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)
3358 (none) (none) (none) Small mace head. Hematite: apple-shaped with slight excrescence at one end of hole. [drawing 1:1]
3362 (none) (none) (none) Bead necklace. Mixed up gold, agate and carnelian.
6008 (none) (none) (none) Duck weight. Black hematite.
6017 (none) (none) B16387 8 shaped colored beads, including crescent shaped agate pendant, shell and carnelian.
6054 (none) (none) B16356 Agate bugle bead. Broken. Inscribed (?). Length of fragment. __ About BC 1400 [drawing of inscription]
6064 (none) (none) (none) Small duck weight. Black hematite. Type VI. [drawing 1:1]
6068 (none) (none) (none) Frog amulet. Lapis lazuli. [drawing]
6069A (none) (none) B16395 [A-B] 2 rock crystal? pendants. One to E. [drawing 1:1]
6091 (none) (none) B16311 Cylinder seal. Black basalt. Nannar, minor god and votary. E.
6105 (none) (none) (none) Cylinder seal. Black steatite. Minor god introducing votary carrying gazelle as gift to major god who holds a wand in his left hand. Inscription: dNin-suh sukkal-zid-anna gispa-azag su-du. To Nin-Suh. the pure messenger of heaven carrying the bright scepter. B
6133 (none) (none) B16294 Cylinder seal. Lapis lazuli. Upper and lower band showing gazelles passing sacred tree. About 3000 BC. E.
6146 (none) (none) (none) Weight. Black hematite. Type?
6178A (none) (none) (none) [A-F] 6 hematite weights. Black. Types II, III and I or VIII ? (D+E)
6178D (none) (none) (none) [A-F] 6 hematite weights. Black. Types II, III and I or VIII ? (D+E)
6193 (none) (none) (none) Frog bead. Lapis lazuli? Head beaten.
6255 (none) (none) B16306 Cylinder seal. Black hematite. Shamash with horned mitre and notched sword in hand steps on a crouching bull a worshipper brings a kid as an offering. The god Martu with a short club in hand, short garment and a round woolen turban is followed by a worshipper with clasped hands, and a servant. Two small figures - a bifrons with clasped hands and a nude servant with libation cone in hand. About BC 1900. E.
6256C (none) (none) (none) [A-F] 6 Cylindrical weights. Black haematite.Types III.
6256D (none) (none) (none) [A-F] 6 Cylindrical weights. Black haematite.Types III.
6256E (none) (none) (none) [A-F] 6 Cylindrical weights. Black haematite.Types III.
6256F (none) (none) (none) [A-F] 6 Cylindrical weights. Black haematite.Types III.
6257A (none) (none) B16365 [A-C] 3 Duck Weights. [A-B] 2 Black Haematite. [C] 1 Lapis Lazuli. A and B to E [Expedition]. [drawing C 1:1] Type VI.
6257C (none) (none) (none) [A-C] 3 Duck Weights. [A-B] 2 Black Haematite. [C] 1 Lapis Lazuli. A and B to E [Expedition]. [drawing C 1:1] Type VI.
6288 (none) (none) (none) Cylinder seal. Lapis lazuli. Fragmentary. Swans and inscription. Lal-e pa son of Ur dGish. B.
6291 (none) (none) (none) Hematite weight. Black. Type II. [drawing 1:1]
6455 (none) (none) (none) Weight. Black hematite. Type III. [drawing 1:1]

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