Top 12 most famous semiprecious stones and crystals: essential guide for hobbyists

The crystals are wonders of nature, each with its own story and unique energy. 

Semiprecious stones And the crystals have fascinated humanity for thousands of years, due to their beauty and energy properties. 

Whether you are a passionate crystals or just curious to find out more, this guide will introduce you into the captivating world of the most popular semiprecious stones. 

We will explore the beauty, meanings and legends of the amethyst, adventurine, citrus, pink quartz, jade, lapis lazuli, malachite, obsidian, opal, peridot, tourmaline and turquoise. 

Each of these stones bears a wealth of legends and benefits.

The adventurine, with its glittering green brilliance, is the stone of luck and prosperity, bringing in our lives positive energy and endless opportunities.

The beauty of the adventurine consists of its fine texture and the subtle glitter that seem to dance on its surface, creating a fascinating game of lights and shadows. 

Each adventurine stone is unique, reflecting a distinct combination of color and glitter, which makes it particularly attractive and appreciated in jewelry and decorative objects.

The shades of green of the adventurine are the most common and popular, evoking images of lush nature and thick forests. These green tones are often associated with prosperity, growth and harmony, bringing a note of freshness and vitality to any piece in which they are used. The green adventurine can vary from tones of pale green, pastel, to deeper and richer shades, each stone having its own unique character.

The legend of the adventurine It is less known than other precious stones, but one of the popular stories related to this stone has its origin in ancient Chinese culture.

It is said that in ancient times, in China, a emperor who was very wise lived and had a courtyard and learned. The emperor was always looking for ways to bring prosperity and luck to his kingdom. One day, a wise old man brought to the yard a bright green stone, with glittering inserts, which he called Aventurin.

The wise old man told the emperor that the adventure was considered a magical stone, bringing luck and prosperity. It was believed that wearing this stone protects against bad luck and attracts successful opportunities. Impressed by the beauty and legends associated with the adventurine, the emperor decided to decorate his crown and the palace with this precious stone.

Over time, the adventurine has become known as the stone of luck and prosperity, being used in various rituals and amulets.

The citrus, with its warm and vibrant hues of yellow, is a semiprecious stone that radiates a solar and captivating beauty. 

Its color, which varies from light yellow to deep golden tones, reminds of the sunlight and brings a sensation of heat and vitality. This natural brilliance is what makes citrus so attractive and popular in jewelry.

The legend of citrine, also known as "Piatra Sun", is closely linked to Greek mythology and the god Apollo, the god of the Sun and the Light. According to the legend, the citrus was created from the solar rays captured in the heart of the earth, giving it the stone characteristic of golden glow.

One day, Apollo, the god of the Sun, was impressed by the devotion and beauty of a young nymph called Citrina. She spent her days dancing and singing in the sunlight, spreading joy and light around her. Citrina was loved by all the creatures of the forest for its energy and positivity.

The god Apollo, wishing to give him a special gift to show him his appreciation, decided to turn some of the sunlight into a precious stone. He captured the purest sun and concentrated them in the depths of the earth, thus creating the citrus-a stone that emits the same warm, golden shine as the sun.

Apollo gave Citrina the magic stone, telling him that this stone will forever carry the energy and light of the sun, symbolizing joy, prosperity and vitality. Citrina was overwhelmed by the gift of the god and wore the stone proudly, knowing that it will always have some of the sun with it.

Since then, citrine was considered a lucky stone, prosperity and positive energy. It is believed that wearing citrus can drive away negative thoughts, bringing light and clarity in the life of its wearer. Also, citrus is associated with success and abundance, often used as a talisman by those who want to improve their financial situation and attract successful opportunities.

The pink quartz, with its delicate and romantic pale pink shades, is a semiprecious stone that emits a subtle and captivating beauty. This stone, known as "The stone of love", It is worshiped for its transparency and clarity, which varies from milky translucency to a translucent pink, creating an aura of gentleness and serenity.

