonstone, citrine

2nd group. Jewelry and ornamental stones

• 1st order: Lapis lazuli, jadeite, jade, amber, malachite, charoite, colorless and smoky rock crystal
• 2nd order: agate, hematite-bloodstone, rhodonite, amazonite, iridescent opaque feldspars (belomorite, etc.), iridescent obsidian, vesuvian and epidote-garnet rodingides (jades)

3rd group. Ornamental stones

• Jasper, marble onyx, jet, obsidian, petrified wood, patterned flint, listvenite, graphic pegmatite, aventurine quartzite, fluorite, selenite, colored marble, agalmatolite

In subsequent years, gemologists continued to refine and improve Kievlenko’s classification. As a result, in 2010, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Professor Evgeniy Melnikov developed a new classification of valuable minerals, significantly expanding and supplementing Kievlenko’s version. Melnikov proposed four groups of stones: precious, jewelry, jewelry and semi-precious stones.

Group I. Gems

Diamond, noble corundum – ruby, sapphire; noble beryl – emerald; noble chrysoberyl – alexandrite; sea ​​natural pearls

Group II. Jewelry stones

• 1st order: noble red spinel, pinkish-orange sapphire (padparadscha), pink sapphire, demantoid, tsavorite, noble black opal, tanzanite, paraiba tourmaline
• 2nd order: sapphire yellow, green, purple; star corundum; blue spinel (ganospinel), pink, purple; orange topaz (imperial), beryl – aquamarine, sparrowite, bixbite, maxis; zircon – hyacinth, green, blue; tourmaline – rubellite, polychrome; noble white and fire opals, phenacite, garnet – malaya, rhodolite, topazolite; ametrine; spodumene – giddenite, kunzite; natural river pearls, sea cultured pearls
• 3rd order: tourmaline – verdelite, indigolite; beryl – heliodor, goshenite (rosterite); topaz – yellow, blue, pink; chrysolite, leucosapphire; chrysoberyl – cymophane (noble cat’s eye); star diopside, colorless topaz, pyrope garnet, spessartine, almandine, grossular (hessonite, leucogranate, rosolite), uvarovite; amethyst, prasiolite, citrine, rutile quartz
• 4th order: tourmaline – dravite, achroite; tektites (moldavites, australites), quartz and other cat’s eyes, hawk’s eye, tiger’s eye, morion, andradite, vesuvianite, axinite, cordierite (iolite), clinohumite, cornerupin, euclase, amblygonite, brazilianite, scapolite, apatite, chrome diopside (sibirlite ), kyanite, andalusite, epidote, sphalerite – cleiophane, prshibramite, marmatite; sphene, cassiterite, scheelite, danburite, prehnite, freshwater cultured pearls, mother-of-pearl

III group. Jewelry and ornamental stones

• 1st order: charoite, sugilite, malachite, blue turquoise, green; jadeite, lapis lazuli, jade, corundum (ruby) – zoisite rock (aniolite), rhodonite, rhodochrosite, dumortierite, rose quartz, mammoth and ivory, coral, amber, chalcedony – agate, chrysoprase, carnelian, carnelian, sarder, sapphirine, onyx , heliotrope; sodalite, eudialyte, chrysocolla, azurite
• 2nd order: rock crystal, smoky quartz, amazonite, decorative quartz – tourmaline, chlorite, actinolite; aventurine, hematite, rhodusite, staurolite, astrophyllite, small-patterned and landscape jasper, simbircite, common opal, iridescent obsidian, iridescent feldspars – labradorite, spectrolite, belomorite; sunstone, moonstone (adularia), iridescent nepheline (eleolith), jade, pectolite – larimar; tugtupite, petalite, quartz – granular, icy, fragmentary

IV group. Ornamental stones

Jasper is plain, banded; written granite, petrified wood, cacholong, marble onyx, obsidian, selenite, clinochlore, fluorite, serpentinite, jet, shungite, thulite, patterned skarn, decorative quartzites, ophiocalcite, agalmatolite, soapstone, goldite; patterned flint; conglomerate, breccia, decorative porphyry.

