If there are any objects capable of hypnotizing any person with their unparalleled beauty, it’s crystals! Who hasn’t been mesmerized by the shapes and colors? It’s happened to all of us at least for a brief moment. In this article we will explore how crystals are formed, the main difference between precious and semi precious stones and what makes them so
special.
First of all, crystals are formed deep beneath the earth through the passing of millions of years. They are all rare and this is the reason why they are highly sought out by many mineral collectors. Some collectors even refer to them as the “flowers of the earth”. Unlike real flowers, these beauties take millions of years to grow and will last long after we’re gone.
The main differences between semi precious and precious stones
There is no doubt that crystals (semi precious stones) like amethyst, quartz and malachite are as beautiful as diamonds, emeralds, rubies or sapphires which are considered precious stones. However, there are a number of specific aspects that differentiate semi precious crystals from precious gems, such as:
Their shape
Semi precious crystals often come in well-defined formations, geometrically speaking. They possess particular symmetrical characteristics, while the precious gemstones are more often amorphous, meaning they lack a clear shape, and require carving and polishing in order to be marketed. Semi precious crystals can be used in many ways, while precious gems are almost exclusively used in jewelry making.
How they are created
The formation of both precious gemstones and semi precious crystals date back millions of years. Most gemstones are formed in the earth’s crust (the top layer) at a depth that varies from 4.8 kilometers to 40 kilometers, while semi precious stones are formed inside hollow air pockets in the ground. Indeed, crystals (semi precious stones) often grow in sedimentary rocks that have internal cavities. The minerals seep into the hollow areas and continue to develop over time. This is how crystals like quartz and selenite begin to form. This is the reason why Jeffrey Post, curator of the Gems and Minerals Collection at the Smithsonian National Museum in the United States stated that “The Earth is an incredible
and giant chemical laboratory where crystals form”.
Their Colour
The most prized quality of a precious stone is its strong well-defined colour, their translucidity and clarity. The opposite is true for semi-precious stones , which are usually admired for their general beauty.
Their Price and Rarity
There is no doubt that precious stones tend to be much more expensive pieces when compared to semi-precious minerals. This is in part because precious stones are a lot more rare and scarce than semi precious stones on this earth. Then there is also the fact that it takes more work to produce a precious gemstone than a semi precious crystal. Like mentioned before, precious stones often need to be cut, polished and carved into gemstones by experts, while semi precious stones can often be sold in their raw form.
Their Hardness
Another characteristic of gemstones is how hard they are. Stones that are less rigid and are found in greater quantity in the semi precious family. For example, diamonds have a hardness of 10/10 in the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest substances on earth.
Their classifications
The precious stones classification criteria is totally different from those applied to semi precious stones. For instance, semi precious stones are mostly recognized by their shape, while gemstones are classified according to their structure and chemical composition. For example, most precious stones are made of mixtures of elements and minerals, while diamonds and most precious stones are mainly composed of one element: in this case, carbon.
Final note
Semi precious stones, like precious stones, are also used in jewelry making, but beyond seeking them out for their aesthetic value, most people use them for their metaphysical healing properties. Nevertheless, it is important to point out that both precious and semi precious stones have metaphysical properties. The price that humans give the stones has
nothing to do with whether a gem will have more energy and metaphysical properties than the other. There are several semi precious stones that are quite rare and extremely powerful but still remain very affordable.
Finally, we would like to leave you with this quote Nikola Tesla once said, “In a crystal we have clear evidence of the existence of a formative life principle, and though we cannot understand the life of a crystal, it is nonetheless a living being”. According to his research, the healing power of crystals lies in nature’s energetic vibrations. Not on it’s financial value!
If you want to acquire crystals, either as jewelry, for their healing properties, or simply because you like them, Crystal Dreams is sure to have what you are looking for. Crystal Dreams is a Montreal-based crystal shop that offers a wide variety of crystals and gems, such as emerald, auralite, amethyst, aventurine, citrine, bloodstone, tiger eye, rose quartz to selenite, cornaline, shungite, black tourmaline, lapis lazuli, aquamarine and so much more!
If you want to explore the products that Crystal Dreams offers, do not hesitate and access the website https://crystaldreamsworld.com today and find the perfect stone just for you.
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