The beauty of the pink quartz consists in its simplicity and purity. Each piece of pink quartz reflects the light in a unique way, revealing a range of pink tones that seem to pulse with soothing energy. This quality of capturing and reflecting the light gives the stone a special optical effect, making it look like it radiates heat and affection inside.

The legend of the pink quartz has its origins in Greek and Roman mythology and is tight related to the gods of love, Aphrodite (Venus in Roman mythology) and Adonis. This beautiful legend explains why the pink quartz is considered the stone of unconditional love and affection.

It is said that Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was deeply in love with Adonis, a beautiful and brave young man. Their love was so intense that the gods could not ignore it. Unfortunately, Adonis was deadly injured by a wild boar during a hunting party. Finding out about the injury of his lover, Aphrodite rushed to reach him.

In his haste, Aphrodite stuck in a bush of marshes, and his blood mixed with Adonis's on the ground where he was lying. The gods, moved by their pure love and their sacrifice, have transformed their blood into pink quartz crystals, as a symbol of their eternal love and their common suffering.

Thus the pink quartz became the symbol of unconditional love, compassion and emotional healing. It is believed that this stone brings peace, harmony and understanding in relationships, promoting an authentic and deep love.

In modern times, pink quartz is considered a powerful tool for emotional healing, helping to release trauma and opening the heart to new love experiences.

The beauty of the jade consists of the diversity and intensity of its colors. From light green, almost translucent, to dark green, rich and opaque, each piece of jade is unique and presents a subtle game of shades that delight admirers. Some jade variants may have other colors, such as white, lavender, yellow or red, adding even more variety and visual interest.

The texture of the jade is also a key element of its beauty. Its fine and smooth surface is pleasant to the touch, and professional polishing can highlight a delicate and attractive gloss.

Jad's legend has deep roots in Chinese culture, where this gemstone has been revered for thousands of years for its beauty, durability and meanings. Jad is known as "Piatra Cerului" And it is considered a symbol of purity, protection and wisdom.

One of the best known legends about Jad tells the story of Emperor Yu the Great, the founder of the Xia dynasty and the hero who saved China from devastating floods. Before becoming emperor, Yu was a simple but devoted and brave man. The gods were impressed by his dedication and offered him a special gift: a magic jade disk, known as "he shi bi".

It was believed that this jade disk had divine powers and could bring peace and prosperity to the whole country. With the help of this talisman, Yu managed to control the waters and put an end to the floods that devastated China. After becoming emperor, Yu kept the jade disc as a symbol of his power and wisdom, and Jad became the sacred stone of his dynasty.

Over time, jade has been considered in Chinese culture more valuable than gold. It was used not only in jewelry and art objects, but also in religious rituals and imperial ceremonies. It was said that Jad had the ability to protect the bearer from evil, to attract luck and to bring harmony and balance.

Another legend tells about the Dragon's god and his love for a beautiful mortal. The god of the dragon, impressed by the beauty and purity of the girl's heart, gave him a jade stone as a symbol of his love and protection. It is said that the jade stone protected the two lovers of any danger and brought them happiness and prosperity.

Today, jade is still considered a sacred stone in China and is often used in amulets and talismans to bring luck and to protect the bearer from negative energies. The stone is also appreciated for its ability to bring inner peace and promote wisdom and compassion.

The legend of Jad emphasizes its protective power and its deep meaning in Chinese culture, being a symbol of purity, wisdom and harmony.

Lapis Lazuli, with its deep shades of royal blue and gold inserts, is one of the most fascinating and appreciated semi -precious stones in the world. This stone, also known as "Piatra Cerului", captivated the imagination of thousands of years because of its intense beauty and its deep meanings.

The beauty of Lapis Lazuli consists of its distinct and vibrant color. The deep and intense blue of this stone evokes images of the night sky or of the deep oceans, inspiring a feeling of mystery and greatness. This unique shade is due to the presence of the mineral Lazurit, which gives the stone its characteristic color.

