What is a Gemstone?
Gemstones, with their mesmerising allure, have captivated human fascination for centuries. But what exactly defines a gemstone? In simple terms, a gemstone is a precious or semi-precious mineral that is cut and polished to enhance its beauty. These exquisite stones, often used in jewellery, are cherished not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their rarity.
Popular Gemstone Colours
As humans, we love colours and gemstones come in all forms of colours and gradients which add to their allure. The world of gemstones is a kaleidoscope of colours, each hue telling a unique story and depth. From the deep blues of sapphires to the fiery reds of rubies, gemstone colours add a vibrant touch to the world of jewellery. Read on to know about the list of popular gemstones along with their spectrum of beautiful colours and images.
List of Gemstone Names By Value
The list of gemstones that we will see in this blog can be broadly classified by value into two categories – precious gemstones and semi-precious gemstones, each with its own characteristics and market value. The precious gemstones have adorned the crowns of kings and queens throughout history. The semi-precious gemstones are mainly used in jewellery making. In today’s world, all the gemstones are considered precious for their value.
List of Gemstone Names By Species
Organic Gemstones
Organic gemstones derive their beauty from living organisms or natural processes. Pearls, for example, are created within oysters, displaying a unique iridescence born from the sea.
Rocks
Gemstones classified as rocks encompass a fascinating category. Agate, with its banded patterns, and lapis lazuli, adorned with golden flecks of pyrite, are examples of how geological formations evolve into stunning, polished treasures.
Minerals
Mineral-based gemstones, such as amethyst and citrine, showcase the beauty of crystalline structures and are formed through the slow, meticulous process of mineral growth, resulting in a dazzling array of colours and formations.
Quartz
Quartz, a versatile mineral, gives rise to an array of gemstones. From the regal purple of amethyst to the sunny glow of citrine, the quartz family showcases the mineral’s beauty.
Corundum
Corundum-based gemstones, such as sapphires and rubies, are admired for their exceptional hardness and brilliance.
List of Gemstone Names By Purpose
Gemstone Collection
Gemstone collectors are drawn to the sheer beauty, rarity, and diversity of gemstones. A person who collects and deals with gemstones is known as a “Lapidarist”
Gemstone Jewellery
Gemstone jewellery is not just about fashion; it’s about personal expression and symbolism and gemstones are used in making jewellery to cater for these audiences.
Astrological Benefits
In the realm of astrology, certain gemstones are believed to harness cosmic energies and influence one’s destiny. Individuals seek gems aligned with their zodiac signs, believing in their power to bring positive energies and good fortune.
Healing Stones
Gemstones have been revered for their supposed healing properties for centuries and are believed to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, making them sought-after companions in alternative medicine.
Birthstones
Birthstones hold a special place in many cultures, believed to bring good luck and protection to individuals born in a specific month.
Types of Precious Gemstone Names
1. Diamond
Source: Pinterest
Coveted for their dazzling brilliance, diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle under intense pressure and heat making them the hardest mineral known to man. Mined globally, from India, Africa, Australia and Russia, diamonds symbolise enduring love and commitment. This gemstone is a popular choice for engagement rings. Beyond aesthetics, they are believed to enhance clarity of thought and positive energies.
Colour: Range from colourless to coloured
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: Greater than or equal to 10
Associated Birthstone Month: April
2. Ruby
Source: Pinterest
Ruby also known as the “King of Gemstones,” boasts an intense red hue and originates from deposits in Burma, Srilanka, Thailand, and Mozambique. Adorning royal regalia throughout history, rubies symbolise passion, vitality, and courage. Across cultures, this gemstone is considered talismans for protection, guarding against misfortune and promoting well-being.
Colour: Shades of red or pink
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: Greater than or equal to 9
Associated Birthstone Month: July
3. Sapphire
Source: Pinterest
Known for their velvety blue tones, sapphires are found in countries like Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Africa and Kashmir in India. Revered for centuries, they symbolise wisdom, loyalty, and purity. Associated with divine blessings, sapphires adorned the crowns of kings and queens. These gemstones are believed to bring spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. The most popular among them are the yellow sapphire and blue sapphire.
Colour: Blue
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 9
Associated Birthstone Month: September
4. Emerald
Source: Behance
With a lush green colour originating from Colombia, Zambia, Ethiopia and Brazil, emeralds are symbols of rebirth and renewal. Treasured for their association with fertility, growth, and harmony, emeralds were believed in ancient cultures to reveal the future and protect against evil spirits. Today, they signify hope, vitality, and a promising future, often chosen to celebrate milestones and maintain emotional balance.
