If you are planning to purchase some gemstones or are just an enthusiast who wants to learn about gemstones, you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we are going to understand all about gemstones. The gemstones are also known as the precious stones. They are the pieces of the minerals and are later cut and polished to make different jewelry and adornments. There are various types of gemstones, most of which are hard minerals, while some are softer. They are known for their beauty and colours. From the dazzling diamonds to the colourful opals, they come in all variants.
These gemstones occur naturally, known as natural gemstones. Nowadays, there are also lab-created gemstones, which are created by human beings in the lab by maintaining the same heat and pressure; these are called Synthetic gemstones. They have two cuts, faceted and cabochon. The synthetic gemstones, like diamonds, are highly priced but comparatively less expensive than the natural ones. To know more about the gemstones, their formation, and significance, continue to read this blog further.
Formation and Classification of Gems
Gemstones Formation
The gemstones go through many geological processes and are formed deep within the earth. Many factors affect the making process, such as the temperature, pressure, geological environment, and the minerals present. The gemstones are broadly divided into three sections based on their formation process:
Igneous Gemstones:
These gemstones are mainly found in volcanic regions. They are formed when the molten rock (magma or lava) is cooled and crystallized. The examples of these natural gemstones are peridot and zircon.
Sedimentary Gemstones:
These natural gemstones are made from the accreted minerals and organic materials. The examples of these gemstones are opal, turquoise, and agate. They are mostly found in lake bottoms, riverbeds, or ancient seabeds.
Metamorphic Gemstones:
The rocks and minerals are transformed into metamorphic gemstones by many natural factors, like heat, pressure, and chemical reactions. The examples of these natural stones are jade, garnet, and sapphire.
Gemstones Classification
In ancient times, gemstones were classified into two groups: Precious gemstones and Semi-precious gemstones based on their value.
Precious Gemstones:
These gemstones are considered the most valuable, and they are comprised mainly of the four gemstones: diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. These precious gemstones are highly priced and used in making jewelry.
Semi-Precious Gemstones:
The gemstones, apart from those four, are considered semi-precious gemstones. Although this classification is no longer much of use because the other gemstones, spinel and tanzanite, are as rare, and hence they also have high values.
The classification of these gemstones is always changing and evolving because constant discoveries are made, and the preferences in the market keep changing. In today's world, the value of a gemstone is determined by its durability, rarity, beauty, and market demand.
A spectrum of beautiful colors and precious gems
The gemstones are precious and very beautiful because they have the colors created naturally by the effects of nature. The most precious and sought-after gemstones are diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Among them, the diamond is very famous due to its hardness and sparkle. They are the most rigid natural material known to mankind because they are made up of carbon atoms completely. Both rubies and sapphires are known for their intense colors and durability, and they are varieties of corundum. Ruby comes in a deep red hue, and it is associated with love and passion. Sapphires have a variety of colors, but the most sought-after and classic is blue. The Emeralds come in vibrant green, representing the rich history and symbolizing wealth and luxury.
Many other precious and semi-precious gemstones are very unique and beautiful. Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals, offering many varieties, different colors, and various properties. Garnet, used in many jewelry pieces with a variety of different colors, like the deep red pyrope and vibrant green. Aquamarine comes in a blue-green hue and is associated with tranquility and calmness. Opals are mostly celebrated for their play of color, having unique patterns and internal structures. These stones are cut en cabochon to elevate their beauty further. There are many other notable stones such as peridot, amethysts, citrines, topaz, Tanzanite, and many others. Zircon comes in the list of natural gemstones, which come in many colors, maintaining its brilliance and fire.
Significance of Gemstones
Apart from their beauty, gemstones are known for their significance and rich cultural history. Let's know about all of them here:
1. Symbolise Birthstones:
The concept of gemstones is very ancient. In old times, people believed that gemstones had magical powers, bringing good luck and positive energy to those who owned them. They are associated with the zodiac signs and the months of the year. They are considered a good birthday gift in modern times, also. The few examples are: January is associated with Garnet, May with Emerald, July with Ruby, etc.
2. Historical and Cultural Significance:
Gemstones are closely tied to the history of many cultures, and they hold highly traditional values. The gemstones have been associated with power and royalty from ancient times; they were used in making the crowns and decorating thrones. In China, Jade stone was used to create intricate designs and carvings on the ceremonial objects, and in Egypt, Lapis Lazuli gemstone was known for its deep blue color and often used in making jewelry and funerary masks.
3. Significance in Modern Times:
In Today's world, gemstones are considered the symbol of style and expression. They are always in trend and considered a perfect gift option because they are not only beautiful but also have other qualities. The properties of precious stones are that they can help you in healing your mental state, spiritual growth, and much more. They are great to wear as jewelry because they depict elegance, beauty, and look very chic. They can be paired with different types of clothing as they are very versatile.
Evaluating the value of a Gemstone
We have explored many aspects of gemstones so far, but the process of identifying precious stones and evaluating their value is dependent on several factors that influence their worth. These factors are explained here:
1. Color: Color is one of the most essential aspects when it comes to the desirability of a gemstone. The intensity, saturation, and hue of a gemstone make it more beautiful and increase its value. The unique colors of precious gemstones, such as the mesmerizing blue of sapphire, the fiery red of ruby, and the captivating green of emeralds, have a significant influence on their values.
2. Clarity: Clarity of a gem refers to the absence of inclusions and internal flaws. Some gems are famous for their inclusions and unique optical effects, such as emeralds, while others are renowned for their clarity, such as diamonds. Both of the designs add something to the gem's allure.
3. Cut: The cut is a very crucial aspect of defining the gem's brilliance and sparkle. The gemstones are cut in such a way that they reflect light in the most efficient ways. There are some stones like diamonds which are faceted perfectly, while others, like opals, have a cabochon cut, which is dome-shaped.
4. Carat Weight: Carat is considered the standard unit of measurement for the gemstone's weight. The larger stones are scarce and hence their prices are also higher. The relation between the rarity of a gemstone and its carat weight is directly proportional. Gemstones like Alexandrite are known for their unique color-changing properties, and hence, they hold higher prices due to their scarcity.
5. Hardness: Gemstones Hardness is a factor that determines the scratch resistance of the gemstone, which is essential for making jewelry. The hardness of the gemstones is measured on the Mohs Scale (1-10). The diamonds (10) are the most suitable for jewelry making, while topaz (8) and quartz (7) are also durable options.
6. Origin: The geographical place from which the colored stones are produced also impacts their value because of their quality. For example, Sri Lanka is famous for its high-quality variety of colored sapphire. There are some stones which are made from living things, known as Non-mineral gemstones, such as Pearl, Amber, etc.
A timeless legacy of Gemstones
As you have reached this section of the blog, you must have thorough information about gemstones, how they are made, their types, their significance, etc. These gemstones are considered a great gift for someone's birthday or anniversary, as they are counted as meaningful gifts. They are considered the timeless legacy because they never go out of trend, and the jewelry made out of them is also very versatile and elegant.
Gemstones hold a great place in human culture and history, and they also have great significance to them. Apart from all this, they are considered very helpful in spiritual growth and healing. Some gemstones are said to help in attracting wealth, while others are believed to aid in finding love and passion. They are prized for their beauty and rarity, and admired for their symbolism. They are cherished greatly as the elegant possessions and treasured heirlooms.