In recent years, luxury jewelry brands have increasingly used jewelry and semi-precious stones in their permanent collections and High Jewelry collections, in addition to traditional precious stones – diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds – spinel, paraiba tourmaline, tsavorite, aquamarine, opal, mother of pearl, malachite, turquoise, rock crystal, carnelian. Examples of such collections are: Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee, Two Butterfly and Zodiaque; Dior La Rose Dior; Bvlgari Eden, The Garden Of Wonders; Gucci Hortus Deliciarum.

Despite this trend, jewelry set with precious stones will be many times more expensive than jewelry with gemstones or gemstones, and diamonds are still a reliable investment. To evaluate or sell diamonds, come to our office on Maly Putinkovsky 1/2, or call +7 495 323-50-05 (+7 (495) 323-50-05). We remind you that in order to carry out transactions with precious stones, a document confirming your identity is required.

Semi-precious stones are natural minerals that nature gave us. Even in ancient civilizations, craftsmen learned to use natural gems to create rings with semi-precious stones, necklaces, crowns, and even inlay them into the clothes of royalty. Nowadays, the popularity of semi-precious stones has not faded. Moreover, in the coming season, stylists are talking about the trend of natural minerals in the world of jewelry fashion.

What are semi-precious stones?

To understand what semiprecious stones are and what minerals can be classified in this group, the classification of gems that are used in jewelry will help us. There are several classifications, but the one accepted on the international market looks like this:

1. Precious gems are the rarest and most expensive natural specimens. These include diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Recently, natural pearls have also been classified as precious minerals. Gems retain their shine and color for a long time. Some specimens can retain their amazing appearance for centuries without restoration.
2. Semi-precious stones are natural minerals that are more common, which is why their cost is lower. These include sapphires of fancy shades, alexandarites, opals, topazes, beryl, tourmaline, amethyst, turquoise, garnet, and citrine. These are more fragile minerals that require special care.
3. Jewelry and semi-precious stones are a fragile material for inlay. They are often found in nature, so they are inexpensive. This group includes rauchtopaz, aventurine, rock crystal, malachite, agate, rose quartz, jasper, and marble onyx. The cost of jewelry and semi-precious stones encourages their use not only to create jewelry, but also souvenirs or gifts.

The cost of jewelry with semi-precious stones will not always be affected by their belonging to one group or another. The purity and saturation of color, the presence of defects, inclusions and other impurities are important. At the same time, impurities are often found in semi-precious minerals – this is an indicator of the natural origin of the gem. Minerals are compounds that are formed in the process of complex geological formations, therefore inclusions in the structure of the gem are natural.

Popular semi-precious stones: list and photos

Jewelry with semi-precious stones is the most popular category of jewelry. Women’s silver bracelets with amethysts, necklaces with topaz, pendants with opals, crosses with garnets, rings with spinel – the catalog of semi-precious stones can be continued endlessly. We have collected only the most popular of them.

Agate

A unique mineral with a layered structure and banded color distribution. Agate is presented in the entire palette: white semi-precious stones, gray, blue, yellow and other shades. Particularly popular is the black semi-precious stone – a strong amulet against negative influences.

Depending on the cut in the picture, gemologists distinguish several varieties of the mineral: Brazilian, moss, iridescent, landscape. Some types of gems have received their own name: black agate is called onyx. Thus, a ring with black agate is an ideal men’s accessory.

Noble beryl

This is a green semi-precious stone, the younger brother of emerald. Even during the times of ancient civilizations, beryl was highly valued for its magical and healing properties. It is believed that beryl has incredible energy and is capable of healing and healing wounds. Beryl can have other shades. For example, the blue semi-precious stone of the beryl group – aquamarine – is also highly valued in jewelry.

Garnet

A red semi-precious stone that is highly valued in jewelry. Its popularity is so high that it is often classified as a precious gem. The scarlet and rich mineral has symbolized power and might since the Middle Ages. At the same time, garnet can be green (andradite) and orange (spessartine).

The most famous variety of garnet, pyrope, has a rich red color. It is pyrope that craftsmen use to create popular jewelry.

Quartz

The most common mineral in the world. More than 12% of the world’s minerals are quartz. There are dozens of its varieties and hundreds of shades, which in no way diminishes its cost and popularity. Common types of semi-precious stones that belong to the quartz group:

• citrine is a yellow semi-precious stone;
• aventurine;
• rauchtopaz is a brown semi-precious stone;
• morion;
• amethyst is a semi-precious stone of lilac color;
• onyx.

