Semiprecious

Semiprecious is a non-scientific, marketing label historically used to describe gemstones that are not among the traditionally defined precious stones. In older jewelry trade practice, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds were grouped as precious, while other minerals were labeled semiprecious to indicate lower status in value or rarity. There is no formal, universally accepted definition, and the category has varied over time and by market.

The term is controversial because value depends on many factors, including rarity, color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and market demand. Stones labeled semiprecious can range from relatively common and affordable to highly prized, depending on quality and origin. Examples commonly associated with the label include agate, jasper, quartz varieties (such as amethyst and citrine), garnet, turquoise, topaz, tourmaline, peridot, opal, and lapis lazuli. Jade, nephrite, and coral are sometimes included in discussions of semiprecious stones as well.

In modern gemology and jewelry practice, the term semiprecious is often considered outdated or imprecise. Professionals prefer identifying stones by their mineral species and quality characteristics or simply referring to them as gemstones. Many retailers and educators discourage the use of semiprecious as a value metric because it can mislead consumers about the relative worth of individual stones.

See also: gemstone, precious stone, jewelry.