Gemstones are defined as organic materials, mineral or rock that are used for several purposes like Astrology, jewelleries and ornamentations. Gemstones are also known as crystalline rock. Gemstones appear like a piece of attractive mineral. Gemstones like pearl or opals are commonly styled into art or jewellery and they do not require any sort of polishing or cuts. On the other hand, Diamond is a type of gem that needs proper cutting as well as polishing for making its true beauty visible. Gemstones are highly prized and are known for their beauty, durability and rarity.
Origin of Gemstones
The origin of gemstones is from deep beneath the earth, while the others are formed from hot fluids and other chemical components. The gemstones that are formed deep beneath the earth ultimately brought to the surface by explosions of molten rocks. Some stones are also crystallised slowly from hot fluids and gases as they cooled and solidified eventually. These stones are formed far below the surface of the earth. Others stones are formed from liquids that are filtered into crack and pockets in the rock. Some stones are formed when rocks were heated and pressurised by the natural earth movements, and then again formed as a new, different mineral altogether.
Characteristics of Gemstones
The characteristics of gemstones can be explained by the Gemmologists. Gems are characterised by means of their refractive index, specific gravity, hardness, dispersion, lustre, etc. They may exhibit pleochroism or double refraction. Gemstones may also have a distinctive absorption spectrum and luminescence.
The colours of gemstones have a wide range of variations. The actual colour of a gemstone is because of the reflective and absorptive properties of any elements or impurities within the precious stone.
Types of Gemstones
There are various types of gemstones present. All the gemstones are basically differentiated in two distinct groups of precious and semi-precious stones. Diamonds have also been considered as the most valuable of such stones. Other precious gemstones are ruby, emeralds, topaz, zircon and sapphires used in a wide range of purposes. Amethyst, opal, aquamarine, jade, turquoise, garnet, agate, onyx, apis lazuli and malachite are some of the popular semi-precious stones.
Some gemstones are manufactured to replicate other gemstones. But these artificial synthetic gemstones copy the look and colour of the real stone but possess neither their chemical nor physical characteristics as well. Classification of Gemstones are done on the basis of succeeding characteristics such as Crystal Structure, Optical Characteristics, Chemical Composition, Specific Gravity, and Durability.
Significance of Gemstones
Gemstones often carry significant role in the wearer`s life. People like to wear them but most of them do not have any idea how the gemstones are made and why they are so precious. Many gemstones have healing and medicinal power that protect against the bad effect of planets. They are also known to boost the spiritual power in a person`s body.
Gem Therapy
Ayurveda and Unani system in India, both utilize gems. Practitioners of these systems have studied the power of gemstones on human organs, because gems are mineral in pure crystalline form and human body is composed of the same materials. Gems provide the lacking elements in any human body for which the person may suffer from various diseases.
Gemstones for Planets
Gems are largely used as an astrological remedy to counteract unpleasant effects of different planets. There are many gemstones, which are effective for planets. These can be mentioned as Blue Sapphire that is gemstone for Saturn planet, Cat`s eye that is gemstone of Ketu planet, Coral, which is the gemstone for Mars planet, Emerald that is the gemstone for Mercury planet, Gomed that is gem stone of Rahu planet, Ruby that is the gemstone for Sun, Pearl that is the gemstone for Moon, and Yellow Sapphire that is the Gemstone of Jupiter planet. Navratna Gemstones are the set of 9 precious stones that are related to 9 ruling planets. This Navratna gemstone is worn to increase the power of planets and for removing their malevolent effects.
