Semi-precious
The term “semi precious” is applied to a subset gemstones, and the term was created to set them apart from what are considered precious stones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds). Things like amber and lapis lazuli, which are not really stones at all are still considered “semi precious” by most people. This distinction reflects the rarity of the respective stones in ancient times, as well as their quality. all are translucent with fine color in their purest forms and very hard. This distinction is not related to their monetary value, i.e. some forms of garnet are more expensive than emeralds.
Objects: Semi-precious Export: JSON - XML - CSV Clay Seals and Sealings
Object | U Number | Museum Number (UPM Date Reg Number) | Museum Number (BM Registration Number) | Museum Number (UPM B-number) | Description (Catalog Card) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(none) | (none) | (none) | B16320 | Unknown | |
(none) | (none) | (none) | B16339 | Unknown | |
10448A | (none) | (none) | B16727 | Cylinder Seal. Lapis lazuli, with 2 registers. Figures sitting, drinking and eating, with standing attendants, and inscription: -A-bar(a)-gi(n). Found on the near side of the box with beads and other small objects. | |
1054 | (none) | (none) | B15276 | Cylinder seal. Lapis lazuli. Very small. | |
10757 | (none) | (none) | B16924 | Cylinder Seal Carnelian with gold caps 3 goddesses, one seated; on the lap of the seated goddess a naked male figure. All the goddesses wear wigs of similar type and hair done up at back in a bun. One advances towards throne carrying a bowl, the second carries a vase with a splayed base suspended by a long handle. Behind throne a goddess carrying an (Ostrich fan?) All the goddesses wear skirts fringed at bottom and with a long hem running down side. | |
10796A | (none) | (none) | B17569 | [A] Cylinder Seal Lapis lazuli With [B] one gold cap Presentation scene before seated god. Minor deity leads in a worshipper by the hand. Behind these a palm tree. Attribute. Crescent moon. cf. U.11104, PG 829 lapis seal same subject found at same depth. | |
10872 | (none) | (none) | B16728 | Cylinder Seal Lapis 2 registers: above, 2 seated figures facing with three attendants standing; below, (shrine?) (or table?) with standing servitor, a harpist and 2 other standing figures facing him, a servant, a seated figure and an attendant. | |
11110 | (none) | (none) | B16897 | Cylinder Seal? lapis lazuli. Minute linear incisions oblique to the vertical axis of the seal. 2 registers. [drawing] | |
11112 | (none) | (none) | B16880 | Cylinder Seal. Lapis lazuli. Bird headed men fighting bearded bulls and gazelles. One hero wears a four pronged comb at back of head. | |
11418 | 30-12-29 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Green Jasper. Two men fighting 2 lions, the latter heraldically crossed, and an inscription in 2 lines. Inscription: UrdGIS-BIL-ga-mes dub-sar sumu Urd KA-DI = Ur-Gilgames scribe, son of Ur-KA-DI. HC.1928/9-2. | |
11483 | 30-12-27 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Green stone. Scene: 2 men fighting 2 animals. | |
11492 | 30-12-25 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Green stone. Scene: 3 men & 2 lions fighting: one of the men has 4 bulls legs. | |
11507 | 30-12-30 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Of green marble (?) Unfinished. The hole is only partly bored. One standing figure has been sketched but not finished, of a second only the trunk is suggested. | |
11590 | 30-12-34 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder Seal. Lapis. Inscription: Lugal-sa(g)-su(d) dumu Ka-ma. | |
11598A | 30-12-35 | (none) | (none) | Group. [A](1) Cylinder Seal, lapis, man, lion & gazelle]. [B](2) Copper Axe Type XVII. [C](3) A few beads of lapis and copper. | |
11757 | 30-12-13 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder Seal. Lapis. Sides slightly convex. 2 registers: gazelles rough linear drawing. | |
11825 | 30-12-1 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder Seal. Lapis Lazuli. Gazelle attacked by bull, & gazelle attacked by 2 bulls. Inscription: Su-sikil(?) DINGER-SES-AB lugal-ni Kalam-dug-dam. We expect dam-Kalam-dug and perhaps this is possible. ni is written between lines 2 &3, and dam between lines 3 & 4, but both at the end (right). Provisional translation: -Pure Hand (=Handmaid ?) of Nannar (new ideogram.) her King. Kalam-dug-dam (or Dam-Kalam-dug =Wife of the good land). | |
11828 | 30-12-5 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder Seal. Lapis. 2 registers: above, banquet; below, 2 gazelles. (rough & early work). | |
11895 | 30-12-15 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder Seal. Lapis. 2 ibex walking. | |
11899 | 30-12-21 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder Seal. Lapis. Geometrical design. | |
11961 | 30-12-28 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder Seal. Green stone. 2 Heroes fighting a lion & a bull. | |
12017 | 30-12-43 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder Seal. Green stone. | |
12041 | 30-12-16 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder Seal. Lapis Lazuli. 2 registers: Animals. Poorly cut. Stags galloping. | |
12374F | 30-12-2 | (none) | (none) | Group: [A.1-.2] Large gold lunate earring. [B.1-.2] Two heavy gold wire spiral coil hair rings. [C] Necklace of gold and lapis triangles. [D] Necklace of gold and lapis double round beads. [E] Gold pin with fluted lapis head V B. [F] Lapis cylinder seal two registers. [G-I] A set of 3 gold rings, each of cable pattern with plain rim. [J-L] Are human finger bones found inside the rings. Added by project] | |
![]() | 12380Y | 30-12-3 | (none) | (none) | Group: [A] Gold hair ribbon. [B]Wreath of gold medallions with lapis canters on a string of lapis and carnelian beads [C] Wreath of triple gold willow leaves on carnelian and lapis beads. [D] Wreath of gold beech leaves on carnelian and lapis beads. [E.1-.2] Two large gold lunate earrings. [F.1-.2] Two gold wire spiral coil hair rings. [G-I] 3 gold flowers on silver stems. [J] Silver comb with 3 inlaid flowers. [K] Necklace of gold and lapis triangles. [L] Necklace of gold and lapis tubular beads and carnelian rings (for order see field notes). [M] Necklace of large fluted ball beads gold and lapis and carnelian rings: (for order see field notes). [N] Necklace of Carnelian and gold double conoids and carnelian rings. [O] Necklace of carnelian rings, gold balls and lapis rounds. [P]Bracelet of large lapis and gold, lapis and carnelian rings. [Q-V] Six gold finger-rings, all of cable pattern between plain rims of different sizes. [W] Bracelet of 4 lapis and 4 gold. Diamond beads and carnelian rings. [X] Gold pin with lapis ball head [Type] V. [Y] Lapis cylinder seal. [Z] Silver pin with lapis head [Type] VI B. |
Related Terms
Apatite - Aragonite - Calcite Group - Chlorite - Dolomite - Feldspar - Gypsum - Magnesite - Pigment - Serpentine
Child Terms
Amber - Chalcedony - Chrysoberyl - Hematite - Iron Pyrite - Jadeite - Lapis Lazuli - Malachite - Quartz - Turquoise
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Parent Terms
Inorganic Remains > Stones and Minerals > Mineral > Semi-precious