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) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
16117 | 31-43-66 | (none) | (none) | Stamp seal. Mauve chalcedony(?) Concial-suspended by copper wire. Roughly engraved with figure of a man. [drawing] | |
![]() | 17715 | 32-40-322 | (none) | (none) | Seal. Persian type. Chalcedone. Pierced for threading, engraved lines on face [drawing 1:1]. |
![]() | 18155 | 32-40-327 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Pale amethyst. Warrior in chariot shooting with bow and arrow: a fallen enemy beneath the horse's hooves. Poor cutting. |
![]() | 18284 | 33-35-170 | (none) | (none) | Stamp seal. Facetted conical: chalcedony. Persian type. Two standing figures worshipping before an altar: crescent above. |
![]() | 18218 | 33-35-171 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Carnelian. Broken and incomplete. [drawing] Conventional design. |
![]() | 18365 | 33-35-176 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Lapis lazuli. 3 standing figures. |
![]() | 18457 | 33-35-178 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Milky crystal. Geometrical (?) designs in 2 registers. |
![]() | 18994 | 35-1-14 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Lapis lazuli. Two hunters fighting a lion. |
![]() | 18922 | 35-1-16 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Black steatite. A god driving a chariot drawn by a winged gryphon(?); between the wings rises a goddess armed with a bow, in front of it is another god. One column of inscription. Inscription: Ur-gis-me-e (C.J.G.) |
![]() | 18981 | 35-1-21 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Green stone. 2 heroes fighting lions. |
18919 | 35-1-22, 35-1-22 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Green steatite (?) with copper caps. Two standing gods shaking hands: two men killing a kneeling prisoner: two columns of inscription supported by an animal. Good work. | |
![]() | 18914 | 35-1-6 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Lapis lazuli. Two registers: above, two heroes each fighting with two beasts below, seated and standing figures. |
![]() | 19075 | 35-1-7 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Lapis lazuli. Two registers: in each, a row of animals, the rows inverted. |
![]() | 18974 | 35-1-9, 35-1-9 | (none) | (none) | Cylinder seal. Dark green steatite. One seated and three standing figures: two columns of inscription. Inscription: Lugal-ma (C.J.G.) |
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
Share
Email | Edit | Build Search
Parent Terms
Inorganic Remains > Stones and Minerals > Mineral > Semi-precious