PRECIOUS Gemstones vs. SEMI-PRECIOUS Gemstones: What do they mean? How do we use them? 2022

Precious Gemstones, sometimes called Cardinal gemstones, have been prized as the best gemstones for millennium. Semi-precious often have am almost negative connotation or at the very least lean to the misunderstood. This video looks in detail at the description, differences and uses of these terms. We look at how the terminology has been used in the past, how it is used now, and whether it actually makes sense to continue using these words to describes gemstones today. Does the use of Precious gemstones vs. Semi-precious gemstones help or just confuse what we are trying to describe? All these answered in this video.
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[@zombiessa]

Im Ukrainian and finally I have reached that level for nonnative speaker to understand every single word in your video. Just wanted to share my happiness with you guys over here, I’m also very interested in gems point and honestly was wondering about what you have just told us. Appreciate.

[@kevinbarber2795]

Congratulations! Learning a new language is hard.

[@Gems-of-Hope-Rocks]

Congratulations 🍾🎉🎈🇺🇦 🌻 🇺🇦 🌻 🇺🇦 🌻

[@hgvhhgvhyt2658]

Вітаю:)) Приємно бачити українок, яким також цікава тема мінералів і дорогоцінного каміння 💎

[@zombiessa]

@@hgvhhgvhyt2658 взаємно 🥰

[@peterRobinson10101]

Congratulations on beginning to master a very important language! You have access to some very special gems in your country! Heliodor and even little bit of Alexandrite & so many more

[@mikemurphy3258]

As an amateur collector of minerals, I found your video exactly hit the mark...nice job

[@tedseb7726]

I love all shiny colored stones. Preferably transparent ones. I just think it’s amazing that they come from the earth and are just neat trinkets. Inexpensive wholesale semi precious stones are a great treat.

[@icatz]

Rubies are also often heavily occluded. I think of gems like alexandrite, L.R. black opal, gem quality aqua, bixbite, and so many other rare gemstones. You have to admit that they should either do away with the categories or greatly expand what's precious. And I wish that diamonds actually cost what they're really worth. Zircon is far rarer but very inexpensive. Of course, zircon isn't held hostage by a cartel. TFS 💖🦅🦅

[@challenger398]

I agree with the commekt below me. "Precious" should mean the QUALITY of the stone, not the stone itself. Hell, you can have a rainbow moonstone with total clarity and beautiful colors, which is SO hard to find, but its not considered precious? Where as like you said, you can find emeralds that are so dull that they may only be $1500. "Precious" should be the term used for any gem that can come in a transparent quality that is in its most prestine form. Or for any gem that shows off visual phenomena in the most brilliant fashion.

[@billymcbilly489]

The marketing people get ahold of terms or concepts and construe them into selling points, its a tale as old as time. The categorization of precious and semi-precious gems is seriously antiquated, a true relic. Lots of gemstones are even rarer than diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire.. so why haven't they been added to the supposed list of precious gems? who is even accountable for such a list? This system is derelict and should only be spoken about in historical context.

[@MichaelDugenia]

I just like them all. Especially the bright colored ones. I like color in stones. Diamonds are my least favorite. And I don't buy the fact that they're scarce. It's a marketing ploy plain and simple. But of all the gems, pearls are my ultimate favorite.

[@pattimessenger6214]

Thank you for your explanations. You make sense. I love the color of a beautiful blood red garnet over a more pinkish purplish ruby. There are mines in America where you can pay a fee to dig your own gemstones. Another KZbinr, The Crystal Collector visited one and dug huge amethyst crystals, some in clumps. They had the most amazing clarity and what he called “grape jelly” color! I don’t care if they are more common than they used to be. They’re beautiful! Have you seen rainbow lattice sunstone from Australia? The lattice grid of various colors is really amazing! I dearly love opals too. You showed a picture of beautiful opals in this video, but didn’t discuss them this time. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of gemstones here!

[@Dhruv_Dogra]

Thanks for the tip about Rainbow Lattice stones 💕

[@pattimessenger6214]

@@Dhruv_Dogra You’re welcome! Aren’t they beautiful and fascinating?

[@Dhruv_Dogra]

@@pattimessenger6214 indeed they are 😇

[@lcjesusgirl921]

This was very helpful. I agree with you. I own many small stones that are not in the top 3. I was looking for ideas of what to make with them when I found you video. Thanks.