Colour: Blue to green
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 7.5 to 8
Associated Birthstone Month: May
Types of Semi-Precious Gemstone Names
5. Amethyst
Source: Pinterest
Amethyst, a captivating purple quartz, is often found in regions like Brazil, Zambia, and Uruguay. Renowned for its calming energy, amethyst is associated with balance and clarity of thought. From ancient times, it has been considered a symbol of sobriety and tranquillity, making it a popular choice for meditation and stress relief.
Colour: Purple or green
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 7
Associated Birthstone Month: February
6. Pearl
Source: Pinterest
Pearls, formed within the delicate confines of oysters and molluscs, hail from diverse locations such as the Persian Gulf, the South Pacific, China and the coasts of Japan. These gemstones symbolise purity and innocence. Embraced in various cultures as tokens of wisdom gained through experience, pearls have adorned jewellery for centuries, representing timeless elegance.
Colour: Off-white and black. Can also be found in gold and silver shades.
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 2.5 to 4.5
Associated Birthstone Month: June
7. Garnet
Source: Pinterest
Garnets, found in locations like India and Africa, come in a spectrum of colours, with the deep red variety being the most well-known. Symbolising passion, strength, and enduring commitment, garnets have been cherished throughout history. This gemstone is believed to inspire love and devotion while protecting against negativity.
Colour: Dark reddish brown
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 6.5 to 7.5
Associated Birthstone Month: January
8. Coral
Source: Pinterest
Coral, formed by marine organisms, is harvested in regions like the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its vibrant red and pink hues, coral symbolises vitality and life force. In many cultures, coral has been worn as protective amulets and talismans, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
Colour: Come in a wide range of colours. The most popular are red or salmon.
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 3 to 4
Associated Birthstone Month: April
9. Gomathak (Hessonite Garnet)
Source: Pinterest
Hessonite Garnet, known as Gomethak in Sanskrit, is found in places like Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil. This gemstone is associated with vitality and passion. In ancient traditions, it was believed to bring business success and enhance self-confidence. Gomethak is also thought to have protective properties against negative energies.
Colour: Cinnamon
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 6.5 to 7.5
Associated Birthstone Month: January
10. Cat’s Eye
Source: Pinterest
Cat’s Eye also called Cymophane, a mesmerising gemstone with a distinctive iridescent effect, is sourced from Sri Lanka, India and Brazil. Symbolising good luck and fortune, this gemstone is associated with enhanced intuition and awareness. In various cultures, the Cat’s Eye gemstone is believed to safeguard against unforeseen dangers and bring serenity to the wearer.
Colour: Greenish yellow
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: Greater than or equal to 8.5
Associated Birthstone Month: June
11. Alexandrite
Source: Pinterest
Alexandrite, a rare and one of the most expensive gemstones, originates from Russia, Brazil, and Sri Lanka. Known for its spellbinding colour-changing properties, shifting from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, Alexandrite symbolises creativity and imagination. This gemstone is often associated with balance and harmony, reflecting the diverse facets of its captivating hues.
Colour: Exhibits different colours in different lights
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 8.5
Associated Birthstone Month: June
12. Citrine
Source: Pinterest
Citrine, with its sunny golden hue, is found in Brazil, Russia and Bolivia. Symbolising warmth and positive energy, citrine is believed to bring abundance and prosperity. Known as the “Merchant’s Stone,” it is associated with business success and is cherished for its ability to dispel negative energies, promoting clarity and inspiration.
Colour: Greenish yellow to orange
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 7
Associated Birthstone Month: November
13. Opal
Source: Pinterest
Opals, known for their iridescent play of colours, are sourced from Australia, Ethiopia, Brazil and Mexico. Symbolising hope, purity, and good luck, opals have captivated cultures for centuries. These gemstones are believed to enhance creativity and stimulate vivid dreams, making them a cherished and enigmatic gemstone.
Colour: Transparent to translucent range of shades
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 5.5 to 6
Associated Birthstone Month: October
14. Topaz
Source: Pinterest
Topaz, found in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, the US, Russia, China and Sri Lanka, comes in an array of colours, with the imperial topaz being the most sought-after. They symbolise love and affection and are believed to bring strength and wisdom to the wearer. This gemstone has been embraced for its ability to instil a sense of calm and relaxation.
Colour: Pale blue, pale yellow and white
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 8
Associated Birthstone Month: November
15. Tourmaline
Source: Pinterest
Tourmaline, found in regions such as Brazil, Afghanistan and Africa, exhibits a spectrum of colours. Symbolising protection and balance, tourmaline is known for its grounding properties. In various cultures, it is believed to transform negative energies into positive ones, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Colour: Come in a wide range of colours like pink, green, blue, black, etc.
