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) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8926 | (none) | (none) | B16888 | Cylinder seal. Lapis Lazuli. 2 registers. Above: 1 seated and 2 standing figures. Below: men [illegible] animals | |
8981 | (none) | (none) | B16852 | Cylinder Seal. Lapis. 2 registers: below: 1 man, fighting animals. Above, human figure with rampant animals on each side and inscription of NIN-TUR-NIN. | |
9064 | (none) | (none) | B16898 | Cylinder seal Lapis lazuli Silver core Gilgamesh and Enkidu fighting rampant lion and rampant bull respectively. | |
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] | |
9183 | (none) | (none) | B16854 | Cylinder seal Lapis, with gold caps (the latter rather broken). Subject: Gilgamesh and Eabani. | |
9262 | (none) | (none) | B16860 | Cylinder seal Steatite Green. Slightly concave. A god standing between two portals, the left foot raised and resting upon the mountain top, the right foot rigid- as if in the attitude of ascending? His left hand is upraised and in it he holds a feather whisk?? His head is turned backward in contemplation of a minute human figure crouching in the attitude of subjection. The god's right hand is extended immediately above the head of the victim that he has crushed. Oblique to the go are three concentric wavy lines above the right shoulder - possibly representing lightening? The god wears a horned headdress. A second god also wearing a horned headdress, long hair falling below the shoulders and ending in a knot? and a skirt descending to the feet, approaches one of the portals and touches it with hands as if about to open it. | |
9263 | (none) | (none) | B16855 | Cylinder seal Steatite Black Geometric decoration | |
9298 | (none) | (none) | B17012 | Cylinder seal Green stone Gilgamesh and Eabani | |
![]() | 9502 | (none) | (none) | B16873, B16873 | Cylinder seal Green ston A hero fighting a lion and a second fighting a long-horned bull (?): between the animals a star and crescent, between the men a single column of inscription. A-ki-ru-um. (HC.202) |
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. | |
9652 | (none) | (none) | B16857 | Cylinder seal Dark steatite A hero fighting a bull (or wild oryx)? and a lion and a bull fighting. | |
(none) | (none) | (none) | B16320 | Unknown | |
(none) | (none) | (none) | B16339 | Unknown |
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