Gemstones formed naturally throughout millions of years are known as natural gemstones. Due to the time required to create them, they are rare and more valuable than synthetic stones. Except for mining, cutting, and polishing, natural gemstones are made entirely by nature. An untreated, unimproved or unaltered stone is categorized as a natural gem. A stone may be faceted and still be seen as natural, but the desire for jewellery made of raw, natural-looking rocks, such as distinctive jewellery has been on the rise and the popularity continues to soar amongst jewellers across the world.
Types of Natural Gemstones
The two types of natural gemstones are precious and semi-precious. Semi-precious natural gemstones lack the rarity, durability, and beauty of precious gemstones. The most popular gemstones in the precious category are diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald, while the remainder is typically categorized as semi-precious. First, let’s look at the wide varieties of natural gemstones and their histories and properties.
1. Diamond
Unquestionably, diamonds are the most well-known natural gemstone worldwide. Of all the minerals that may be discovered on earth, diamonds are the toughest. They are carbon allotropes and clear crystals of tetrahedrally connected carbon atoms.
The carbon begins to crystallize at a depth of 150 km because of the high pressure and temperature. The combined magma and crystalline carbon then ascend into the earth’s crust. When crystallized carbon and magma collide, long, narrow tunnels are created that can hold all the materials required to form diamonds. The diamonds become visible as a result of the erosion of these pipelines.
Diamond is among the costliest natural gemstones and its demand has only risen with time. In addition to being stunning and captivating, diamonds provide various health advantages for the wearer. This beautiful gemstone is said to connect the soul to the body. Diamond strengthens the brain by balancing its hemispheres. It also improves the neurological system. This helps and lowers the likelihood of developing epilepsy and strokes.
Also Read: How Light Affects a Diamond’s Appearance?
2. Sapphire
The Greek and Latin words “sappheiros” and “saphirus,” both of which imply “blue,” are the words from which ‘sapphire’ has been derived. Aluminium oxide (Al2O3), a form of the mineral corundum, with minute quantities of other elements like iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium, and magnesium, make up the composition of this gem.
Similar to diamonds, sapphires are formed over millions of years and no two sapphires in nature will ever be identical. They are created from the mineral corundum, which seeps into fissures in metamorphic or igneous rocks, beneath the surface of the earth, under extreme heat and pressure. The liquid solidifies into clear crystals as it cools. Corundum, however, may change colour to different shades of red, pink, blue, and other colours when minute amounts of other minerals combine with it.
Saturn rules sapphire and its celestial aura emit a tremendous charm with the power to lessen the vicious impacts of evil eyes on the wearer. This gemstone’s protective nature causes it to operate like a wall, keeping all ills away. Once worn, the sapphire gemstone offers protection from foes, negative thoughts, evil deeds, natural disasters, envy, etc.
Also Read: Different Types Of Sapphires And Their Colours
3. Ruby
Ruby is a gemstone made of the mineral form of aluminium oxide and transparent red corundum. Its colour ranges from dark cochineal to delicate rose red, occasionally with a tint of purple. The red colour results from substituting a small number of aluminium atoms with chromium atoms (1 in 5,000).
The value and uniqueness of natural rubies greatly outweigh that of manufactured ones. Finding one with a high degree of clarity and low price may be considerably more difficult, but what you receive is an exceptional and irreplaceable gem for life.
Natural rubies are costly, especially when they are big and of high quality. But if you’re ready to settle for less, you may get a magnificent ruby with a deep colour that is regal, distinguished, and utterly stunning at a reasonable price. They carry a warm and cheerful hue, making them the perfect diamond substitute. The red stone is the birthstone for July; therefore, it is more than simply a beautifully-coloured gemstone. Ruby has always been associated with improving consciousness, sharpness, and alertness.
Also Read: What Makes Ruby So Valuable?
4. Emerald
Emeralds, one of the four gemstones recognised as “precious” worldwide, are formed of beryl. They include trace levels of vanadium and chromium, which give them their green colour. Even though their shades range from deep jade to yellow-green, emeralds are always green, unlike other valuable stones, which come in various colours.
Schists, metamorphosed rocks, and granite pegmatites are linked to emeralds. It can also occasionally be discovered in quartz or calcite embedded in altered limestones. When magma cools, specific components linger in the remaining liquid, forming a pegmatite. When the leftover solution cools, emerald crystals may form, provided the appropriate components, including beryllium, are present. Emeralds can also develop in the crust’s veins due to heated liquids escaping from a deeper magma.
Bright green emeralds are prized for their unmatched aesthetic value and mesmerising vibe. Ancient saints and sages have extensively discussed the advantages of emerald stones, their metaphysical qualities, and their potent healing abilities. Native Americans wear it largely to strengthen Mercury and to benefit from its benevolent impacts. They firmly believe that emerald gives the wearer excellent health, intelligence, prosperity, and creative abilities when it is worn as a horoscope gemstone.
Also Read: Emerald Gemstones Astrological Benefits
5. Amethyst
The bright violet/purple form of quartz is called amethyst. It is a kind of semi-precious quartz stone. The stone’s trace components, irradiation, and iron impurities give it its purple or violet hue.
