Are you looking to build your confidence and expand your knowledge of the stone industry? If so, then gemstone investing might be your calling. It’s a fun way of collecting and displaying beautiful rocks that have notable and collectible value.
Gem-quality materials have captivated humans for centuries. But the topic can seem complex.
That’s why we’ve created this guide.
In this post, take a look at the different types of gemstones. Learn about their characteristics, uses, and a little bit about history. It’s enough to whet your curiosity and help you get started on your gemstone journey.
Ready to take a look? It starts here:
Table of Contents
Diamonds
Diamonds are the most popular and widely recognized gemstone and are the hardest gemstone in the world. Colorless diamonds are the most popular, however, diamonds can come in a variety of intense hues, including pink, yellow, and blue.
It is important to keep in mind that there are also diamonds that have been treated to enhance their color or clarity, and these are referred to as “fancy color” or “clarity enhanced” diamonds. Because of their hardness, diamonds are the most suitable gemstones to hold their shape and brilliance.
Rubies
Rubies are a form of the mineral corundum and are composed of crystalline aluminum oxide. They’re the second hardest minerals after diamonds and have a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Rubies come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and hues, although those of the darkest red are the most valuable.
Rubies have a higher refractive index than diamonds and since they absorb light, they can appear darker and show a more intense hue, giving them a unique and eye-catching appearance. They are often used as the centerpiece of engagement rings, necklaces, and other jewelry pieces and can cost thousands of dollars.
Emeralds
Emeralds have historically been associated with royalty and can be found mined in various countries throughout the world, such as Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Emeralds are typically found in clarity levels ranging from slightly included to loupe clean, where inclusions are only visible under 10x magnification.
As a general guide, emeralds under 1.0 carats should be loupe clean, while larger emeralds in the 1.0–2.0 carat range can be slightly included and still be of high quality. It should always be examined and certified by a reliable gemological lab, as they tend to be oiled and clarity enhanced to improve their appearance.
Sapphires
The most valuable type is blue sapphires, which range from a light pastel blue to a deeply saturated navy blue. Blue sapphires originating from certain parts of the world, like Sri Lanka and Myanmar, are known for their exceptional clarity and color quality. In addition to blue, pink sapphires are also very popular.
Pink sapphires occur in a variety of light pastel shades like pale pink, lavender, and pale pinkish-purple. Yellow sapphires are the rarest type and range from a light yellowish-green to a deep yellow. Lastly, colorless sapphires have a similar appearance to many diamonds, but they are much more affordable.
Amethysts
Amethyst is a symbol of calm, piety, and spiritual growth, often associated with the spiritual attributes of sobriety and wisdom. It ranges from transparent to semi-opaque and gets its distinctive purple hue from iron and aluminum in its crystalline structure.
Amethyst is beloved for its delicate yet striking colors and symbolism, making it a desired gemstone for jewelry and other decorative items. It is also used to create custom and unique pieces of art, often being set in beaded necklaces or wires for a delicate and eye-catching effect.
Aquamarines
Aquamarine is known as the ‘sailor’s stone’ because it was believed to keep sailors safe during rough sea journeys. It is said to bring courage, protection, and good luck.
Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone of March and is often used as a gemstone in engagement rings. Its hardness and durability make it great for everyday wear and it is available in many different cuts, such as oval, heart, marquise, and princess cut. Click here for aquamarine and find the perfect fit for your style!
Garnets
They get their name from the Latin word “granatus,” which can mean grain or seed, due to their seed-like appearance. With their rich red hues in particular, garnets have come to be associated with love and passion. They are a relatively hard gemstone and are highly prized for their beauty, difficulty to obtain, and durability. Garnets can be chemically treated and heated to bring out a brighter, more vivid color and clarity, making them a great option for jewelry.
Pearls
Typically formed in a mollusk, they come in various colors and shapes. They can be white, cream, gold, pink, or black, and are often slightly iridescent. When used in jewelry, they can be combined with metals for a stunning effect. Freshwater pearls are popular for their affordability and their natural look.
Pearls are created by secretions from the mollusk, resulting in the gradual development of a layer of material around foreign objects. Since this layer is made from the same material as the shell, pearls are the only gemstone to be organic. They’re an excellent choice for those who prefer natural gemstones in their jewelry, with their beautiful iridescent sheen and diverse colors.
Turquoise
Its wide range of shades of blue, some with splashes of green, make it a favorite of many who appreciate its earthy hues. Turquoise is traditionally believed to be a luck-bringing stone and is often used in talismans and healing stones. It is perhaps one of the oldest gemstones known to humans and was highly esteemed by the people of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Central Asia.
In its natural form it is opaque but sometimes becomes semi-translucent with a waxy luster. It is typically cut into cabochons, which are flat-backed and heavily polished, but can also be cut into rounded beads, tumbled, and carved into intricate shapes for jewelry, decorative objects, and fetishes. Turquoise is found worldwide and is mined both commercially and quite often as an amateur activity.
Appreciating the Beauty and Diversity of Types Of Gemstones
The range of beautiful, rare, and prized gemstones available is truly awe-inspiring. For those looking to find the ultimate gift for a special someone, or to complete their own jewelry collection, understanding the characteristics of different types of gemstones can be both rewarding and fascinating. Take a closer look at the wide world of gemstones, and find the perfect gem for any occasion.
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