[@zahoorkhan3698]

Great to watch these videos they're very educational thanks a lot

[@debraturner4559]

Alexandrite is another example of how precious and semi-precious is an outdated term. A tiny Alexandrite would cost a fortune because of how hard that stone is to mine.

[@marconava2801]

Thanks for your information brother, God bless you

[@BrilliantDominance]

Definitely an underrated channel

[@mman6283]

I think Precious gemstones should be a term used for the higher quality examples of any given gemstone species are such as a desired color or high clarity Or more yet the clarity of any given gemstone because even a precious gemstone isn’t that precious if it’s cloudy

[@yumizukiyunan6302]

One of the less known gemstones that came to mind was Kunzite. They are generally in the shade of lavender albeit some variations in the tone and intensity of the colour.

[@jws1948ja]

I love kunite. I think ot as pink.

[@laurameszaros9547]

Great channel, lots of info, beautiful examples shown, just subscribed. Any chance you could make a video about corals? Obviously some are sourced illegally or unethically, but many are still kosher, I believe, like fossilised corals. Would be great to have your input on this subject.

[@TheMellowgirl]

i totally agree...nice video

[@user-en5el1jj4q]

Very very essential topic describeby you that you have teach us about precious and semi precious

[@margaritavalcheva]

It surprises me more and more that emerald is considered precious stone along with sapphires and rubies when it is not at all as hard as them and is very often included.

[@DuncanL7979]

No other stone has such lovely hues of green. Tsavorite is no substitute and neither are any other stones.

[@10thletter40]

That's because Tsavorite is just too light to make up for the difference for Emerald

[@margaritavalcheva]

@@DuncanL7979 yes, I can totally see that. It must be because of the color above anything else.

[@davidemelia6296]

Don't forget that in the last few hundred years, some stones which were called 'ruby' or 'sapphire' or 'emerald' were often other minerals entirely (like spinel or tourmaline or some kinds of garnet) ...

[@rudyalberto5467]

What is the best online website to buy gemstones from ?

[@krist894]

Thank you for all your excellent videos. Could you suggest some trustful lab diamonds seller in Europe?

[@hycinth5371]

I completely agreed with you on this. Buy a color gemstone that attracts and pleasing to your eye and mind. I love the emerald green but every time when I looked at one, I would rather look at a clean and clear stone instead of a foggy stone. This means I would have to spend a lot more to get an eye clean emerald which I could use that resource to get a super nice and good size stone in other green color. Clarity and brightness are more important to me. Fancy cut ametrine is another gem stone that it is under appreciated like many others.

[@jws1948ja]

What is the MOH's hardness? What is the cleaness?

[@hammadhassan991]

Love your vedio brother cool watch U got ❤❤❤

[@Leafbinder]

Just found your channel, so happy about your opal video I bought a 10+ carat LR black opal but its a N4 so more on the dark grey side but its absolutely Stunning but the question I have for you is I had bought an etheiopian opal that had a lot of fire but after i mounted it into an ammulet it lost all its color after a couple months, Ive left it on a clean towel for 3-4 weeks but the color never returned do I have to worry about that happening to my LR Black aussy opal?

[@Leafbinder]

Also I have like a 5 lb block of Black Jade do you have the means to slab it for half the material and I could send ya the postage so you can send my half back?

[@BM-ht7xd]

I have good quality Ethiopian opals both white and black. If interested I can supply.

[@nancysauter6739]

I have a question. Topic has been 2 day feud. What is the average cost of an A Blue Tiger Eye, 8mm. Approximate please!? Help

[@virgo714]

I bought a moldavite pendant 6 years for $40…. You got a new subscriber

[@janbazgems-mv2vi]

The region of Gilgit-Baltistan, rich in natural beauty, is not only famous for tourism Rare precious and semi-precious stones of the world The center is also the area of ​​Gilgit-Baltistan, where various types of precious and semi-precious stones, metals are found. To all of us Gems Stone collectors Welcome. By : Veteran Gems Mining Groups Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan

[@oppositeofh8]

thanks for the education, though i've heard those two terms my whole life, i've never heard them explained/defined. i agree with you, those terms are outdated.

[@esaulhernandez361]

What about gem hardness and durability?

[@user-zv7sl4xp3r]

We have collections of stones, we don't know to identify what kinds of stones. Can you help us?

[@tiutubanana7506]

I always though precious whan when it was transparent/translucid no matter the color, and semi precious when it was opaque or not transparent/translucid.

