Classifying Gemstones: Precious and Semi Precious stones

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.

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. 

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