Types of Gemstones
Different stones are categorised into different species, varieties, and groups based on their composition, market value, purpose, and cutting style. Here you can find a simplified categorisation of different gemstone lists which are available on our website. At GemPundit, we have featured a quality selection of the rarest to the most common gemstones to suit varying customer needs.
Gemstones by Species
This list of gemstones is organised based on their composition.
Minerals
These are beautiful inorganic crystals that are cut and polished to form different kinds of gems. They are identified by their chemical compositions, unique colour, luster, hardness, and the distinct marks and streaks (inclusions) present inside them. Example: Sapphire, Emerald, etc.
Organic Gemstones
These gems are composed of fossilized living organisms or organic substances produced by a living body. Pearl, Red Coral, Amber, and White Coral are the most widely known organic gemstones.
Rocks
Certain rare and beautiful rocks are also considered gemstones though they are not minerals. These rocks are carefully cut and polished to form faceted gems and cabochons for healing, for making jewellery, or for collection purposes. Examples: Obsidian, Bloodstone, etc.
Gemstones by Value
Precious gemstones like Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond are prized for rarity and beauty, while semi-precious gems offer brilliance with greater availability. Explore their meanings, quality, and value to find your perfect original gemstone.
Precious
Gemstones which are highly valued for their immense rarity and high-end beauty are known as Precious stones. Amongst different gems, there are only four precious stones – Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond. Learn more about these precious gemstones, their quality, meanings, and price here.
Semi-precious
All other types of gemstones are considered semi-precious. Calling these gemstones ‘semi-precious’ doesn’t mean that they are cheap gemstones. It is because these gemstones are relatively more abundant in nature. Read our notes on Semi-Precious stones to learn more about them.
Gemstones by Purpose
Since ancient times, gemstones have served mankind in different ways. For some, a gemstone is an expression of love while for others it’s a saviour to cope with the troublesome situations of life. Many people find gemstones as an attractive form of investment. Here, we have differentiated various types of stones and gems based on their use or purpose.
Astrological gemstones
Gemstones hold great significance in Indian astrology and are ragstones which can be worn to harness the energies of the particular celestial body like Ruby represents planet Sun.
Healing gemstones
Many gemstones and crystals are said to have the ability to heal the wearer’s body, mind, and soul. It is believed that these stones and crystals offer powerful healing benefits when placed on the right chakra. Example: Spinel, Moldavite, etc.
Jewellery gemstones
These are the fancy coloured gems which are primarily used for the beautification of ornaments. Though all types of gems can be used for ornamentation purposes, Jewellery Gemstones are those common gems which are exclusively used for jewellery making. Example: Morganite, Kunzite, Tsavorite, etc.
Collection gemstone
Many times, consumers (gem enthusiasts or collectors) raise their requests for rare and unusual gems. Our gemologists pay special attention to such demands and never mind tapping the world’s difficult terrains to select an impressive inventory of rare and unique gemstones for collection purposes like the No oil Emerald, Kashmir Blue Sapphires, Pigeon Blood Burmese Rubies, etc.
Gemstone based on Cut
Gemstones come in various cuts and styles. Faceted gems enhance brilliance with precise cuts, while cabochons showcase smooth, polished surfaces. Calibrated gemstones are precisely sized for jewellery designs.
Faceted gemstones
It refers to all types of gems that have facets or cuts on their surface to enhance their overall brilliance and luster. The gemstones with good transparent and superior clarity are often cut to form faceted gems.
Cabochon gemstones
A cabochon (often addressed as a ‘Cab’) is a gem with a well-shaped and polished convex (round or oval) top with a flat or slightly domed base. Opaque or semi-translucent gemstones are often shaped like cabochons.
Calibrated gemstones
These are the types of gemstones that are cut to a standard size to suit the requirements of the commercial jewellery industry.
Gemstones by Birthstone
Each month has a specific birthstone that is believed to bring luck, prosperity, and personal growth. While Western astrology assigns gemstones based on calendar months, Indian Vedic astrology links gemstones to planetary influences and zodiac signs. Here’s a detailed guide:
January
- Western Birthstone: Garnet, symbolises passion, strength, and protection.
