Semi Precious Stones List
Used in a variety of decorative and healing activities, semi-precious stones come in a broad range of colors, shapes and styles. Further divided into different categories for hardness, color, brilliance and clarity, there are several different groups and species. Due to their vibrant colors, versatility and availability, semi-precious stones are a widely used resource in jewelry making, art projects and home decor.
Aquamarine Stone
Its name derived from the Latin terms "aqua" (water) and "mare" (sea), the aquamarine stone is transparent and ranges in color from pale blue to a light turquoise. Related to the emerald, it is placed in the gemstone family. Usually free of inclusions (internal matter or irregularities), aquamarine possesses superior brilliance, and its shading and color cover a wide spectrum; the more intense the color, the higher the value. Each type of shade is given its own name, including a rare form found in Brazil known as "Santa Maria" and the "Santa Maria Africana," found in mines in Mozambique.
Peridot
A volcanic gemstone most often found in a yellow-green shade, peridot is composed of silica, magnesium and iron. The stone serves as the August birthstone, and its name is derived from the French word "peritot," which means "unclear." Peridot is formed of olivine (a silicate mineral that is present in one of the rock varieties that make up a large part of the earth's upper mantle) and exists in many locations in the world, including the United States, Egypt, China and Pakistan. Highly prized as a gemstone, it is often used in jewelry making as beads, and in mosaics and other art projects.
Natural Red Coral Stone
An opaque stone with an intense red color, natural red coral is often used in jewelry making and is especially popular for being made into beads. The surface can be polished to a high shine and becomes very smooth, making it ideal for arts, crafts and decorating. There are many variations of shades and surfaces to choose from. Several ancient beliefs are associated with the use and wearing of red coral, including that it protects its wearer from ill fortune and that it changes colors at the onset of an illness.
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