Meanings of Some Semi Precious Gemstones

Gemstones can be precious and semi-precious. There are several precious gemstones sold in some jewelry stores as well as semi precious stones.
Many people are familiar with the precious gemstones like pearls, rubies, and diamonds. But did you know that there are also other semi precious gems out there? That’s right and it includes alexandrite, amber, amethyst, beryl, garnet, jadeite, lapis lazuli, moonstone, opal, topaz, and turquoise.
If you want to purchase a transparent and fascinating gem, you can get alexandrite. It changes color because when you’re in broad daylight, the stone appears as bright green but when you’re indoors, it is colored raspberry red. It was only in 1831 when this stone was discovered in Russia.
Amber is not actually a gemstone because it is a fossilized tree sap. However, this is highly prized up to now and it can be found mostly in the region of Baltics. If you want to achieve inner peace, you can get amethyst. It is purple in color but it is also available in lighter lavender shades.
Warriors of long ago wore beryl to protect themselves. This gemstone is available in different shades such as pink, yellow, golden, emerald, and aquamarine. This is a durable stone and because of this characteristic, the stone is well known.
Before, garnet was used mainly to stop blood diseases and hemorrhaging. But because of its durability and brilliance, this red stone is a very precious gem. The Chinese people revered jadeite and this stone came from Guatemala and Myanmar. This gemstone is also available in different colors like mottled green, whitish gray, white, pink, mauve, brown, orange, yellow, and lilac.
If you prefer intense brilliance and deep color, you can purchase lapis lazuli. You can find this stone in Argentina, Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, and Canada. Moonstone comes from the family of feldspar. The blue moonstone varieties are far more valuable and desirable than the transparent and milky varieties. If you love the colors of the rainbow, go for opal. This stone can also be found in rare black and this is really valuable.
Topaz is a gemstone that symbolizes affection and love. This is a very rare stone. It is brilliant, hard, and is available in a variety of colors. Most people are unaware that this is a rare stone and often mistakes the glass or quartz imitations as the true stones. In Africa and Asia, turquoise is very precious. It is also available in color varieties like greenish blue, light/dark blue, and robin’s egg shade.
These are some of the semi precious gemstones in the world. You can find these stones in major jewelry stores worldwide. However, beware of imitations so make sure that you’re only purchasing the genuine stones. If this is your first time to purchase a precious gemstone, make sure that you’re dealing with reputable jewelry stores. If you’re shopping online, you can check the customer testimonials to ensure the quality and genuineness of the gemstone.
Precious and semi precious gemstones are good investments. If you want, you can get your specific birthstone. Search the internet and find out more about the different gemstones for every month. There is a wealth of information on the internet that can help you in choosing the best deal gemstones in the market.
You can buy your own gemstones. Gemstones are also great gifts to friends and loved ones.

List of certain Gemstones and How to Clean Them
Here is a list of some of the popular gemstones and how to clean them.
1. Turquoise – this gemstone has a chalky texture and is regarded as fragile. This gemstone should have a separate box to prevent chipping and scratching. Never handle it roughly. Avoid immersing it in water because it negatively reacts with chemicals. The surface can be wiped using a smooth and damp cloth. Don’t use jewelry dips or even ultrasonic cleaners.
2. Lapis Lazuli – just like turquoise, this gemstone is easily chipped. It must be stored separately. Protective coatings of the lapis lazuli gemstones are easily removed so avoid immersing it in water. The cleaning procedures are the same as that of turquoise.
3. Coral – this is a porous and organic gemstone. Don’t expose this gemstone in direct sunlight especially for long hours and you should also avoid large temperature variations. Simply wipe it with a damp smooth cloth.
4. Pearl – this is less durable as compared to other gemstones. Pearl is sensitive to dryness, acids, and humidity. After using pearl jewelries, you have to wipe it because they are easily discolored. You should have a separate jewelry box. Don’t mix it with other harder gemstones. If you have a cultured pearl, you can wash it in soapy yet mild water. Never dry the pearl in heat. Make sure you them restrung every two years.
5. Larimar – you can keep this in a tissue or chamois bag, or in a separate box. Avoid direct contact with perfumes, hairsprays, and other chemicals. Color fading occurs when exposed to bright sunlight. You can use a drop of ammonia and soapy water to clean it; you can also use a soft brush to clean it.
6. Labradorite and Moonstone – these stones are primarily stored in oils before made into jewelries. Because of this, the gemstones don’t crack or dry out easily. However, it is easily scratched. Wipe it with smooth and damp cloth and never use ultrasonic cleaners or jewelry dips.
7. Onyx and Chalcedony – avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Chipping and scratching can be avoided if the jewelry has a separate container. Use a soft brush and soapy water to clean it. Rinse the gemstones well.
8. Rose Quartz – avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent color fading. Don’t soak the gemstone and you can clean it using soapy water and soft brush. Never steam clean the gemstone and rinse it well.
9. Topaz – this is a very durable stone and does not easily chip nor scratch. Avoid too much heat and chemical exposure. Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners, steam clean, nor soak. Use a soft brush and soapy water to clean the gemstone.
10. Garnet – this gemstone is brittle. Avoid chemicals. Ultrasonic cleaners can’t be used with an andradite but all other garnets can be cleaned with it. Don’t soak.
11. Peridot – avoid too much heat exposure, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. Use soft brush and soapy water to clean it and then rinse thoroughly. Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners nor steam clean.
The list of gemstones in this article are considered semi precious. These stones are less expensive as compared to the precious stones but still needs extreme and proper care. Gemstone jewelries are great investments and even the ancient people believed that the stones could bring good luck. So if you have several different pieces of gemstones, be sure to get a jewelry box with different compartments so that you can place the gemstones in separate bins.

