What's the difference between semi precious stones and regular gemstones?

semi-precious stones are the highest quality, rarest of the gemstones. these are rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. you will notice that these are very expensive when they are larger carats. for example, a 10 ct ruby will cost over $10,000 (check out tiffanys.com) and a 10 ct citrine ring will cost no more than $100. it's all about the rarity.

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Preciious - Any of several gems, including the diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire, that have high economic value because of their rarity or appearance. Semi-precious - were those that were less rare Historically gemstones were classified into precious stones and semi-precious stones. Because such a definition can change over time and vary with culture, it has always been a difficult matter to determine what constitutes precious stones. Aside from the diamond, the ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl (strictly speaking not a gemstone) and opal have also been considered to be precious. Up to the discoveries of bulk amethyst in Brazil in the 19th century, amethyst was considered a precious stone as well, going back to ancient Greece. Even in the last century certain stones such as aquamarine, peridot and cat's eye have been popular and hence been regarded as precious. Nowadays such a distinction is no longer made by the trade

Precious Stones

The most precious stones are the diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. The pearl is oftentimes classed with precious stones. Although strictly speaking while it is not a stone it holds an esteemed place in jewelry.

Semi-Precious Stones

A large number of stones used in jewelry are known as semi-precious; the most important ones are as follow: amethyst, lapis-lazuli, turquoise, aquamarine, topaz, moonstone, peridot, opal, tourmaline, zircon, chrysoberyl, alexandrite. Others of less importance although much used are: chrysoprase, jade, garnet, agate, azurite, malachite, bloodstone, coral, carnelian and many others. These stones while comparatively common and inexpensive are indispensable to the worker in jewelry.

semi precious stones are the cheaper but real stones ... like turquoise and regular gemstones are diamonds and such

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-precious_stones

http://wikipedia.org/

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