A natural gemstone is a mineral, crystal, or an organic substance that forms naturally on the Earth. These are appreciated for their color, clarity, rarity, and beauty. Natural gemstones are also said to be associated with astrology and spirituality. This article is meant to help you understand natural gemstones and also some natural gemstones found in India.
What Are Natural Gemstones?
Natural gemstones are those stones that come into existence with the help of natural geological processes taking place over several thousand or even millions of years. Natural stones are mined from the earth and then polished to bring out their best natural beauty.
Popular Types of Natural Gemstones
India has a history of using gemstones for jewellery and astrology purposes. Some of the common ones used are:
1. Blue Sapphire Stone: Blue sapphire stone, also referred to as neelam, is famous for its intense blue color and extreme hardness. Blue Sapphire Gemstone has a relation with the planet Saturn in Vedic astrology and hence calls for expertise before buying.
2. Yellow Sapphire Stone: Yellow sapphire stone, also known as Pukhraj, comes in pale to dark golden colors. Yellow Sapphire Gemstone is related to Jupiter and Vedic astrology.
3. Emerald Stone: The Emerald Gemstone is famous for its beautiful green hue. This stone is made up of beryl minerals and is generally linked with the planet Mercury in Hindu mythology. Emerald stones may have natural inclusions in some cases.
4. Opal Stone: The opal stone is well known for its play-of-color effect. Depending upon its variety, it reflects flashes of various hues from various angles.
5. Sulemani Aqeeq Stone: The Sulemani Aqeeq Stone is a kind of agate that is famous for its earth-like look and natural patterns.
6. Citrine Stone (Topaz): Citrine stone (topaz) is a common topic of conversation in the Indian gemstone market since both terms are used to describe yellow/golden stones. However, citrine and topaz are two different types of gems, and hence consumers need to be sure of the exact stone that they are buying.
7. Amethyst Stone: The amethyst stone is the purple form of quartz. The stone's color can be light lavender up to dark violet.
8. Sunstone Gemstone: The sunstone gemstone has a beautiful coloration and a stunning reflective effect. The stone appears in colors that vary from peach/orange to reddish.
9. Tiger Eye Stone: The tiger eye stone is famous for its silky appearance and eye effects. The golden-brown-colored stone with natural banding effects is popular for making bracelets, pendants, beads, and other jewelry.
How to Choose a Natural Gemstone?
1. Gemstone Identification:
The first thing that you will require doing prior to purchasing a gemstone is the identification of the gemstone and acquiring some information about it. Gemstones have distinct characteristics, such as color, hardness, looks, and applications.
2. Natural Stone Verification:
It is of great importance to determine whether the gemstone that you want to buy is natural or artificial. Natural gems are those that occur in nature, while artificial gemstones are made by humans.
3. Treatment:
Most of the gemstones go through processes in order to improve their looks and features in terms of their color and clarity. So you will need to find out whether there are any treatments done to it.
4. Certificate:
A gemstone certificate provides vital information regarding the gemstone. This includes its identity and quality, among others. If it is a valuable gemstone, then consider purchasing the one that comes with the gemological report from a certified laboratory.
5. Quality Analysis:
In order to decide on buying a gemstone, you will need to analyze the qualities of the color, clarity, cut, weight and appearance of the gemstone, among others. These things can influence the beauty and price of the stone.
6. Purpose:
You will need to think of the purpose of buying a gemstone. You may choose to buy it as a jewel, collectable, present or even for astrological reasons depending upon your needs.
7. Comparison:
Before buying a gemstone, you will need to compare different sellers according to their reputation, the information they provide regarding the gemstone, certificates, price and their return policy.
Conclusion
Natural stones are known for their beauty, uniqueness, and significance as well. Starting from emerald stone, opal stone, amethyst stone, sunstone gemstone, and tiger eye stone, each one has some special traits. The newbies should always know about the authenticity, quality, treatment, certification, and gemstone price before purchasing them. In case you are planning to buy gemstones online in India, you should definitely pick a trusted store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are natural gemstones?
Natural gemstones are those minerals or crystals that are formed in nature itself inside the earth. The gemstones are appreciated for their beauty, rarity, color, and special qualities.
2. How do I know if the gemstone is natural?
Your gemstone can be checked to find out whether it has been certified by a reputable laboratory or a gemological report. Alternatively, you may consult the seller concerning its genuineness; that is, whether it is genuine, enhanced, artificial, or imitation.
3. What are the parameters that decide the price of gemstones?
The cost of gemstones is dependent on several factors including the kind of gemstone, its color, clarity, cut, carats, rarity, the country it originated from, and treatments if any. Certification could also be another criterion for certain gemstones.