Amethyst geodes are tiny cavities filled with crystals found on the Earth’s surface. In nature, amethyst crystals mostly form on the interior surface of these geodes. Additionally, amethysts may be found in deep caverns created when a rock dissolves or erodes.
Amethyst’s brilliant colour and sheer transparency are primarily utilised as a gemstone. The use of amethyst gemstones is well-recognised for treating sleep disorders, nightmares, and other physical disorders of the nervous system.
Also Read: Can Amethyst Lose Its Colour?
6. Tanzanite
Tanzanite was first discovered in Tanzania around 50 years ago. When it comes to some of the most popular gemstones, tanzanite is one of the rarer ones.
Because it can only be found and mined in a small area near the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in the Manyara Region of Northern Tanzania, tanzanite is extremely scarce. The conditions that led to the production of tanzanite 585 million years ago were so extraordinary that there is a one-in-a-million chance that it will be found somewhere else on the planet, making it a thousand times rarer than diamonds.
Tanzanite is noted for its appealing appearance, as opposed to sapphires and other similar stones that are famous for their healing qualities. There are numerous advantages to wearing this gemstone; however, that is not the sole reason why people enjoy it so much. Many believe that tanzanite encourages a greater consciousness and strengthens perception and intuition. Some people think it helps the body cleanse and boosts vigor. When you require a calming and soothing presence, tanzanite is believed to be a beneficial stone to wear or have close by.
Also Read: Different Types of Tanzanite Gemstone
7. Topaz
Topaz is an aluminium and fluorine silicate mineral with the chemical formula Al2SiO4(FOH)2. As a gemstone, it is utilised in jewellery and other adornments. Commonly-found topaz is colourless in its native condition, but minute amounts of impurities can turn it into a light blue, golden brown, or orange tint.
The mineral topaz includes fluorine, an element found in high concentrations only in a few geologic conditions. Topaz is most commonly found in cracks and cavities of igneous rocks such as rhyolite, granite, and pegmatite. When there is sufficient fluorine to support the creation of topaz, which occurs in the late phases of magma cooling, the crystals develop. Topaz crystals are created when heated fluids (hydrothermal solutions) rich in fluorine flow through cracks in already-cooled rocks. Zones of metamorphism can also produce topaz.
Topaz is the gemstone for the planet Jupiter. In astrology, it has the energy that supports Jupiter’s position. There are several benefits to this bright stone. Giving riches, knowledge, and talents is among this gem’s most important benefits.
Also Read: Can Topaz Go in Water?
8. Opal
Opal is a gemstone easily identified due to its distinctive iridescent brilliance. It is so unusual that it has its descriptive lexicon, placing it in a discrete class of its own.
Opal is amorphous silica chemically related to quartz but has a water content between 3% and 21%. Opals of the gem grade typically contain 6% to 10% water. In the right circumstances, water seeps through the ground and becomes enriched in dissolved silicates. Opals are created when water enters a hole and deposits silicates as minute spheres. The spheres diffract light if they are homogeneous in size, shape, and arrangement. These gems are referred to as precious opals. Common opals are produced when the spheres’ size, shape, and arrangement are random.
In addition to being well-known in the jewellery and fashion industry, opals also possess potent astrological qualities. This gem is related to the planet Venus and the sign of Libra in astrology. It serves as an alternative to a diamond and is renowned for bringing success and influence into one’s life. Those born in October are bound to experience love, affection, and a luxurious life if they wear this stone as a ring or pendant.
Also Read: Are Opals a Good Option for Promise Rings?
9. Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a member of the borosilicate family, coupled with iron, magnesium, or other metals. Depending on the ratios of its constituents, tourmaline can take on the colours red, pink, yellow, brown, black, green, blue, or violet. Tourmaline possesses the most metaphysical characteristics among all natural gemstones.
The veins of the volcanic rock pegmatite are where you’ll often find the tourmaline stone. Pegmatite is created due to the aqueous molten magma’s cooling process. Rainwater and minerals mix inside the magma veins over time, cooling to form hard surfaces. As a result, various kinds of stones, including tourmaline, are created.
Tourmaline is a gemstone with qualities like security, stability, health, joy, and positivity. Black tourmaline is recognised as one of the few gemstones that heal and protect on all levels, making it one of the most powerful healing gemstones available.
Also Read: Different Types of Tourmaline Gemstone
10. Aquamarine
A light-blue to light-green form of beryl is known as aquamarine. Heat can affect the hue of aquamarine. Be3Al2Si6O18 and Fe2+ are both chemical components of aquamarine. Its hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Although there aren’t many or any noticeable inclusions in aquamarine, it can include seawater, mica, or hematite.
The aquamarine gemstone is associated with the month of March. Its colour is one of the most distinctive of any stone. Its deep hue has long represented youth, wellness, and hope.
Also Read: Are Aquamarine Engagement Rings Popular?
Conclusion
Necklaces, rings, earrings, and other distinctive pieces of jewellery made with a wide variety of exquisite natural gemstones are abundant in the market. While some are composed of natural stones, others use artificial substitutes. Natural gemstones are more expensive and rarer than synthetic ones, but the demand for them is skyrocketing.
FAQ
Yes, genuine natural gemstones exist. Natural gems are created without the intervention of humans.