[@christopher0430]

Sir can I request, can you pls make vedios about precious and semi precious gemtones and minerals in rock form with inclusion

[@user-cv9ns6gk1x]

Do you buy lonsdaleite diamond

[@bierjip1]

I read somewhere that gemmologist Kuntz already dismissed this terms long ago.

[@Liza-ix4hu]

How about red beryl?

[@lavadaroufs]

I'm a newbee and just starting to learn the difference between a pretty rock and gemstones. So I don't have the right to comment except as a new learner it would be helpful to have a logical standard. But I see that as impossible because who do you believe? There seems to be so many variables. Maybe have a rare list and then go so far to declare different levels of the ideal for precious and semi-precious and make it easy for us commoners. Professionals always have their own language anyway. See, I really am a newbee!

[@bencapps5509]

I think I would use the term precious to describe any gemstone of high quality

[@alberthessler4047]

I dont sugest you invest in gem stones

[@HBIC79]

I need a geologist. How do I find a dependable one

[@Hephagems]

Exactly!😊

[@user-xc3yb1vk2e]

No shit

[@user-xc3yb1vk2e]

@@alberthessler4047no one said they were going to 😂🤦🏼‍♂️

[@DuncanL7979]

If emerald is precious then I automatically think other forms of beryl should be considered precious, such as aquamarine.

[@codycalloway5578]

All stones are precious in my eyes

[@falsehoodbasher7240]

carnelian, yellow sapphire, indigo (crystalized sodalite)

[@Mass-jab-death-2025]

Is the gravel from my driveway classified as precious or semi-precious ?

[@JohnyIIOh]

Let's go 🔥

[@12334shubham]

these gems are also stones and when compared to the stones at my patio. All of them are precious as hell

[@hybridgoth]

I would be inclined to agree that an evolving market should come to a modern agreement as to what constitutes a precious gem in the modern day. Many gems like those generally considered collectors gems including but not limited to painite, jeremejevite, bixbite etc., and, some more well known gems like the Paraiba tourmalines, black opals and imperial jadeite may often range into the thousands of dollars per carat arena could be well worth considering as precious. To me at least, it would probably make the most sense to simply set a dollar value per carat as the defining characteristic, where all gems that cost over an agreed price per carat would be considered precious, and, gems of lesser value would be categorised as semi-precious. This would undoubtedly cause a schism in definitions with regards to lower quality emeralds, rubies and sapphires, but, generally speaking, only unscrupulous sellers would call a lower quality corundum a precious gem in today's market anyway. A similar change to the definition of 'precious' opals would need be sub-categorized also, but, for the most part this would only be confusing with respect to gemology, where all opals displaying play-of-colour are typically defined as 'precious opal'. Having said that, at least it would be somewhat less confusing to customers with a clear definition being set to determine what constitutes a precious gem and what isn't, having a rational reasoning for the distinction would be preferable in contrast to simply calling a gem precious based on a historical tradition that has little relevance to present day actual or perceived demand and rarity.

[@10thletter40]

Benitoite is VERY expensive. Deserved too, as it is a beautiful dark blue hard to get anywhere

[@kaylaroman9675]

Morning Joe

[@misslinda772]

I don’t think we should limit ourselves to precious or semi precious with certain examples. But have them as a category. For example, those stones which you mentioned that are higher quality would be considered precious. And the others semi-precious.

[@Gems-of-Hope-Rocks]

High-end Amethyst (like the Moroccan with the red hematite rutile) should still be considered Precious, as should high end topaz (not white). And since opal comes in precious and common, shouldn't precious opal be a precious gemstone?

[@francisdantis205]

As per vedic astrology precious gems were those stones which were used for astrological purpose and it represents specific planet on ones birth chart for eg Rubies represent Sun, pearls represents moon, yellow sapphire jupiter, Blue Sapphire for Saturn emerald for Mercury , Coral for Mars , Diamonds for Venus and Cats eye and Hessonite for Rahu and Ketu which are shadow planets , whereas Stones like Jade are expensive in terms of cost in compared to Emerald Still Jade comes in semi-precious stone where as Emerald still precious.

[@angelrose9117]

I would have thought rubies and sapphires were more precious because of their hardness level. Amethyst for example can be broken very easily, and I assumed this was why it was so cheap.