Rare Gemstones:
Not all gemstones are that easy to find. Some, you must go through impeccable distances to dig. And the further it takes to find one, the more expensive it gets. Others who don’t want to go through such fuss. Yes, gemstones can be made. You just have to mix all the elements and use the right chemicals to be able to make a real gemstone without even recognizing the difference. Oddly, some of the rarest gemstones are lag work. But nothing beats the original forged by the earth.
What made these stones amazingly rare and unique? It’s their characteristic and the place where they mined it. Below are some of the rarest gemstones that are known for their fine qualities and outstanding price.
Andesine
This gemstone is worn out from the natural extracts of a well-faceted crystal. Its superior quality made it possible for distributors to form them into various shapes that will please those who might spot them. The likeness would contribute to its magnificent shade of red. Prices would depend on how big or small the size would be. Some ranges from 250-700 dollars per piece. The rareness of this stone is due to the mixture of red and green or red and orange when confronted with incandescent lighting.
Alexandrite
This comes from either Russia or Brazil. Lightly included, alexandrite has a very natural change in color triggering from deep green, blue, or extreme blue and green combined during daylight. If in close inspection, you would see the parallel inclusions that make the item more unique than other stones. Also, this can also be incorporated with the cat’s eye. Price of this valuable gem ranges from 300-2500 dollars.
Red Beryl
Also known as the red emerald, red beryl has a unique shade of red with dashes of red-violet tones. Cuts can be made in shapes like rectangular or trillion. A piece can amount up to two thousand dollars or more.
Colombian Emerald
Comes in a rectangular and square cut. Based on the name, this kind of unique emerald came from the depths of the mountains of Colombia with a brilliant shade of green and a beautiful tone of blue that is visible in daylight. Price would range from 900-2800 dollars.
Chalcedony
Mined from Indonesia, this gem is grounded and polished to make the lavender and purple color shine. The white tone brushed all over its surface is what makes this stone unique. It’s like staring at the Milky Way or a bundle of clouds. Surprisingly, the amount shouldn’t reach 200 dollars.
Quartz
This item is mined from Brazil. Resembling a pearl with its perfect globe shape, the asteriated quartz glows with a silver dreamy surface even though it’s naturally colorless. Its natural brilliance paved its way to stamp an $850 price tag.
African Sapphire
Design with 6 rays of the star, this gem’s opaqueness and visible blue tranquility is mined within Africa and has the natural characteristics that made it more unique. This oval cabochon shaped item can start at a $800 dollars.
Spinel
This mighty fine colored gemstone mined in Sri Lanka and parts of Burma has varieties of indigo, blue, deep pink, and dark purple shades that are cut to reach the customer’s desire. Per carat is worth $150 dollars, sometimes, more than that.

