For countless generations, humanity has had a deep admiration for valuable minerals and has sought to acquire them. The appeal of gemstones lies in their exquisite shapes and the captivating variety of colors they possess, including striking shades of red, shimmering silver and radiant gold. The semi precious stones They have remained highly coveted resources around the world for millennia.
History of semiprecious stones
Throughout various societies and throughout history, semiprecious stones have held significant value and importance. Gemstones are among the most exclusive and elusive natural resources found on our planet. Consequently, it is not surprising that in ancient societies only the wealthiest individuals at the pinnacle of the social hierarchy possessed such precious minerals. This elite group consisted of pharaohs, monarchs, clerics, aristocrats, knights, nobles, as well as wealthy merchants and bourgeois.
It was not until the last two centuries that gemstones began to gain popularity among prosperous industrialists, investors and self-employed professionals. Despite the availability of flawless imitation gems on the market, the value of gemstones has remained constant, and the certified minerals such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies They retain their status as some of the most expensive materials known to humanity.
Key features
Gemstones are precious minerals that have unique qualities, but how and where can they be used? Gemstones are truly distinguished from other stones by their unique characteristics. These minerals, whether possessing vibrant hues or a translucent quality, are exceptionally rare in the natural world and their extraction requires substantial investments. The formation of a gemstone is a gradual process that takes place over countless millennia within rocks and non-organic substances. Once extracted and refined, semi-precious stones serve a multitude of purposes, including:
- Various forms of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets and more, they display precious stones embedded in gold or silver.
- The production of common goods such as saw blades, watch faces, cutlery handles, and high-end dresses is an integral part of the manufacturing process.
- Various forms of artistic expression (such as sculptures, paintings, and picture frames)
- The production of cosmetic products, including creams, brightening masks and facial scrubs, is an important aspect of the industry.
- Lithotherapy refers to the use of gemstones as a treatment method.
- Metal working involves the use of materials that have abrasive or cutting properties.
Properties of semiprecious stones
When examining these types of stones, certain attributes become evident. These stones, regardless of their size, have a seductive shine and show a high refractive index. The sun's rays interact on them in various captivating ways. Some minerals, when exposed to light, They exhibit opalescent qualities, creating a rainbow-like effect or reflecting a stunning array of colors. Furthermore, the formation of these stones in nature reflects their importance in various cultures and traditions. A defining characteristic of gemstones is their exceptional hardness. According to On the Friedrich Mohs 10-degree hardness scale, they consistently obtain maximum scores ranging from 6 to 10. This remarkable hardness allows the gemstones to not only scratch but also cut glass. Additionally, gemstones exhibit remarkable resistance to scratches, erosion, and chemicals.
The most famous gemstones
Currently, gemologists recognize more than ten minerals among the most valuable gemstones. However, their research indicates that the actual number of high-quality stones exceeds 100. So what sets these highly sought-after gemstones apart? In the following section, we will provide a concise overview of each type and their unique characteristics.
- El Diamond It is an allotropic form of carbon, recognized for its exceptional hardness and immense value as a gemstone. Usually set in gold, the diamond, also known as "brilliant" after being polished, exhibits transparency and can show shades ranging from yellowish and greenish to occasional reddish tones.
- El Ruby, a type of corundum, is a mineral characterized by its red, dark red, or violet aluminum oxide composition. In particular, it is exceptionally difficult and ranks 9 on the Mohs scale.
- El topaz It is an aluminum fluorosilicate gemstone that is transparent or gold in color and has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It has a glass-like appearance and has the ability to change color when exposed to sunlight.
- La emerald, a mineral with a rich green color, is known for its glassy luster and a hardness of 7,5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. It is frequently found to contain gaseous and liquid inclusions.
- The stone known as opal It owes its name to the captivating optical effect it exhibits, called opalescence, which can be observed on its surface. This mineral has a wide spectrum of colors, ranging from white to blue, green and iridescent tones, in addition to having a hardness index of 5 to 6,5 on the Mohs scale.
- Similar to ruby, the sapphire It is a type of corundum that has a brilliant shine and can show shades of blue, blue-green or violet-blue; This exceptionally durable mineral boasts a remarkable Mohs hardness of 9.
The most famous semiprecious stones
Gemstones like diamonds and emeralds are famous for their remarkable durability and brilliant shine. Conversely, there is a category of minerals known as semi-precious stones, which have a Mohs hardness of less than 7. What specific stones fall into this category? Some examples include:
- Jaspe
- Jadeite
- Fluorite
- Amethyst
- Ojo de tigre
- Amazonite
The classification of gemstones and minerals into precious and semiprecious categories is a topic of debate among gemologists and jewelers. Gemological experts believe that differentiation should be based on their physical properties and their actual market value, linked to their Importance of semiprecious stones, characteristics and importanceCategorization can also include cultural and durability aspects, among other factors. In this sense, it is essential to understand the properties of each mineral in detail to understand its importance in jewelry and lithotherapy projects.