Another fascinating aspect of Lapis Lazuli are the small golden pyrite inserts, which shine like the stars on the deep blue background. These pyrite inclusions add an additional dimension of shine and contrast, making each piece of unique and spectacular lapis. The combination of intense blue and gold glitter gives the stone an elegance and a special sophistication.

Legend Lapis Lazuli It has its origins in various ancient cultures, including Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and Greece, each attributing to this precious stones a deep spiritual and mystical significance. One of the most fascinating legends comes from Egyptian mythology, where Lapis Lazuli was considered the stone of the gods.

According to Egyptian legends, the goddess of Isis, the protector of magic and mysteries, wore an amulet from Lapis Lazuli who had the power to protect and heal. Lapis Lazuli was considered to be a sacral stone, bringing in wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. It was said that this stone could open the gates to the divine knowledge and the hidden truths of the universe.

In Mesopotamia, Lapis Lazuli was considered a stone of kings and gods. King Ghilgameș, the hero of the famous epic, wore an amulet from Lapis Lazuli as a symbol of his power and wisdom. It was believed that this stone had the ability to protect the bearer from evil spirits and to bring luck and prosperity.

The ancient Greeks, in turn, believed that Lapis Lazuli was a stone of truth and friendship. It was said that this stone could bring peace and harmony in relationships and that it could open the mind to higher wisdom and knowledge. The Greek philosophers often wore Lapis Lazuli to stimulate their thinking and to connect with universal truths.

Throughout history, Lapis Lazuli has been appreciated not only for his bright beauty of deep blue, but also for his mystical and spiritual powers. It was believed that this stone could connect the bearer with the deity and that he could open communication channels with the spiritual world.

The legend of the malachit It has its origins in various ancient cultures, but one of the most fascinating stories comes from Egyptian mythology, where this bright green stone was associated with the goddess Hathor, the goddess of love, music, dance and protection.

It is said that Hathor, the goddess with cow horns and Horus's wife, protected women and children and was revered for her beauty and generosity. According to legend, Hathor had a magnificent palace in heaven, known as the "Malachit Country", a place full of greenery and life, where there were magical springs and lush gardens.

One day, a young priest named Neferu was called by Hathor in the "Country of Malachit". Neferu was known for his pure heart and his devotion to the goddess. Arriving in this divine realm, Neferu was amazed by the beauty and peace that reigned there. Hathor gave the priest a shiny piece of malachite, telling him that the stone had magical and protective powers.

The goddess Hathor explained to Neferu that Malachite not only will bring him protection against evil, but will also give her the power to cure diseases and to drive away negative energies. Returning to the world of people, Neferu used the malachite stone to help those in suffering, healing them and bringing them peace and harmony.

The ancient Egyptians considered Malachite a sacred stone, bringing protection and luck. It was often used in amulets and talismans, and women wore it to protect themselves during pregnancy and birth. Also, the malachite was used to create jewelry and decorative objects, being appreciated for its vibrant beauty and its healing properties.

In medieval Europe, malachite continued to be cherished for its protective powers. It was believed that this stone could warn the danger bearer by changing its color and that it could absorb negative energies, thus protecting those who wore it.

Today, malachite is still appreciated for its ability to bring balance and protection, being used in various healing and meditation practices. His ancient legend adds an aura of mystery and sacredness to this precious stone, giving it a special place in the hearts of those who believe in the power and magic of crystals.

This legend emphasizes the protective and healing power of the malachite, giving it a deep and spiritual significance in various cultures over time.

The obsidian, also known as "volcanic glass", It is a fascinating semiprecious stone that captivates by its mysterious beauty and intense brilliance. Fulted from rapidly cooled lava, the obsidian has a smooth and glossy surface, which reflects the light in a unique way, adding a note of elegance and sophistication to any jewel or decorative object.

