Semi-precious Stones A–Z: The Complete Overview
From Agate to Zircon – the world of semiprecious stones is vast and fascinating. This comprehensive guide gives you a complete overview of the most important semiprecious stones in jewelry: what they are, what they look like, and what they are known for.
Agate
Banded chalcedony in many colors – concentric layers are typical. Every agate is unique. Very popular as slices or cabochons in boho jewelry. Mohs 7.
Amethyst
Violet quartz – from delicate lavender to deep purple. The most popular purple gemstone. February birthstone. Stands for intuition and inner peace. Mohs 7.
Aquamarine
Light blue to sea blue-green beryl variety. March birthstone. Stands for clarity and serenity. Comes mainly from Brazil. Mohs 7.5–8.
Aventurine
Green (sometimes also blue or orange) quartz with shimmering inclusions – the "aventurescence" effect. Green aventurine is considered a lucky stone. Mohs 7.
Rock Crystal
Pure, colorless quartz. Transparent as glass, very clear. Valued as a stone of clarity and purity. Inexpensive diamond substitute in historical jewelry. Mohs 7.
Citrine
Yellow to orange-brown quartz. November birthstone (alternative). Sun and prosperity stone. Mostly created by heat treatment of amethyst. Mohs 7.
Garnet
Mineral group in many colors (red, orange, green, color change). January birthstone. Stands for passion and energy. Mohs 6.5–7.5.
Hematite
Iron glance – silver-gray-black, very heavy. Very grounding and protective. Popular men's jewelry stone. Mohs 5.5–6.5.
Jade
Jadeite or Nephrite – green to white to lavender. The most sacred stone in Chinese culture. Stands for harmony, protection, prosperity. Mohs 6–7.
Carnelian
Orange-red chalcedony. Very old jewelry history (Egypt, Rome). Stands for vitality, courage, creativity. Mohs 7.
Labradorite
Feldspar with dramatic play of color (labradorescence). Shifting blue, green, gold. Stone of magic and transformation. Mohs 6–6.5.
Lapis Lazuli
Deep blue rock with golden pyrite inclusions – a rock, not a mineral. Thousands of years of use (Egypt, Renaissance). Stands for wisdom and truth. Mohs 5–6.
Malachite
Intensely green copper mineral with circular markings. Very characteristic and unmistakable. Considered a protective stone for children. Mohs 3.5–4 (delicate).
Moonstone
Feldspar with adularescence (bluish shimmer). Stone of the moon, intuition, femininity. June birthstone (alternative). Mohs 6–6.5.
Obsidian
Volcanic glass – deep black, shiny. Very grounding and protective. Very sharp (used as a tool). Mohs 5–5.5.
Onyx
Black chalcedony. Strength, protection, elegance. Very popular in men's jewelry and Art Deco designs. Mohs 7.
Opal
Unique play of color (opalescence) due to silicon dioxide microstructure. October birthstone. Stands for creativity and imagination. Mohs 5.5–6.5.
Peridot
Olive green olivine – also comes from meteorites. August birthstone. Stands for joy and light. Mohs 6.5–7.
Rose Quartz
Delicate pink quartz. Stone of love and compassion. Very popular in self-love jewelry. Mohs 7.
Tiger's Eye
Golden-brown quartz with chatoyance (silky sheen). Stands for strength, courage, focus. Unisex stone. Mohs 7.
Turquoise
Azure blue to green-turquoise copper mineral. Historically the most significant protective stone in the world. December birthstone. Mohs 5–6.
Semiprecious Stone Jewelry at Corelune Jewellery
The most beautiful semiprecious stones in wonderful settings – at Corelune Jewellery you will find the stone for you.
