You should know that there are some gemstones which so rare, such as Alexandrite or blue Garnet, that they also classified as precious. We classify these gems as the precious stones of the second grade. But also worth noting that they could cost even more than usual precious stones. Anyway, all other gems that you can meet at the market are, in fact, semi precious.
The list of Semi-Precious Stones
Agate
Agate is probably oldest gemstone of our ancestors. It is a semi-transparent gemstone of volcanic origin. It is famous thanks to its banded structure, a variety of colors, and numerous of superstitions attributed to it. Learn more about Agate
Amethyst
The ancients couldn't distinguish the Amethyst and the Sapphire. Therefore they considered that both these stones possess similar color. In the Middle Ages, Amethyst was next to Sapphire. The most valuable specimens are so-called Oriental Amethysts obtained from India and Sri Lanka. Learn more about Amethyst
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a semiprecious variety of Beryl, which possesses aqua-blue color. Despite its classification, the ancients highly valued this gemstone. Its birthplace is Ethiopia. Aquamarine came to the European market only in XVII century. This gem is in the modern list of Birthstones as a gemstone appropriate for March. Learn more about Aquamarine
Beryl
Beryl is a group of the minerals, combined under one term. This group includes the Emerald, the Aquamarine, ordinary beryl and other gems. The ancient Greeks knew Beryl two thousand years ago. Its particularity is dichroism. There are many magical virtues attributed to Beryl, such as a possibility to predict the future. Learn more about Beryl
Bloodstone
Bloodstone is a semi-precious stone which is peculiar by its "blood drops" that spread on its surface. That's why there is a belief about the appearance of this gem at the crucifixion of Christ. Its mines locate principally in India. However, there are also the supplies from Australia, Brazil and Russia. Bloodstone is the alternative birthstone for March. Learn more about Bloodstone
Cat's Eye or Cymophane
This gemstone is a variety of Chrysoberyl that possesses the unique brilliance, similar to the eye of the cat. This gem came from Sri Lanka. But it came in vogue in Europe only in 1815. According to Oriental beliefs, it attracts wealth. Learn more about Cat's Eye
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a semi-precious stone. It is a variety of chalcedony Quartz possessing leek-green color. Chrysoprase possesses a rich history and encircled by numerous legends. It came from Prussia (modern Germany) and was a favorite gemstone of the Prussian King. Moreover, Chrysoprase is the Birthstone for May, according to the U.K. chart. Learn more about Chrysoprase
Euclase
Euclase is an extremely rare semi-precious stone. However, due to its qualities, it can be classified as precious or, at least collectable gemstone. It was discovered in 1785 and has been purchased from an unknown traveler in Peru. But, apparently, this gem is of Russian origin, according to the reliable sources. It possesses frangibility. Therefore, you may easily damaged this gem in the process of cutting. Learn more about Euclase
Fluorite (Fluorspar)
Fluorite (Fluorspar) or so-called "false Ruby" is a very soft, semi-precious stone. In spite of its softness, Fluorite possesses such qualities as splendid transparency and luster. These features make it suitable for the jewelry purposes. Fluorite is a commonly spread stone, which is chiefly mined in Europe and the United States. Learn more about Fluorite (Fluorspar)
Garnet
Garnet is a semi-precious stone commonly known for its color, similar to pomegranate seeds. However, it possesses a wide range of different colors. Moreover, there are six varieties of Garnet. This gemstone has its origin in Pegu and today is used in jewelry as the gemstone appropriate for January. Learn more about Garnet
Jade
Jade is opaque to semi-translucent, semi-precious stone, known in its two major varieties called "Nephrite" and "Jadeite." Jade was known in Asia and in the Middle East since the ancient times and was a subject of many superstitions and legends. Learn more about Jade and its varieties
Jasper
Jasper is a semi-precious stone. Our ancestors used it as an ornamental stone. However, thanks to its hardness and fitness for polishing, this gem is used in modern jewelry. It represents a variety of colors and occurs in different locations. Its color is depending on the locations, where it has been obtained. Learn more about Jasper
