The Best Gemstones: Durability, Value, and Healing Properties
- WonderDig
- Sep 13, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 26, 2024
Gemstones have fascinated people for centuries with their beauty, rarity, and healing powers. Whether you’re seeking a stone for everyday wear, looking for a valuable investment, or wanting to harness spiritual energy, understanding the qualities of gemstones is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the best gemstones for durability, value, and healing properties, as well as tips on how to care for them.
What Are Gemstones?
Gemstones are naturally occurring minerals or organic materials that are cut and polished to be used in jewelry, decoration, or spiritual practices. They are generally classified as precious gemstones (like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds) and semi-precious gemstones (such as amethyst, peridot, and lapis lazuli).
Best Gemstones for Everyday Wear
Durability is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing gemstones for daily wear. Here are some of the best choices based on hardness and wearability:
Diamond: With a Mohs hardness of 10, diamonds are the hardest gemstone, making them perfect for engagement rings and everyday jewelry. They are highly resistant to scratches.
Ruby and Sapphire: Both score 9 on the Mohs scale, offering excellent durability for daily wear. Rubies are known for their vibrant red color, while sapphires come in a range of hues, with blue being the most popular.
Emerald: While slightly softer at 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, emeralds are prized for their brilliant green color. Care must be taken with these stones, as they can be prone to fractures.
Garnet: Known for its rich red and orange tones, garnet ranges from 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for most jewelry.
Tanzanite: Though softer than the others at 6-7 on the Mohs scale, tanzanite is a beautiful, vibrant blue stone that is rising in popularity. With proper care, it can be used in everyday wear.
The Best Gemstones in the World
Some gemstones are not only beautiful but also incredibly rare, making them highly valuable. Here are a few of the most precious gemstones:
Alexandrite: Famous for its ability to change color depending on the light, alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones. Larger stones can sell for up to $70,000 per carat.
Emerald: High-quality emeralds without inclusions are extremely rare. The Rockefeller Emerald, one of the most famous, was sold for $305,000 per carat at auction.
Ruby: Known as the "King of Gemstones," rubies are highly prized for their deep red color. The most expensive ruby, the "Sunrise Ruby," sold for $1.18 million per carat.
Black Opal: This gemstone features a dark body with flashes of vibrant color, making it one of the most sought-after opals. Black opals from Australia’s Lightning Ridge are especially valuable.
Paraíba Tourmaline: With its stunning neon blue-green color, Paraíba tourmaline is incredibly rare, fetching prices up to $50,000 per carat.
Best Healing and Spiritual Gemstones
Gemstones are not only prized for their beauty and value but also for their spiritual and healing properties. Here are a few of the most popular healing stones:
Amethyst: Known as the stone of peace and tranquility, amethyst is used to calm the mind, balance emotions, and promote restful sleep. It’s linked to the crown chakra.
Rose Quartz: Often called the “Love Stone,” rose quartz is associated with emotional healing, love, and compassion. It’s popular in chakra healing, especially for the heart.
Lapis Lazuli: A stone of wisdom and truth, lapis lazuli promotes inner peace and intellectual clarity. It’s been used for centuries in spiritual practices.
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How to Care for Your Gemstone
Gemstones require proper care to maintain their brilliance and durability. Here’s a basic guide to keeping your gemstones in top condition:
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your gemstones away from chemicals like bleach and acids. Some stones, like emeralds and peridot, can be damaged by household cleaners and acidic foods.
Store Separately: To prevent scratches, store gemstones in separate pouches or compartments. Harder stones like diamonds can scratch softer stones like opal or tanzanite.
Clean Regularly: Use a soft brush and mild soap to clean gemstones. For softer stones like tanzanite, avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
Check Settings: Periodically inspect the settings of your gemstone jewelry to ensure the stone is secure. Loose stones can be damaged or lost.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re searching for a gemstone for everyday wear, a valuable investment, or a stone with healing powers, understanding the properties of different gemstones is key. From the durability of diamonds to the spiritual energy of amethyst, each gemstone offers unique beauty and benefits. With the right care, your gemstones will remain brilliant for generations to come.
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