What about the mysterious aspects of Gem Stones?
Crystals and Illnesses

The following chart is an overview of some illnesses and which crystal has been used to help with healing them. If you need medical attention, please seek out a qualified physician.
Acne: Amethyst elixir ADD: Quartz Allergies: Aquamarine and Aventurine Alzheimer's: Blue Obsidian Anger: Agate, Bloodstone, Garnet, Jade, Rose Quartz Angina: Emerald Appendicitis: Chrysolite Arthritis: Boji stones, Charoite, Copper, Emerald, Fluorite, Pyrite Back: Lapis Lazuli, Malachite Bitterness: Amethyst Bladder: Orange Jasper Bleeding: Bloodstone High Blood Pressure: Emerald Low Blood Pressure: Ruby Bowels: Jasper Burns: Rose Quartz Cancer: Red Adventurine, Selenite, Smoky Quartz Chickenpox: Malachite Colds: Emerald Constipation: Amber Depression: Amber, Citrine, Kyanite, Sapphire, Diabetes: Citrine, Emerald, Jade, Sulfur Dyslexia: Sugilite Emphysema: Amber, Amethyst, Rose Quartz Epilepsy: Jasper, Lapis Lazuli Exhaustion: Yellow Jasper Chronic Fatigue: Chlorite in Quartz Fever: Red Obsidian Gallbladder: Calcite, Citrine, Jasper, Topaz Goiter: Amber Gout: Topaz, Tourmaline Hayfever: Blue Agate Headaches: Amber, Amethyst, Charoite, Citrine, Hematite Heart Attack: Dioptase HIV and AIDS: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli Hypertension: Chrysocolia Inflammation: Alexandrite, Bloodstone, Copper, Emerald, Malachite Insomnia: Amethyst, Citrine, Labradorite, Sapphire Insulin levels: Opal Joints: Azurite, Calcite, Hematite Kidneys: Amber, Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Citrine, Emerald, Fluorite, Nephrite, Rose Quartz Knees: Azurite Liver: Amethyst, Beryl, Charoite, Jade, Topaz Lungs: Amber, Beryl, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot Metabolism: Amethyst, Sodalite Migraine: Amber, Amethyst, Fluorite, Turquoise Multiple Sclerosis: Carnelian Nerves: Tourmaline Nose Bleed: Carnelian Obesity: Tourmaline Osteoporosis: Malachite Pancreas: Amber, Calcite, Charoite, Garnet, Jasper Panic or Anxiety Attack: Lapis Lazuli Parkinson's Disease: Amethyst, Opal Rheumatism: Agate, Carnelian, Copper, Malachite Scoliosis: Malachite Seizures: Labradorite Senility: Buddstone Sexual Abuse: Zoisite Sinuses: Azurite, Blue Agate Sleep: Amethyst, Lapis Laxuli Stress: Bloodstone, Fluorite, Hematite, Obsidian Stomach: Beryl, Fire Agate, Labradorite Teeth and toothache: Aquamarine, Fluorite Thymus: Aventurine Thyroid: Amber, Citrine Travel Sickness: Jasper Tuberculosis: Morganite Ulcers: Blue Agate Urinary Tract: Calcite, Ruby Venereal Disease: Zircon Vomiting/Nausea: Lapis Lazuli Warts: Blue Agate Weight Loss: Rose Quartz

Crystal Lore Meanings A through C

Agate: This stone is made of tiny flecks of quartz in ribbons. It is waxy and soft and always translucent. It helps to build self-confidence. Also, it helps with left and right brain balance. Amazonite: This stone is representative of prosperity. It helps to open the heart, throat, and solar plexus chakras. It increases your self-esteem and helps you to communicate better. Amber: Clear or orange petrified tree sap is the charm of this stone. It helps in past life work. The stone gives the person mental acuity, confidence, and a balance in their thinking. It can help with depression and bringing forth a positive attitude. Amethyst: This stone is for dream recall. It can help enhance psychic abilities. It reduces nightmares when worn at bedtime. It is considered the master healing stone. Aquamarine: This beautiful stone has the calming energy of the sea. It can be used for protection when traveling, particularly if you will be on water. It helps to clear blocked communication and assists in verbal wording. Beryl: This stone helps in filtering out distractions, relieving some stress, and can help to bring peace to your mind. Most times, these stones are used for harmony and balance. Bloodstone: So named because this stone was at the foot of the cross where Jesus' blood dropped on it. It is used for calming and tranquility. It attracts good luck and is correlated to honesty and integrity. Calcite: This crystal comes in many vibrant colors. It is used with the joints, cleansing the organs, and helping with memory. This stone will keep you anchored and help you feel comfortable no matter where you may be. Citrine: A versatile stone, this one is mostly used for mental and emotional clarity and memory issues. It never has to be cleansed of negative energy, because these stones are quite positive. Most importantly, it can help us rid those negative feelings and assist us in accepting events the way they are.

