Types Of Stones

When shopping for healing bracelets or any bracelet with stone beads, you’re going to come across ‘precious stones’, ‘semiprecious’ stones, and the elusive ‘gemstones’.. Knowing what these 3 mean – and what (if anything) they have in common – will help you select the right piece for your collection.

WHAT ARE PRECIOUS STONES?

Dividing stones into precious and semi-precious categories doesn't mean that one is more important than the other. It does mean that precious stones are more valuable than semi-precious ones. Importance is still in the eye of the beholder. Precious is the title given to 4 types of stones: Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, and Diamonds. These are always higher-priced than semi-precious stones.

WHAT ARE SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES?

Any stone that is not ‘precious’ is categorised as semiprecious. These are typically more readily available and are often used in jewellery making. Semi-precious stones include Amethyst, Aventurine, Chalcedony, Chrysocolla, Citrine, Garnet, Hematite, Jade, Jasper, Lapis Lazuli, malachite, Obsidian, Onyx, Rhodonite, Tiger's Eye, Topaz, Turquoise, and a long list of others.

WHAT ARE GEMSTONES?

Now that precious and semiprecious stones are defined… what is a gemstone is the name given to any stone that has been cut and polished and used as an adornment. Also known as gems or jewels, gemstones can be made from minerals, stones, or even amber. Any precious or semiprecious stone that is cut, polished, and worn as jewellery is a gemstone. In fact, any mineral chosen for its beauty and worn in a necklace, ring or bracelet is a gem. Some gems are organic, like a pearl or amber. 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRYSTALS & STONES?

Unless you’re a geologist, you’re probably more interested in the qualities of the stone – the mystical properties that it supposedly has – rather than their scientific classification. But for those of you who are interested, the primary difference between stones and crystals is that a crystal is identifiable as a single crystal (one material). Crystals have facets on the surface and are usually clear enough to see through. Stones are generally made of microscopic crystals stuck together. Take granite for example. This stone is made from a myriad of crystals – including quartz – that join together. That being said, the word ‘stone’ is also used to describe healing crystals. Confused? Don’t worry. The most important thing when looking for crystals, stones, or rocks (yeah, another word to describe stones) is whether you like it or not. Can you see it as part of your story? If the answer is yes, it doesn't matter if it’s a precious stone, gemstone, or just a rock you found on your favourite trail. At Witham's Cave Of Curiosities, we believe in the healing power of nature and the energising benefits that come from crystals and gemstones.

Our anxiety and stress relief bracelet collections, intended to calm and relax the mind at times when it is overactive and all-consuming. they harness the energies of gemstones formed deep in the ground, cultivating positive healing powers from the earth. Crystals are one of the few worldly objects able to store this energy. When warmed by the body heat from your wrist, they release that energy, so that you can feel better simply by being in the presence of these beautiful items. When combined with positive thoughts, amazing things can happen.