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

U Number	Museum Number (UPM Date Reg Number)	Museum Number (BM Registration Number)	Museum Number (UPM B-number)	Description (Catalog Card)
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.
7896	(none)	(none)	B16883	Cylinder seal. hematite. Black. Hero wearing conical cap and short garment which only falls to the knees, and carrying a bird? in his left hand approaches a standing deity wearing high headdress and flounced kaunakes skirt. Behind the hero, naked Ishtar.
7552	(none)	(none)	B16885, B16885	Cylinder seal. hematite. Black. Inscribed. Scene of worship. Shamash standing with left foot on raised step, right foot on ground, left hand raised to greet heavily draped male figure whose left shoulder is bare. Behind a goddess wearing flounced kaunakes skirt with hands upraised, and behind goddess AIA? a warrior with a bent staff carried in right arm. Below the inscription a Simish. Attributes: crescent and moon and Simish. Inscription: ^dBABBAR(^ilSumas): ^dA-A(^ilAia).
8926	(none)	(none)	B16888	Cylinder seal. Lapis Lazuli. 2 registers. Above: 1 seated and 2 standing figures. Below: men [illegible] animals
8006	(none)	(none)	B16889	Cylinder seal. Lapis lazuli. 2 registers: above, 2 seated figures, table and door. Below, 2 animals? Very deep cutting and most primitive style.
11110	(none)	(none)	B16897	Cylinder Seal? lapis lazuli. Minute linear incisions oblique to the vertical axis of the seal. 2 registers. [drawing]
9064	(none)	(none)	B16898	Cylinder seal Lapis lazuli Silver core Gilgamesh and Enkidu fighting rampant lion and rampant bull respectively.
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.
9586	(none)	(none)	B16947	Cylinder Seal Haematite Black Seated god greeting 2 other divinities who approach bearing offerings? All wearing the horned headdress. Behind throne a palm tree? Attribute: Cresent moon.
9587	(none)	(none)	B16948	Cylinder seal Steatite Green 2 seated deities both sucking straws, the ends of which are in a vase of the champagne type. Behind one throne a standing attendant and behind him a star? on a vertical staff.
9298	(none)	(none)	B17012	Cylinder seal Green stone Gilgamesh and Eabani
8714	(none)	(none)	B17033	Cylinder seal. Crystal. Two registers. Above: Male figure approaching from behind a lion? in front of the lion a fallen gazelle and in front of the gazelle a winged dragon. Below: A winged dragon, and second similar? and a rampant gazelle?
9092B	(none)	(none)	B17490	Copper pin [A]. Thickened head and short tang. Onto the stem is corroded a small lapis cylinder seal [B](engraved conoid with animal figures) which must have hung from the hole in the stem of the pin. [Type I]
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.