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 7 to 7.5
Associated Birthstone Month: October
16. Aquamarine
Source: Pinterest
Aquamarine, with its serene blue hues, is sourced from countries like Brazil, Madagascar, and Nigeria. Symbolising tranquillity and clarity, aquamarine is associated with the soothing energies of the ocean. This gemstone is believed to enhance communication and promote inner peace.
Colour: Sea blue to light green
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 7.5 to 8
Associated Birthstone Month: March
17. Peridot
Source: Pinterest
Peridot also called chrysolite, is found in places like Arizona, Pakistan, and Egypt. Symbolising abundance and prosperity, peridot is believed to bring good fortune to the wearer. Known as the “Gem of the Sun,” it is associated with warmth and vitality and is one of the few gemstones that occur only in one colour.
Colour: Olive Green to greenish yellow
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 6.5 to 7
Associated Birthstone Month: August
18. Zircon
Source: Pinterest
Zircon, found in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, comes in various colours and they symbolise purity and spiritual growth. Zircon is believed to promote inner strength and wisdom. This gemstone, with its brilliance and fire, is cherished for its metaphysical properties and historical significance.
Colour: Comes in various colours, the most popular is blue.
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 6 to 7.5
Associated Birthstone Month: December
19. Jade
Source: Pinterest
Jade, a revered gemstone in Chinese culture, is sourced from China, Myanmar. Symbolising purity, serenity, and harmony, Jade is considered a symbol of good luck and protection. This gemstone is widely used in jewellery.
Colour: Green, but can also be found in yellow or white.
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 6 to 7
Associated Birthstone Month: March
20. Moonstone
Source: Pinterest
Moonstone also called Labradorite, known for its enchanting play of colours, is found in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Symbolising intuition and femininity, moonstone is associated with the energy of the moon. Believed to enhance emotional balance and creativity, moonstone is cherished for its ethereal beauty and its connection to the cycles of nature.
Colour: Blue to white moon-like sheen
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 6 to 6.5
Associated Birthstone Month: June
21. Tanzanite
Source: Pinterest
Tanzanite is exclusively found in the Simanjiro district of the Manyara region in Tanzania. Discovered relatively recently in 1967, tanzanite quickly gained popularity for its rarity and captivating colour. Symbolising spiritual growth and exploration, tanzanite is believed to open one’s mind to new possibilities. Tanzanite has become a cherished gemstone in the world of jewellery.
Colour: Blue but can exhibit different colours under different lighting
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 6.5
Associated Birthstone Month: December
22. Morganite
Source: Pinterest
Morganite is found in locations such as Brazil, Madagascar, and Afghanistan. Named after financier and gem enthusiast J.P. Morgan, this gemstone symbolises love and compassion. Associated with matters of the heart, this gemstone is believed to bring healing energy and emotional balance. Its delicate tones and subtle brilliance make it a popular choice for romantic and meaningful jewellery.
Colour: Pink and orange
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 7.5 to 8
Associated Birthstone Month: November
23. Turquoise
Source: Pinterest
Turquoise earlier mined from the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, is sourced from regions including Iran and Mexico. Admired for its rich cultural history, turquoise is a symbol of protection, wisdom, and positive energy in various traditions. This gemstone has been used for centuries in amulets and jewellery, embodying the beauty of the earth and sky.
Colour: Blue to greenish blue
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 5 to 6
Associated Birthstone Month: December
24. Amber
Source: Pinterest
Amber, formed from fossilised tree resin, is found along the coasts of the Baltic Sea, the Dominican Republic, and Poland. Symbolising warmth and vitality, amber is believed to carry the energy of the sun. In many cultures, it is believed to ward off negative energies and promote healing. Amber’s golden glow and ancient origins make it a unique and treasured gemstone.
Colour: Yellow to reddish brown
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: 2 to 2.5
Associated Birthstone Month: November
25. Onyx
Source: gemstagram.com
Onyx, a black or banded variety of chalcedony, is found in countries like Brazil, India, Greece and Yemen. Symbolising strength and protection, onyx has been used for millennia for carvings and jewellery. Its sleek black appearance adds a touch of sophistication to jewellery, making it a popular choice for both men’s and women’s accessories.
Colour: Green, black, and yellow
Mohr’s Scale of Hardness: Greater than 7
Associated Birthstone Month: July
Buy Gemstones Online and Customise Gemstone Jewellery
Looking to buy gemstones online or get customised gemstone jewellery from a reputed brand? Mohan Jewellery is the place for you. As a pioneer in the field of custom jewel making since 1890, we are carrying on the legacy till today. As one of the most trusted jewellers in India, we provide a variety of jewellery in gold, diamond, silver, platinum and gemstones. We have in-house gemologists who are experienced and have some of the best gemstone collections in Chennai. So explore our gemstones today!
Visit our website or offline store to buy the best gemstones and gemstone jewellery.