[@gayashanbandaranayaka8471]

Im sri lanka gem local market dealer.i want exort other country's but i want find trusted coustommer,how can i find??😊

[@falsehoodbasher7240]

*"your" not using grammar right*

[@JazminYa]

Taste differs...I think all are precious in their own way. Some though would stand out a lot more than others

[@nancysauter6739]

I think they should all be precious stones. Regardless of which stone/gem were talking about, everyone’s favorite is meaningful & precious.

[@ernestoromero7998]

I was under the impression that precious stone were clear looking stones and semiprecious were semi opaque stones like jade

[@nadeemulislam8053]

I have a ruby stone of 11.60 ct certified as unheated, transparent to translucent, purplish red colour. I want have an aprasal. Please advise

[@metatron1980]

I love you Andrew

[@linkzar1]

What about topaz ? Pink topaz from Pakistan

[@kzt1602]

ITA. Diamonds are precious and exponentially expensive not because they are the rarest mineral on earth but because Debeers has been monopolizing their sales channels and marketing so.

[@SusanElliottZen]

Yes, I think it's time for a new identity system.

[@artwithvie]

Just throwing this out there amathist is the stone if Ontario canada

[@Nervii_Champion]

I think a lot of gemstones don't get any credit. There are some gem quality Quartz and Feldspars out there that are utterly AMAZING. Like Rainbow Lattice Moonstone/Sunstone and Star Rose Quartz for example.

[@saumur69ify]

Just use the words high quality or lower quality for everyone.

[@user-dz9wy6ss6h]

[@patrickchintogungur4165]

I have some stones would you like to see it?

[@ericyang8474]

Personally, I find Precious Stones more a negative connotation when it comes to buying. A buyer may think, because an Emerald is an Emerald, that the implication is to pay whatever arbitrary high price that is disproportionate to its actual value, whereas labeling a semi precious stone as it is still gives the awareness that even high quality gems in this category are still relatively common. For example, a buyer who is looking to pay $150 for a clouded Emerald may be grossly overpaying under the implication that anything labeled Emerald is considered valuable, whereas even the best looking Amethysts I've seen in facets are very rarely even a third of that unless mounted since most everyone I know is aware that amethysts are cheaper and can't be convinced otherwise. On the contrary, there is a notion to some that Semi precious means less desirable and not worth it. However, I see there's less negative in that connotation since these entry level stones make it far less difficult to overpay as a consumer, and that those who just want something pretty and affordable can do so. The other issue is the inconsistencies between when gems have different names despite being under the same mineral group. Tsavorite Garnet still has Garnet in the name, which gives it a negative connotation even though its a rare stone, whereas Aquamarine and Emerald have completely different names despite being under the same mineral group Beryl. The archetype gem within each category becomes the representation of all forms of that mineral particularly when they share that same name, so the more commonly known gems will dictate how those assume that gem is in terms of value whether it's good or bad.

[@10thletter40]

Honestly I swear half the time I see an "emerald" and it is so light green I swear it isn't even one and it is a green Beryl. (Colored by different things)

[@TheSparklyBeader87]

Personally, I don't care for these terms. There are absolutely stunning opals which are very rare and quite costly. Traditionally, opals would not be considered precious. I am partial to opals, and would much prefer to have them over diamonds, which have a regulated market to keep their value high.

[@suzannedawson6330]

Very informative video. Was your title a tongue in cheek thing? When using your words correctly? If so, that’s funny. If not, It would actually be “you’re” not using your words correctly - the abbreviation of “you are”. The word your is possessive - your mother, your dog, your channel, your words. Not you are dog, or you are channel for example. Forgive me please, just a pet peeve of mine. No doubt I’ve got many things wrong myself…..😉

[@christiantorrens7267]

I think all gemstones are precious

[@junaidmalinday5416]

How to sale? Real buyers

[@gemvideos]

Good job, nice video 😊 I have also gemstone KZbin channel 😊

[@lovenature1991]

Any one here who buy ruby big stones and saphire's

[@marionraine3703]

Can I please send a photograph

[@RosetheSilvermuse]

A gemstone is a 💎 is a 💎 is a gemstone. You have quality stones and lesser quality stones. What's important is having high quality stones. But in today's market with high quality lab created stones, the whole gemstone issue to me is rather moot.

[@avarand9601]

You’re

[@sharrykitz9231]

You’re**

[@hahahahahahahaha9807]

hey alexandrite isnt precious?? umm

[@ChathuryaMandakini-bq4uu]

Whare cuntrs pplz help me

[@Welhem5492]

Fake sapphire ruby and emerald on your picture