- Indian Birthstone: Garnet (for Rahu) helps in removing obstacles and enhances focus.
February
- Western Birthstone: Amethyst promotes peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.
- Indian Birthstone: Amethyst (for Saturn) helps in overcoming struggles and improving discipline.
March
- Western Birthstone: Aquamarine encourages courage, calmness, and clear communication.
- Indian Birthstone: Red Coral (for Mars) boosts confidence, energy, and leadership qualities.
April
- Western Birthstone: Diamond represents purity, power, and everlasting love.
- Indian Birthstone: Diamond (for Venus) enhances luxury, beauty, and financial success.
May
- Western Birthstone: Emerald is associated with wisdom, growth, and new beginnings.
- Indian Birthstone: Emerald (for Mercury) improves intellect, communication, and business success.
June
- Western Birthstone: Pearl symbolises serenity, intuition, and emotional balance.
- Indian Birthstone: Pearl (for Moon) enhances peace, mental stability, and maternal energy.
July
- Western Birthstone: Ruby represents vitality, confidence, and passion.
- Indian Birthstone: Ruby (for Sun) brings success, authority, and leadership skills.
August
- Western Birthstone: Peridot is known for protection, strength, and positive energy.
- Indian Birthstone: Yellow Sapphire (for Jupiter) attracts prosperity, wisdom, and divine blessings.
September
- Western Birthstone: Sapphire signifies wisdom, loyalty, and intuition.
- Indian Birthstone: Blue Sapphire (for Saturn) is a powerful stone for discipline, success, and protection.
October
- Western Birthstone: Opal / Tourmaline, enhances creativity, love, and passion.
- Indian Birthstone: Opal / Diamond (for Venus) boosts charm, relationships, and luxury.
November
- Western Birthstone: Topaz / Citrine, brings prosperity, confidence, and happiness.
- Indian Birthstone: Yellow Sapphire (for Jupiter) supports career growth, wealth, and wisdom.
December
- Western Birthstone: Turquoise / Tanzanite, attracts good fortune, health, and protection.
- Indian Birthstone: Blue Sapphire (for Saturn) helps in overcoming challenges and achieving stability.
Gemstones by colour
A gem’s colour largely depends on its chemical composition and crystalline structure. Different gemstones contain element traces in varying amounts which lend them a unique colour. The colour of different types of real gemstones is so enormous that no exact term defines every individual tone. At GemPundit, you can find genuine gemstones in over 1000 different colour varieties, combinations, and tones. Here we have prepared a gemstone chart around their colour families for easy access.
Red Gemstones
Ruby, Red Coral, Red Garnet, Rubellite, Red Tourmaline, Carnelian, Red Zircon, etc.
Blue Gemstones
Blue Sapphire, Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Aquamarine, Blue Tourmaline, Blue Opal, Howlite, Turquoise, Kyanite, Paraiba Tourmaline, Blue Zircon, etc.
Green Gemstones
Emerald, Alexandrite, Peridot, Beryl, Aventurine, Jade, Jadeite, Bloodstone, Chrome Diopside, Malachite, Chrome Tourmaline, Green Sapphire, Green Tourmaline, Green Onyx, Moldavite, etc.
Yellow Gemstones
Yellow Sapphire, Citrine, Yellow, Amber, Yellow Fluorite, Yellow/Golden Beryl, Heliodor, Yellow Zircon, etc.
Brown Gemstones
Hessonite, Chrysoberyl Cats eye, Smoky Quartz, etc.
Black gemstones
Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, Schorl Tourmaline, Black Spinel, etc.
White Gemstone
Opal, Pearls, Moonstone, White Coral, Rainbow Moonstone, etc.
Colourless Gemstones
White Sapphire, White Zircon, White Topaz, etc.
Bicolour or Multicoloured Gemstones
Pitambari Neelam, Bicolour Sapphire, Watermelon Tourmaline, etc.