Precious gemstones
Gemstones, which have fascinated humanity for centuries, are minerals with unique physical and chemical properties. Their beauty, rarity, and durability make them extremely valuable and desirable.
But which stones can we call precious?
The group of precious gemstones includes the so-called “Big Four”: diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald. These four gemstones have always been a symbol of luxury and prestige.
- Diamond – the hardest known mineral, with an exceptional shine. Its name comes from the Greek word “adamas”, which means “unconquerable”.
- Ruby – known primarily for its intense red color. Its name comes from the Latin word “rubinus” which means “red”
- Sapphire – Although most often associated with the color blue, sapphires come in a wide range of colors, from delicate pastels to deep, saturated shades.
- Emerald – Known primarily for its beautiful green color, its name comes from the Greek word “smaragdos” which means “green stone.”
What are the characteristics of precious gemstones?
- Beauty: The richness of colors, patterns and shine make gemstones extremely attractive to the eye.
- Hardness: Most gemstones are very hard, making them resistant to scratches and damage.
- Rarity: The rarer the stone, the more valuable it is.
- Durability: Gemstones are resistant to external factors such as water, light and temperature changes.
History and legends
- Diamond: According to the ancient Greeks, the diamond was a tear of the gods that fell to earth. They believed it provided immortality and protection from poison.
- Ruby: In ancient Rome, the ruby was considered the stone of Mars, the god of war. It was believed to give courage and protection in battle.
- Sapphire: In the Middle Ages, sapphire was a symbol of fidelity and purity. It was often used in engagement rings.
- Emerald: Cleopatra was a great lover of emeralds. She is said to have had an entire collection of jewelry featuring these green stones.
