subject: Learning Rocks And Gem Stones [print this page] Gemstone are originally categorized into two types, the semi-precious and the precious stones. Only diamond, sapphire, emerald, and rub are labeled as precious stones and all the others fall under semi-precious stones category.
For a time, amethyst was categorized as a precious stone until the discovery it massive volume were unearthed in Brazil by 19th century. Though not really a gemstone, pearl is also classified as a precious stone.
Nowadays, fashions styles and jewelries are often adorned with gemstones and the 4 precious stones, on the other hand, never ceases to top them all.
The hardest form of precious stones is diamond, discovered initially about 6,000 years ago, they have always been recognized as a precious stone, since 19th century, its popularity skyrocketed mainly because of rising supply, more advance cutting, and better techniques coupled with its noticeable luster.
To most people, ruby is also one finest gemstone that is hard to resist. Although ruby may come is different shades of red, the most sought after ruby is that with pigeon blood hue. Rubies are by its innate nature, full of minute imperfections that is why most experts use this characteristic as their determinants to spot the genuine ones from the fake ones. Most available rubies are treated and sold at reasonable value while those that are not treated is more expensive.For the rubies, those with higher quality are rubies that are not treated while the treated ones are more common and affordable.
One of the most highly prized gemstones is the bluish sapphire. Sapphire generally ranges from pale blue color to deep blue ones which considered as the most valuable sapphire. There are other sapphires that come in other colors like yellow, orange, and even black but these are actually considered only a fancy sapphires. Up until the end of the 19th century yellow sapphire was known as "oriental topaz" only blue (corundum) was called sapphire.
Rubies and sapphires are classed as (corundum) where as emeralds are something completely different, emeralds are classed as (beryl). Flawless emerald with great color is highly valued among its beryl class. To improve its quality, emeralds are commonly subjected to being oiled. One practical way to ensure that you get your money's worth when purchasing an emerald is to consult with experts on its authenticity.
All of these gemstones have synthetic counterparts that are make in laboratories a synthetic diamond is a cubic zirconia, and ruby, sapphire and emerald synthetic are called created gems, created ruby, created sapphire and created emeralds. Although they are man made they are good quality gems which are inclusion free, a lot of jewelry designers use synthetics in their designs and make beautiful pieces of jewelry at a affordable price. That is why for most people, synthetic gemstones are also viewed with high relevance.
Diamonds rate 10 on mohs' scale of hardness, being the hardest of all gemstones, ruby and sapphire rates 9 on mohs' scale and emerald rates 7.5 on mohs' scale which means all of these precious gemstones are quite hard. This implies that they can withstand the test of time and harshness of the environment. Generally, ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is used to maintain the gemstone expect for emeralds whose oils will die out when exposed to this type of cleaner.
So the next time you are looking to invest in a piece of jewelry for a love one or for yourself, have a think about precious gemstones, whether it be a nice diamond ring or a brooch with a mixture of all four stones. If looked after properly it will last a life time, and then become a family heirloom for generations to come.
