Precious Stones Vs Semi Precious Stones: The Characteristics That Sets Them Apart

On one hand classic and precious rubies, diamonds, sapphires and emeralds rule the hearts of millennial women and on the other hand alternative or semi-precious gemstones are a great alternative for many for its affordability and trendy look. So, there is individual taste and likeness for the gemstones and there are different factors that people take into consideration before buying one. But, what exactly is the difference between precious and semi-precious stones? Let’s decode.

The Classification

Quality, rarity, price, beauty, physical and chemical properties are few of the most distinguishing factors that can be taken into consideration to differentiate between precious and semi precious gemstones. 

The precious and semi-precious terms are basically invented to create the impression that precious stones are more valuable. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are considered precious and all other gemstones like pearl, opal, moonstone, topaz etc are semi-precious.

Distinguishing Factors

Colour- Precious gems like blue sapphire, diamond and yellow sapphire are able to retain their hue and lustre over time. However, semi-precious stones are sensitive to chemicals and with changes in weather and temperature, they start looking dull with regular wear.

Hardness- Diamond, ruby and emeralds have high ratings on the hardness scale and are tough. On the other hand, semi-precious stones have lower rating of hardness and can wither with chipping, scraping or scratching.

Rarity – Because of the brilliance, popularity and demand, the original precious stones are one of the most-sought gemstones. Original yellow and blue sapphires from Madagascar and Sri Lanka are also renowned for their brilliance and exceptional purity. The one designated as semi-precious gemstones like garnet and quartz are abundant in nature and are not categorized as rare. 

Clarity- Clarity determines the quality and value of a gemstone. As far as clarity goes, pure eye-clean precious gems are rare. Even the top quality, exclusive opal and emerald will have slight inclusions. Whereas, natural semi-precious stones with excessive clarity are commonly found because their impurities are modified using treatments like heating, waxing, oiling, fracture filling and more.

 Affordability- Few gemstones carry a very high price tag for their hardness, rarity, quality and the place they are mined from. Semi-precious gemstones are highly affordable in comparison to precious gemstones like diamond, neelam, pukhraj and more.

Popularity- Natural precious gemstones are popular for their demand, unique properties, exceptional value and more. Semi-precious gemstones are popular for their colours, trend and hence are in demand for making jewellery.

Overall, counting on the differences of precious and semi-precious stones can at times be meaningless. It all depends on the choice, budget and taste of the buyer. Both are equally in demand for their beauty and durability. 

If you are considering investing in a natural precious or semi-precious stone for astrology or beauty purposes; you can have some great choices at Brahma Gems store. You can buy original, 100% pure and lab-certified precious and semi-precious gemstones at Brahma Gems offline as well as online store.