What are Different Types of Semi-Precious Stones?
Semi-precious gemstones are minerals or organic compounds used in jewelry and adornment. They differ from the four cardinal gems, diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald, because they are more plentiful and therefore, are usually less expensive. Amethyst was once considered the fifth cardinal gem, but recent discoveries of extensive South American deposits have led to its re-classification as a semi-precious gem. A large proportion of the semi-precious stones are of the silicate class of mineral, which composes 90% of the earth’s crust.
Semi-precious gemstones are minerals or organic compounds used in jewelry and adornment. They differ from the four cardinal gems, diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald, because they are more plentiful and therefore, are usually less expensive. Amethyst was once considered the fifth cardinal gem, but recent discoveries of extensive South American deposits have led to its re-classification as a semi-precious gem. A large proportion of the semi-precious stones are of the silicate class of mineral, which composes 90% of the earth’s crust. One way to economize with jewelry is to replace cardinal gems with semi-precious stones of a similar color. Zircon, which shouldn’t be confused with cubic zirconium, is a normally colorless stone that makes for an excellent diamond substitute. In fact people wishing to avoid counterfeit diamonds might consider using zircon as a gem replacement.
