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Wanna add more colors to your jewelry box? Wanna find jewelry that feels totally you? This blog presents a complete list of  gemstones with pictures to help you discover the one that captivates your heart. It’s like playing tarot—trust your intuition, and the right gemstone will guide you to your answer. Plus, we’ve included tips to help you choose the perfect gemstone for your needs. Keep scrolling! 

What Are Gemstones?

A gemstone is a mineral, rock, or organic material that has been cut, polished, and refined for use in jewelry, collectibles, or decorative items. However, not all minerals or rocks are considered gemstones. To qualify as a gemstone, a material must possess qualities such as vibrant or pleasing colors, attractive luster, uniform structure, high refractive index, significant hardness, and stable chemical properties. These characteristics make gemstones durable, beautiful, and valuable.

Historically, gemstones have been cherished for their beauty and symbolic meanings. From ancient civilizations to modern times, they have been used as adornments, talismans, and even currency.

Types of Gemstones

Gemstones are categorized into four main types based on their origin and treatment as:

Type	HOW TO DEFINE	What is in the group
Natural	Formed in nature without human intervention, taking thousands to millions of years to develop.	Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald
Treated	Natural gemstones that have been enhanced to improve color, clarity, or durability through treatments like heating or oiling.	Heat-treated Ruby, Oiled Emerald
Synthetic	Lab-created gemstones with the same chemical and physical properties as natural ones but produced artificially.	Lab-grown Sapphire, Synthetic Diamond
Simulants	Materials that only look like gemstones but have different chemical compositions, often used as cheaper alternatives.	Cubic Zirconia, Glass “Ruby”

 

Gemstones and Semi-Precious Stones: What’s the Difference?

The distinction between "precious" and "semi-precious" gemstones is a longstanding classification rooted in tradition and marketing, rather than scientific criteria. Historically, gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds have been labeled as "precious" due to their exceptional quality, rarity, and captivating colors. This classification also considers their hardness, as these stones rank high on the Mohs scale, indicating significant scratch resistance.

Conversely, all other gemstones fall under the "semi-precious" category. This includes stones like amethyst, topaz, peridot, citrine, aquamarine, and green tourmaline. It's important to note that the term "semi-precious" doesn't imply these stones are less beautiful or valuable. In fact, many semi-precious stones offer a broader spectrum of colors and can be rarer than their precious counterparts. For example, a high-quality tsavorite green garnet may surpass a medium-quality sapphire in value.

However, this binary classification is somewhat arbitrary and can be misleading. Some semi-precious stones, like tanzanite, are rarer than diamonds but don't carry the "precious" label. Additionally, the value of a gemstone is influenced by factors such as quality, size, and market demand.

In modern times, gemologists prefer to assess gemstones based on their individual characteristics, including hardness, color, clarity, and rarity, rather than relying solely on traditional labels. This approach provides a more accurate representation of a gemstone's value and appeal.

Ultimately, the beauty and worth of a gemstone are subjective and should align with personal preferences and the emotional significance it holds for the individual.

The Complete List of Gemstones and Precious Stones with Pictures

1. Precious stones (The Big Four)

Diamond

Renowned for their unparalleled hardness and brilliance, diamonds have symbolized enduring love and strength for centuries. Their formation deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years adds to their allure.

 

Ruby

Celebrated for their vibrant red hue, rubies are a variety of corundum. Their color, ranging from pinkish to deep red, is due to chromium. Historically, rubies have been associated with passion and protection.

 

Sapphire

While typically recognized for their rich blue shades, sapphires come in various colors, except red (which are rubies). These gems have long been linked to wisdom and nobility.

 

Emerald

Emeralds, with their lush green tones, belong to the beryl family. Their captivating color and natural inclusions, often referred to as "jardin," make each stone unique.

 

2. Popular Semi-Precious Stones

Amethyst

This purple quartz variety has been cherished since ancient times. Its shades range from light lavender to deep violet, symbolizing clarity and calm.

 

Topaz

Topaz is found in a spectrum of colors, from clear to golden yellow and blue. It's known for its clarity and versatility in jewelry designs.

 

Citrine

With its warm yellow to orange hues, citrine is a quartz variety often associated with positivity and energy.

 

Peridot

This gem's distinctive olive to lime green color has made it a favorite for centuries. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color.

 

Garnet

Garnets come in a variety of colors, though they're commonly recognized for their deep red variants. They're known for their brilliance and durability.

 

Aquamarine

Belonging to the beryl family, aquamarines are prized for their sea-blue colors and clarity, evoking the tranquility of ocean waters.

 

3. Unique and Trending Gemstones

Moissanite

Moissanite was originally discovered in meteorites, moissanite is prized for its brilliance and fire, often serving as an alternative to diamonds.

 

Tanzanite

Found only in Tanzania, this gem exhibits a captivating blue-violet color. Its limited geographic origin adds to its exclusivity.

 

Alexandrite

Renowned for its remarkable color-changing ability—appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light—alexandrite is a rare chrysoberyl variety.

 

Opal

Opals display a unique play-of-color, with flashes of various hues dancing across the stone. This phenomenon makes each opal distinct.

 

Spinel

Often mistaken for other gemstones, spinel comes in a range of colors, including red, pink, and blue. Its brilliance and relative affordability have increased its popularity.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Gemstone?

Your selection for a gemstone can vary according to the following criteria:

1. Symbolism & Birthstone Selection

Gemstones are often chosen based on their symbolic significance or their association with birth months. The practice of birthstone selection is rooted in historical and cultural traditions. For instance, rubies are linked to July and are believed to symbolize passion and vitality, while sapphires, associated with September, represent wisdom and loyalty.

2. Jewel Strength (Mohs Hardness Scale)

A gemstone’s durability is primarily determined by its hardness, measured on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). Softer gemstones, such as opals (5.5–6.5), are more prone to scratching and require careful handling, whereas diamonds, rated 10, are the hardest naturally occurring mineral, making them ideal for everyday wear.

3. Pricing and Market Value

The cost of gemstones varies based on rarity, quality, and market demand. Precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires tend to be more expensive due to their scarcity and desirability. In contrast, semi-precious stones like amethyst, citrine, and topaz offer a more affordable yet visually striking alternative without compromising beauty.

4. Frequency of Usage

Harder stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies can withstand daily exposure, while softer minerals like pearls and opals require extra care and are better suited for occasional wear to prevent damage. Proper storage and maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of delicate gemstones.

 

Visit Romalar Gemstone Collection

Gemstones and precious stones allow you to express yourself freely while manifesting beauty and personal meaning. Are you looking for a stunning gemstone ring for yourself, a statement piece for your collection, or a special gift for someone special? Browse our top-notch gemstone and precious stones collection at Romalar, and we are sure you will find the perfect piece that resonates with you.