The fascination
with gemstones is prevalent since the medieval times. A large variety of
gemstones were popular across numerous cultures in the antiquities. As trade
began to spread across various geographical territories, gemstones were traded,
and slowly reached every part of the world.
In laymen's term
gemstone is a mineral which can be cut, polished and can be used as jewellery
or collectible.
Precious or Semi-Precious???
Gemstones are
widely described as precious or semi-precious stones. This also leads to
confusion, as these terms may not be easily understood by laymen. If we take a
leap into history, it is observed that various cultures have had their own
classification of stones.
Generally all
the gemstones, except diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, opal and pearl are
known as semi precious stones. There are over 130 minerals and crystals that
can be used as gemstones.
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| Precious and Semi Precious stones |
The concept of
semi-precious stone is not new; it can be traced back to the Palaeolithic age. The
hunters embellished themselves with beads and collected exotic stones for their
aesthetic quality and not for their utility. Archaeological studies suggest
that the upper societies in the Palaeolithic age used ochre to make rock art. Stones
play an important part in the history of mankind. Stones of all sizes and types
have been reckoned as he bones of “Mother Earth”. Over the years they have been
used as weapons, jewellery, amulets, and talismans. Stones are known to possess
energies; each stone has its meaning and strengths. They are also known as metaphysical gemstones due to their
healing properties.
Due to the
increasing discoveries of new stone deposits, new technology and volatile
prices, classifying of stones into precious and semi precious has become
ambiguous. It is a common misconception that precious stones belong to the same
group as semi precious stones. On the contrary, there is a miniscule
distinction that divides these categories. Back in the medieval times,
gemstones that were used for religious rites and rituals were considered
precious. The idea of "semi-precious" varies from culture to culture.
The method of determination and classification of semi-precious stones is
different in every culture.
The
classifications in the medieval times were subjective, as they were closely
associated with the respective cultures’ perception of value. This kind of
valuation was not valid, as some regions had a particular stone in abundance,
whereas some regions did not have that stone species. Classifying the gemstones
became difficult when common gemstones came to be revered as special stones due
to religious significance, for e.g. Jade.
It is also seen
that the findings of new deposits have a huge impact on the value of a gemstone
that is considered to be precious. Amethyst was revered for ages as a precious
stone; however with the discovery of large deposits in Brazil in the 19th
century, its value depreciated considerably.
Precious and Semi Precious gemstones: Usage
Both precious
and semi precious stones have been in use since recorded history. Owing to
their metaphysical properties, these gemstones have been used for physical,
emotional and spiritual healing. Today,
gemstones are a part of alternative healing, and are used by millions of
healers across the world. Alakik.net is a recognized name in the wholesale metaphysical gemstones
market, which provides a wide range of esoteric wholesale products.
For more information visit https://alakik.net