Rose quartz is also very popular. It is called a symbol of love, because its energy helps to find a soul mate and strengthen the bond between lovers.

Opal

Semi-precious mineraloid with variable water content. The ancient Romans called it a kaleidoscopic mineral because it had the same shades as rubies, emeralds, sapphires, topazes, and amethysts. The Roman Emperor Constantine was the first to talk about the magical properties of opal: he called it the protector of power and strength.

High-quality minerals are often given unusual cuts to maximize the design. The standard cut for opal is cabochon.

Topaz

A blue semi-precious stone that is often called the November mineral. Topaz can be found in other shades, for example, a yellow gem is popular. It is a transparent mineral with a characteristic glassy luster, which is why it is often compared to precious gems. Topaz is called a symbol of friendship and sincerity; it is given to young people as a protective talisman.

Tourmaline

This semi-precious stone surpasses other minerals in the variety of shades presented. Tourmalines are distinguished not only by a wide range of colors, but also by their crystal structure. The following tourmalines are found in jewelry: elbaite, dravite, uvite, scherl. There are also unique polychrome tourmalines, that is, multi-colored minerals. In one polychrome tourmaline, two or three different shades can be seen with the naked eye.

Chrysolite

A unique greenish stone that resembles spring grass. Earrings with peridot are a wonderful spring accessory that will give you mood and inspiration. Olive and golden minerals are also found. Even the name itself is translated from ancient Greek as “golden stone”. The second name is peridot.

Spinel

A semi-precious mineral with an impressive range of shades. Often, when people talk about spinel, they think of a red semi-precious stone. However, in Ukraine, blue spinel, also called cobalt, is more popular. These are beautiful and deep blue or neon translucent colors. Samples of a translucent blue shade are valued higher.

Amber

Amber products are among the most popular in Ukraine. Our ancestors also learned how to process “golden stone” and create unique jewelry. An amber necklace has long become a mandatory attribute of the national costume. The most famous amber deposit is Volynskoe, which is more than 2 billion years old.

How to choose semi-precious stones according to your zodiac sign?

Astromineralogy highly values ​​semi-precious stones because they contain the energy of the earth. According to astromineralogy, each gem has a unique energy that can affect a person. You can choose a talisman according to your zodiac sign:

• agate will help Aries overcome all difficulties and achieve success, and the semi-precious purple stone softens a strict character and helps to improve relationships with loved ones;
• Taurus is advised to wear quartz to find harmony with themselves and the world around them, as well as tourmaline (its influence will depend on the shade of the mineral);
• Geminis are advised to wear chrysoprase (brings financial wealth), amber (a source of solar energy), citrine (brings prosperity and prosperity);
• for Cancer, the talisman can be opal (strengthens intuition, helps preserve energy), agate (gives confidence, harmony with oneself), amethyst (strengthens relationships with relatives);
• the best amulet for Leo would be amber (will pacify temper, give inspiration), topaz (gives strength, confidence, courage), beryl (strengthens family ties, helps find a soul mate);
• For Virgos, amethyst (protects against negativity, stress, obsessive thoughts), citrine (charges with optimism and helps to find new friends), agate (helps to find the right path) is suitable;
• For Libra, beryl (cleanses energy, gives strength and confidence), garnet (relieves nervous tension, protects against stress, gives restful sleep);
• Scorpios are advised to use amethyst (gives prudence, protects against rash actions) and topaz (the November mineral will change life for the better and restore health);
• good amulets for Sagittarius would be agate (it will teach you how to distribute your own strength, will help you restore energy faster), topaz (protects you from the hypocrisy of others, will help you distinguish the truth from lies);
• a talisman for Capricorn can be rauchtopaz (gives strength and confidence, helps achieve goals) or tourmaline (protects from enemies, troubles, dangers);
• Quartz is suitable for Aquarius (helps overcome difficulties, find inspiration, achieve career success), amber (develops intuition and inner strength of a person);
• Pisces are advised to wear amethyst (develops intuition, gives courage, helps achieve goals), spinel (helps restore energy, improves overall health), peridot (protects against stress and depression).