Kunzite
Kunzite is a most unusual gemstone amongst all due to its phosphorescence feature. The gem bears its name in honor of George F. Kunz. Some authors, including George F. Kunz himself, claimed that this gemstone is appropriate for September, therefore we could classify it as September Birthstone. Learn more about Kunzite
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a semi-precious stone of deep-blue color, representing a mixture of different kinds. It is an ornamental stone of the ancients that was even in Pharaoh's tombs. By the way, Lapis Lazuli presents in the Britain chart of Gemstones, as the Birthstone for September. Learn more about Lapis Lazuli
Moonstone
Moonstone is a semi-precious stone derived its name thanks to its similarity with the moon's surface and its shine. This gem is an alternative Birthstone for June. The ancients believed that this gemstone is able to improve memory. It served as a mascot to gamblers, furthermore. It also able to attract the opposite sex, according to the beliefs. Learn more about Moonstone
Onyx
Onyx and Sardonyx are the semi-precious stones, where the Onyx is usually of black color and Sardonyx of brownish-red color. Both gemstones were engraving stones in ancient times. Onyx chiefly supplied from India and Germany, where the Indian specimens are the most valuable. Sardonyx is an alternative Birthstone for August, whereas Onyx has been considered as the Birthstone appropriate to July, according to the ancient charts. Learn more about Onyx and Sardonyx
Opal
Opal possesses the unique structure containing numerous of cavities inside it. Therefore, its polished surface illustrates such peculiar brilliance. It was discovered in Hungary, in XV century. Turkish and Greek merchants brought this gem to Europe, where it rapidly came in vogue. Opal is an alternative Birthstone for October. Learn more about Opal
Peridot
Peridot is a semi-precious stone, which is an olive-green variety of Chrysolite. Its hardness is less than 7. Therefore, the ancients used Peridot to create the intaglios. The origin of this mineral is unknown. However, there are the evidences, that Olivine (same mineral as Peridot) is of celestial origin. Peridot is the Birthstone for August. Learn more about Peridot
Phenacite
Phenacite is a collecting semi-precious stone similar to Euclase in its rarity. This gem chiefly comes from Russia and the United States, Colorado. The crystals of Phenacite are hard, principally transparent and possess extraordinary brilliance, almost similar to diamond if polished. Phenacite is seldom used in jewelry, due to its rarity, though possesses all necessary qualities. Learn more about Phenacite
Quartz
Quartz is a semi-precious stone that presents the most common group of minerals, where the pure Quartz is "Rock Crystal." Our predecessors know this gemstone since ancient times. Many nations used this stone as an adornment or in the form of ornamental stone to decorate dwelling. Learn more about Quartz
Spinel
Spinel is a semi-precious stone of the first grade. You can't differ this gem from Ruby at first sight. However, they are entirely different minerals. Their difference became evident just in 1783. There are various colored varieties of Spinel, though the most famous of them are those of red color. Learn more about Spinel
Topaz
Topaz is a semi-precious stone, that usually of a yellow color or colorless. However, there are many varieties of other colors. Mauritanian King was the first who discovered this gem on the island called "Topazios," whence its name. Learn more about Topaz
Tourmaline
This unique gem has been discovered among the gems supplied from India and Ceylon. It became famous thanks to its unique physical properties. Tourmaline demonstrates a wide spectrum of colors. It is also famous due to its varieties, including such distinguished as so-called "Schorl" and "Watermelon Tourmaline." This gemstone is appropriate for October, furthermore. Learn more about Tourmaline
Turquoise
Turquoise is opaque semi-precious stone of green or blue color. However, the gems of sky-blue tint are the most valuable. Even Pharaohs knew this gem as the tomb excavations indicate. Its name derived from the word that means "Turkish," as it first arrived at the European markets from Turkey. Turquoise is the Birthstone for December, according to modern charts. Learn more about Turquoise Gemstone