Crystal Lore Meanings D through H

Diamond: Ignore the monetary value and look at its properties. With other stones such as aquamarine, it can actually boost the stone's power. Some say that the blue inside the color spectrum of the stone can actually help with glaucoma. It was used as a detoxing stone in ancient times. Dioptase: A deep blue-green crystal, it helps the heart chakra release negativity and heal itself. It promotes sincerity and emotional balance and its healing can go deep into the earth. Emerald: A symbol of love and good luck, this stone is used for harmony and peace. It also helps with depression and insomnia. Fluorite: This stone has every color of the rainbow, usually translucent in appearance. It is used as a balancing stone. The stone is also used to heighten psychic ability and spiritual connections. Garnet: Ranging in a multitude of colors, this stone heightens creativity and helps with the circulatory system. The brighter the stone is, the better it will work for you. It is used for help with exhaustion, strengthening blood, hormone balance, and fertility. It also helps us open up to others. Geodes: These are rock like on the outside and contain a crystalline structure on the inside. They usually contain forms of quartz, amethyst, and citrine. It helps with pursuits of math and assists in the decision making process. Gold: This is an all purpose type of gem. If placed in the sunlight for a time, it will become positively charged. It can help with degenerative diseases and chemical imbalances. It imparts an assertive energy to the wearer. Hematite: This shiny stone is used for grounding and encourages survival instincts. It also helps to enhance memory, give mental clarity, and give the wearer a sound sleep. It deflects negativity and restores balance. It was used by the ancient Egyptians for hysteria and anxiety.

Crystal Lore Meanings I through L

Iolite: This stone is a bluish lavender color. It represents truth, peace, and living at a higher awareness level. It is one of the best stones to use in psychic healing and spiritual activities. It can help open your psychic abilities and expand upon them. It is mostly used for meditation and astral travel. Ivory: Use this stone ONLY if you are drawn to it as it comes from elephants and walruses. It is used in the ailments of bones and joints. It will help make you become more in tune with animals and nature. Jade: This stone is used for health and wealth. It sends out a gentle, steady healing energy. It comes in a variety of colors and can be used on the chakra that corresponds with its color. This stone can help mellow your existence and rid you of negativity. It is a very protective stone. Jasper: This stone will work for practical solutions in your life. Its energy is used for grounding and protection. Jasper comes in a rainbow of colors. Native Americans used Jasper to help them connect to the spirit world and protect them while the traveled. Kyanite: Used for grounding and tranquility, this stone comes in several colors. It is used for visualization, dream interpretation, and meditation. It is also said if this stone is carried around in the pocket for a time, it will align all the chakras back to where they are supposed to be. Labradorite: Usually a metallic iridescent stone, it helps the wearer to share their strengths with the people around them by helping them to relate better to others. Don't clean this one with salt. Lapis Lazuli: This beautiful stone comes in many hues of blue. It will help to organize and quiet the mind. It gives us total awareness and insight into our dreams. It can help to increase psychic ability and spiritual purity. Wear close to the throat.

Crystal Lore Meanings M through O

Malachite: This stone has a steady flow of electromagnetic energy. It is used in healing and can clean the auric field by absorbing negativity. Place in all four corners of a room to cleanse of toxins. The stone must be cleansed daily. It will also help to amplify the positivity in your life, so use when you are feeling down or depressed. Meteorite: A solid brown to black mottled stone, it helps with greater awareness of your surroundings. These stones are in tune wit the cosmos' energies and can help raise our own energies to a higher level. Moonstone: This stone comes in a variety of colors. It honors the Goddess in all women and also aids in dieting, meditation, and Psychic awareness. It can help give us greater flexibility and calmness in our lives. Nephrite: This stone has creamy type colors. It has a steady energy and helps to mellow one's existence. It can also assist the wearer in ridding themselves of negativity. It is a protective stone and helps the body filter out any toxins. Obsidian: This stone is formed when hot lava is poured into water. It has a strong grounding property and reduces the need for escape from life. It help to dissolve anger and fear and converts it t flexibility. Onyx: This stone helps to balance and ground the wearer. It is used for centering the person to connect with higher powers. It can help to banish grief and enhance self control. It also brings balance to the body and good for people under mental and emotional stress. Opal: This sparkling stone amplifies feelings or buried emotions. It gives us the ability to be more spontaneous. It is a very fragile stone and will crack in the sun. It can also help to balance the left and right brain.

