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

Object U Number Museum Number (UPM Date Reg Number) Museum Number (BM Registration Number) Museum Number (UPM B-number) Description (Catalog Card)
14003L 92-4-249L (none) (none) [A-Q] 17 pebbles. Weights(?)
14003M 92-4-249M (none) (none) [A-Q] 17 pebbles. Weights(?)
14003N 92-4-249N (none) (none) [A-Q] 17 pebbles. Weights(?)
(none) 92-4-320 (none) (none) (none)
10599C 98-9-3 (none) (none) Tomb Group. (A) Beads of lapis, gold and carnelian. (B) Gold finger ring, hoop of thin metal 5mm, wide with 4 strands of cable pattern. The example shows the process of manufacture. The ring is really a spiral made of flattened gold wire: after the completion of the 1st ring the wire is twisted so that the next 4 hoops show a cable pattern: enough of the wire is left untwisted to form the last hoop & so give another plain edging. The whole was then fused into a single band: in this case the fusing is incomplete & the process is thereby explained. (C) Silver pin with lapis ball head. L. 165mm (D) Cockle shells containing paint.

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Parent Terms

Inorganic Remains > Stones and Minerals > Mineral > Semi-precious