The beauty of the obsidian consists of its diversity of colors and patterns. Although the best known is the black obsidian, this stone can range from black opaque to brown, green, or even dark blue. Some obsidian variants, such as the rainbow obsidian or the snowflake obsidian, presents spectacular inserts and reflections that add an additional dimension of complexity and visual interest.

The legend of the obsidian It has its origins in ancient cultures in Mesoamerica, especially in Aztec and Mayan mythology, where this volcanic stone was revered for its magical and protective powers. 

According to the Aztec legends, the goddess ITZPAPALOTL, also known as the "Obsidian butterfly", was a warrior goddess of the earth and natural forces. Itzpapalotl had butterfly wings made of sharp obsidian blades and was considered the protector of warriors and women who were going through birth. It was said that her wings were shining in the sunlight, reflecting the light as a warning for enemies.

Legend has it that Itzpapalotl appeared in a period of great disorder and chaos, when the earth was devastated by wars and natural disasters. With her magical powers, the goddess used the obsidian to bring order and protection. She has created obsidian amulets to protect people from evil spirits and to bring clarity and truth in their hearts.

It was also believed that the obsidian had the power to reveal hidden truths and protect the bearer of deception and evil. During ceremonies and rituals, priests and shamans used obsidian mirrors to communicate with the world of spirits and to see the future. This ability to reflect the truth and to reveal the hidden secrets gave the obsidian a sacred place in the spiritual practices of these cultures.

In the Mayan mythology, the obsidian was considered a sacred stone of the god Tezcatlipoca, the god of night, fate and war. TEZCATLIPOCA, whose name means the "smoky mirror", wore an obsidian mirror on the chest, through which he could see all the actions of people and could influence their fate. 

It was said that Tezcatlipoca used the obsidian to bring judgment and justice, punishing the wicked and protecting the innocent.

The legend of the obsidian emphasizes its power of protection and truth, giving this stone a deep and mystical significance in various ancient cultures. This volcanic stone remains a symbol of strength and clarity, protecting those who believe in its magical power.

The legend of the opal has its origins in Roman mythology and in Australian aborigenic mythology, both giving this precious stone a deep and mystical significance. Opalul, known for his spectacular color games, has been revered over time for his unique beauty and his magical powers.

Roman legend

In Roman mythology, the opal was considered to be the stone of love and hope. It was believed that the opal contains all the colors and virtues of other precious stones. According to a Roman legend, the opal was created by the god Jupiter (Zeus into Greek mythology) when he transformed the joy of his daughter, Venus (Aphrodite into Greek mythology), into a gemstone. Jupiter wanted to protect his daughter and give her a strong amulet to bring her luck and protection. Thus, he created the opal, which reflects all the colors of the rainbow and symbolized love, protection and hope.

Austral Australian legend

Another fascinating legend about OPAL comes from Australian aboriginal culture. According to this legend, the opal was created by Ancestral Being, a spiritual entity respected by the aborigines. Ancestral Being is said to have descended to Earth on a rainbow, bringing a message of peace and love to people. At the touch of the earth, the place where his foot touched the soil turned into bright opal stones, which reflected all the colors of the rainbow.

Aborigines believed that the opal contains the spirit of the rainbow and has the power to connect the bearer with the divine forces of nature. The stone was seen as a symbol of harmony and the connection between heaven and earth. The opal was used in various rituals and ceremonies to bring luck, healing and to protect against negative energies.

Modern significance

Today, the opal is still appreciated for its unique beauty and its energy properties. It is believed that this stone can stimulate creativity, inspiration and bring emotional clarity. The opal is often used in jewelry and amulets, being considered a strong talisman for those who want to increase their intuition and attract positive energies in their lives.

The legend of the opal emphasizes its magical power and its ability to bring light and color into people's lives. This gemstone remains a symbol of love, protection and hope, continuing to fascinate and inspire those who believe in its magic and beauty.