Crystal Lore Meanings P through R

Pearl: These stones are symbolic of a pure heart and innocence. It is used in balancing the emotions. It is a very nurturing stone, but it will hold negativity until it can be cleansed. They help to stabilize the mind and stimulate the heart. It is also said pearl powder can be used on the skin like a skin cream for wonderful effects. Peridot: This stone is a visionary stone and is used for health and wealth. It assists us in connecting to our destinies and in understanding the purpose of our existence. It can help the body release toxins and with mental cleansing. Petrified Wood: It is said to help the skin and muscle tissue. This stone helps you become more aware of all things in nature. It also can assist the wearer to connect with past life experiences and issues and bring them to light so they can be dealt with in this life. Quartz: There are so many different kinds of Quartz and in a rainbow of colors. It is known as the most versatile healing stone. It is used for harmony and sending guidance to others. The stone is also used in balancing the Aura. Rose Quartz is said to amplify the love of life to others from the wearer. Rhodonite: This is called the stone of love. It calms the heart and helps with grounding and balancing. It will allow us to focus on tasks and gets rid of confusion. It can also help in spiritual healing and communication. Ruby: This deep red stone helps with blood sugar levels and re-energizing after going to exhaustion. It will amplify the wearer's positive and negative energies, so be careful. It can also bring anger to the surface very fast. The stone will help with healing and enhances the psychic ability and insight.

Crystal Lore Meanings S through Z

Sapphire: A dark blue stone, it helps in communication, insight, and intuition. It is most strongest when placed next to the skin. It helps to lessen tension and align the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. Black Sapphires are the most protective. Selenite: This is a type of gypsum stone with white striated crystals. It is used to work against the effects of cancer and helps to stabilize people that have epileptic episodes. The wearer must visualize the warm light bringing energy and healing to them. It may also help with issues of letting go. Silver: This shiny stone can help wit issues of mental and emotional cleansing. It helps by giving a balance to your emotions. The stone is good for those with diminished memory and irrational fears. It is a less assertive stone than most others. Sodalite: This crystal is recognized for its healing and meditation powers. It can help the wearer express themselves better due to the connection with the Throat chakra. It can assist you in being more objective and less critical of others and everyday happenings. Tanzanite: This is a rare blue violet stone. It is a stone of magic that accentuates spiritual awareness and insight. It is also used in relieving depression. So named because it was found in Tanzania, this gorgeous stone helps to dispel negativity. Tiger's Eye: This stone is widely recognized an is used for money, courage, and luck. It amplifies thinking and helps you to bring your ideas to reality. It is used for centering and grounding and helps us recognize our strengths and weaknesses. It was known as he true balancer of Yin and Yang in ancient China. Zircon: This stone comes in all colors, but is a clear crystal most of he time. It helps the wearer to see universal truths and have a connection with all that is. It helps to relieve depression and insomnia. It also was used back in history as a poison detoxifier.

Bathing with Stones and Crystals

Healing baths are a great way to relax and take advantage of a stone's healing properties. Even plain old rocks is said to have some healing properties. The water helps to enhance the stone's vibrations and this, in turn, will help you become more aware of your own energy. You should notice a new vitality to the water when you place a rock or stone in the tub. Sea salt for ten minutes is also considered a relaxing bath. The salt will help all the dead skin slough off and you will be renewed with only a smooth skin without the slippery oil. You can also add some lavender or flower essences to the bath as well for aroma. Sometimes to get the full healing power of the stone, you can run the bath and let the stone stay in for a while before you get in the water. The energy is absorbed by the water and you will be quite refreshed when you get out. You can also try holding the stone in the left hand and placing it under the water. You should feel the energy transmitting through the water and back to you. The most favored stones to bathe with are Quartz crystals and Granite. You may also try Amethyst, Garnet, Citrine, Bloodstone, Agate, and Onyx. Place these in a mesh bag though, you don't want them to go down the drain. You want to watch using a few stones in water as they can dissolve. These include Halite, Selenite, Gypsum, Talc, Calcite, and Alabaster. You could also place the stone in your bubble bath and let it charge until you are ready to use it. Place smaller stones in the shampoo or body wash in the shower. You could place stones in your pitcher of drinking water to energize it before drinking (with stones removed) or in your bottle of hand soap before washing.

So there is more to Gem Stones than just being pretty objects according to the ancients and metaphysics!