You've probably heard someone ask if a certain piece of jewelry was made with a precious or semi-precious stone, haven't you?
Many people have doubts and wonder what are the factors that really differentiate these two types of stones. We can already say that scientifically this division has fallen into disuse, since the designation of “precious stone” was traditionally used only for diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald, due to the fact that they are the most coveted and known since antiquity.
However, there is no difference as to their physical constitution that makes them superior to marine water, tourmaline, or amethyst, for example, which are also beautiful, translucent, colorful and resistant stones. That is, it is possible to say that this distinction between precious and semiprecious stones is only commercial and traditional, but does not imply a substantial difference between them. Let's understand more about this subject now! Check out our text!
Rarity — or not
It is possible to argue that the difference lies, for example, in the rarity of these stones in nature, which can still be refuted, as diamond mines were discovered and are still exploited in abundance in South Africa, while garnet, which has already been considered in the past a semi-precious, it is much less found in nature today.
That is, this designation has a strong relationship with the market and commercial interest, not just its availability in nature.
gems not stones
For these reasons, the distinction between precious and semi-precious stones has really fallen into disuse, with the designation of these stones only as “gems”.
Other factors are also considered to evaluate a gem, beauty is determined by qualities such as transparency, color, brightness and special optical effects such as light scattering, color variation and opalescence. Durability is determined by its resistance to physical and chemical factors, and rarity by its occurrence in nature.
However, fashion and tradition also dictate the commercial value of a certain type of gem, such as, for example, the diamond, which, although rare, is an old and traditional gem, with a historical aura that determines its value. There is no woman who is not enchanted by a diamond mandala. On the other hand, we can say that a paraiba tourmaline today it can be traded for a much higher value than a diamond, even though it was discovered not long ago — in the 80s, due to its crystalline blue that makes beautiful jewelry possible.
Categorizing the gems
Gemstones can be further divided into the following groups:
- Crystalline: which include topaz, diamond, amethyst, aquamarine, emerald;
- Amorphous: volcanic glass and opal;
- Organic: which include coral, pearl and amber;
- Rocks: turquoise, lapis lazuli.
It is worth remembering that ArtOuro & Gemas specializes in crystalline gemstones, which are the most sought after by women, due to their beauty aspects, diversity of colors and their recurrence in Brazil. Furthermore, ArtOuro is part of the ICA (International Colored Gomstone Association), a renowned non-profit institution and the only one in the world that works to benefit the gemstone industry.
According to technical standards
In view of the confusion generated by the designation of “precious stone” and “semi-precious stone”, the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) recommends that the use of “semi-precious” be avoided and that only the term “precious” be used for the gems, as he is more correct according to the experts. For their use as adornment and transformation into jewelry, these stones are taken from nature, polished or polished and placed in a gold or silver support, forming rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other adornments so dear to men and women since the earliest times in history.
As you can see, there is no difference between precious and semi-precious stones. It is worth remembering that semi-precious stones cannot be confused with synthetic stones or even reconstituted ones, since this group is of lower quality and only represents the appearance of the original stones, but with lower durability. If you want to stay on top of other reasons why not to buy a synthetic stone, check out our post “4 reasons to avoid synthetic stones".
And you, do you have any jewelry that contains a precious stone? Which one is your favorite and which one do you intend to buy? If you have any questions about this topic or want to share an idea, write to us!
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26 Answers
Where and how to buy a small paraiba tourmaline?
Hello Ligia, thank you for contacting us.
In our virtual store you can find several jewels with Tourmaline Paraíba, check out: //loja.artouro.com.br/turmalina-paraiba
If you are only interested in the gem, contact us by phone (33) 3522-5988.
Keep following us!
Good afternoon people! I have been a prospector for two years and I have many stones that are possibly all rough diamonds, I need to carry out tests to be sure of their veracity, I would be very honored if you could tell me where I could get a report to really prove that it is of a rough gem? Thank you for your attention and I look forward to your return, thank you.
Hello Odair, you can certify the authenticity of the gems, as well as obtain the certificate of authenticity through the GIA, which does not have an office in Brazil, which does not prevent you from making direct contact with them and sending the material via Sedex. And in Brazil, we suggest the IBGM laboratory:
//www.gemologiaibgm.com.br/laboratorio/
I have several blue gemstones, I need to know if it is stone or glass, I live in Paraíba, in the region of Serra da Batalha.
Hello Roberio, only an expert can attest to the veracity of this stone. We suggest getting in touch, as well as obtaining the certificate of authenticity through GIA, which does not have an office in Brazil, which does not prevent you from making direct contact with them and sending the material via Sedex. And in Brazil, we suggest the IBGM laboratory:
//www.gemologiaibgm.com.br/laboratorio/
What is the carat value of an amethyst?
Hello Altino, the value of the Amethyst carat varies between US$ 0,50 and US$ 20 per carat. But there are many factors that determine the value of the gem like size, color, purity, cut, origin and authenticity. Seek only specialists to carry out a reliable measurement.
Hello everything is fine? My name is Wanderson, I'm from MG. I would like to know which of the two stones has the highest market value, Tourmaline or aquamarine?
Hello Wanderson, actually the market value depends on the characteristics of the gem, see the main factors in the post: http://artouro.com.br/blog/o-que-define-o-valor-de-uma-pedra-preciosa/
I would like to know the difference between tanzanite crystal and tanzanite stone. Which one is worth it? Because I saw a necklace that I liked that was in tanzanite crystal. Thanks.
Good evening, the post is very interesting!
Hello! I would like to know how to distinguish an emerald from a chrysopause. Does the latter have as much value as the emerald? Is there a way to distinguish the two?
Hello Romelia. Only an expert can distinguish the two stones, and get the value of this stone.
We suggest contacting a specialized laboratory, as well as obtaining the certificate of authenticity, through the GIA Institute, which does not have an office in Brazil, which does not prevent you from making direct contact with them and sending the material via Sedex. And in Brazil, we suggest the IBGM laboratory: //www.gemologiaibgm.com.br/laboratorio/
Goodnight ! I would like to know the difference between the quatzo stone and the diamond ?! It's because my mother thinks it's a beautiful pink stone, but it doesn't get scratched by anything. We've tried everything and nothing scratches her. So I wanted to know the difference between them. Thank you in advance
Good afternoon, I would like to know if there is a difference between onyx and spinel.
Thanks for the clarification.
Thank you.
Yes, they exist. There is an excellent book that presents the main gems of Brazil: //www.solariseditora.com.br/miner_brasil.htm
Hello, I would like to buy a safari stone for my ring but I don't know if they will really sell it as original, and what would be the difference between the sapphire and the topaz Lina?.
The differences are very big. We are available through contato@artouro.com.br
Hello, good morning, I have a transparent blue stone weighing more or less 1 kg. It has everything to be a blue topaz, how can I be sure?
Hello! We suggest looking for a specialized laboratory. In the post below you will find all the data.
//artouro.com.br/blog/como-saber-o-valor-comercial-de-uma-pedra/
A month ago I found a stone it is rough on the outside inside it crystallized looks like glass I don't mix time with crystal
Hello! We suggest looking for a specialized laboratory. In the post below you will find all the data.
//artouro.com.br/blog/como-saber-o-valor-comercial-de-uma-pedra/
A month ago I found a stone it is rough on the outside inside it crystallized looks like glass I don't mix time with crystal
How to identify a real and laboratory gem?
Hello Eni! For a lay person it is very difficult to identify the difference between a synthetic stone and a natural one. The best thing is for the person to look for a gemologist so as not to run the risk of buying a pig in a poke.