The legend of Peridot has its origins in Egyptian mythology and in the legends of the Red Sea islands, where this gemstone was appreciated for its vibrant green color and for its protective and healing properties.

According to the Egyptian mythology, the peridot was considered the "stone of the sun" and it was believed that it was glowing from the god Ra, the god of the sun. It is said that the peridot found its origin on a secret island in the Red Sea, known as the Serp Island or Zargad Island (today St. John Island). This island was guarded by venomous snakes that made it very difficult to extract precious stones.

Legend has it that during the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, the Egyptian miners discovered the peridot only at night, guiding themselves after its phosphorescent green glow, because the stone became invisible in the light of day. In order to remove the snakes, the Egyptian priests invoked the powers of the gods, and on a very bright night, a brave priest found a peridot stone of rare beauty, which he offered to Pharaoh. It was believed that the peridot brings protection and luck, and the Pharaoh wore the stone like a talisman to protect himself from evil spirits and to attract the favors of the gods.

Another legend says that Zargad island was blessed by the goddess Isis, the protector of women and magic. ISIS, known for its wisdom and healing powers, scattered the peridot seeds on the island, giving the inhabitants the gift of protection and health. The inhabitants of the island believed that the peridot had the power to drive away the nightmares and bring quiet dreams, which is why they kept these stones under their pillows.

The legend of the peridot emphasizes its protective power and its ability to bring light and healing. This gemstone remains a symbol of prosperity, luck and protection, continuing to fascinate and inspire those who believe in its magic and beauty.

The color of the turquoise varies from light blue, close to the sky, to more intense shades of blue and green. 

This range of natural colors is due to the content of copper and aluminum in its composition. 

Some turquoise stones may have natural matrices, including brown or black veins or spots from surrounding minerals, adding an attractive contrast and a distinct feature.

The legend of turquoise It has its origins in various ancient cultures, including in Persian, Native American and Tibetan mythology. This precious stone, known for its vibrant shades of blue and green, has been revered for its beauty and protective and healing properties.

Persian legend

In ancient Persia (today's Iran), the turquoise was considered a powerful talisman who brought luck and protection. A Persian legend tells about King Yima, who was blessed by the Persian gods with a magic turquoise. This turquoise was so bright that it was said that he could illuminate the darkness and protect the bearer from danger. King Yima wore turquoise every day and was known for his courage and luck. It was believed that the turquoise had the power to drive away evil spirits and bring peace and prosperity to its kingdom.

The legend of the American natives

For the American natives, the turquoise was a sacred stone associated with heaven and water. The tribes in southwest America, such as Navajo and Pueblo, believed that the turquoise was created by the spirits of heaven and earth. A Navajo legend tells of a brave warrior who found a turquoise in a sacred spring. This turquoise was so beautiful that it shone like the summer sky. The warrior wore the turquoise as a talisman and became invincible in battle, protected by the spirits of heaven.

The Pueblo tribes believed that the turquoise had the power to bring rain and fertility to the earth. Shamans and healers used the turquoise in rituals to bring rain and to ensure rich harvests. The turquoise was also used in amulets and jewelry to protect the wearer from diseases and accidents.

Tibetan legend

In the Tibetan culture, the turquoise was considered a stone of wisdom and protection. Tibetan monks often wore turquoise in silk and amulets to protect themselves from negative energies and to increase their meditations. It was believed that the turquoise had the power to bring balance between mind and soul and to facilitate the connection with the deity.

Modern significance

Today, the turquoise is still appreciated for its beauty and energy properties. It is believed that this stone has the ability to bring inner peace, protection and luck.

The legend of the turquoise emphasizes its protective power and its ability to bring harmony and balance. This gemstone remains a symbol of protection, wisdom and luck, continuing to fascinate and inspire those who believe in its magic and beauty.

Semi -precious stones are not only treasures of nature, but also carriers of legends and history. Each crystal hides in its brilliance ancient stories, healing energies and symbols that crossed the centuries, inspiring and protecting entire generations.