Semi precious stones have been enraptured and entranced human beings for generations. They have valued these stones for their beauty as well as supernatural powers. Here is a semiprecious stones guide:
Amber: It is translucent to opaque yellow, and has a warm feeling about it.
Amethyst: It is a transparent gemstone whose color ranges from light lavender to deep purple. Cape Amethyst, which is light lavender in color, is one of the more popular amethyst stones. Aquamarine: As the name suggests, this stone is transparent blue to pale green in color. Its most common varieties are pale, icy blue. Carnelian: This stone is known by several names, the most common being Mecca stone, Pigeon Blood Agate and Cornelian It is a translucent stone that is reddish-orange to red in color. Citrine: It is a variety of crystalline quartz and is yellow, golden or orange-yellow in color. It is also known as Madeira or Bahia Topaz, Cuddle Quartz or the "Merchant's Stone. Coral: It is usually red, orange-red or pink in color, and can be quite expensive. Fire Opal: This is the bright red/pink variety of opal usually found in Mexico. Garnet: The most common color of this stone is burgundy red. But it can also be found in shades of transparent to translucent red, pink, orange-red, orange, purple and green. Green Aventurine: This is a variety of translucent quartz, and derives its color from the presence of unoxidized iron minerals. Labradorite: This stone derives its name from the Labrador peninsula where it was discovered. It has a shimmering appearance, and is usually khaki green in color. Lapis Lazuli: This is quite a prized stone, especially if it happens to be royal blue in color. Otherwise, its color ranges from green to sky blue, with glittering golden specks. Moonstone: This stone derives its name from it pure white color which makes it resemble the moon. Onyx: This stone comes in a wide range of colors that can be even or banded -- the strongly banded ones being known as Sardonyx. Peruvian Blue Opal: This quartz stone derives its name from the trapped water that also gives it the blue color. It is one of the more expensive opals. Poppy Jasper: It is an opaque semi-precious gemstone, brick red with black, tan and white patterns.
Rose Quartz: This quartz stone is light to medium pink, and cloudy. Rutilated Quartz: This is a rare stone. It is very clear with fine, golden or golden-red needle-like crystals. It is also known as Venus Hair Stone, Maiden Hair Stone, Cupid's Arrow and Sagenite. Smokey Quartz: This is a clear gray or brown variety of crystalline Quartz. Among its other names are Cairngorm, Morion and Dream Stone. Topaz: It comes is several colors, the most common being translucent yellow, golden, green, light brown, light blue or clear.
Tourmaline: It is a popular gemstone that comes in a range of colors. The most prized tourmaline is the Watermelon Tourmaline, which is green outside and pink inside. Turquoise: This is an opaque stone that is light robin egg blue to green in color. It is also known as the lucky stone.
