What are some popular types of gemstones?

Gemstones fall into two broad categories: precious and semi-precious. Despite their name, precious gemstones are not necessarily the rarest or most expensive stones but rather the most sought-after and valued overall. The most popular precious gemstones are known as the big four: sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Among the others are opals and pearls. Practically all other gemstones not in that category are considered semi-precious. The most popular of these are agate , rose quartz , black onyx , and the 12 birthstones . There are other ways to classify different gemstones, such as natural, synthetic, and imitation gemstones. Organic and non-organic designations are sometimes used for formations such as fossilized tree resin, better known as amber.

What are some popular gemstone cuts?

Gemstone cuts affect the overall appearance of the gemstone and give it a unique shape. Some cuts have many facets to reflect lots of light, whereas others let the natural color steal the show. Here are a few of the most popular cuts. Round-cut gemstones : Popular for engagement rings, these appear round from a top-down view, with lots of facets for a sparkly, brilliant ring. For an angular alternative, try an octagon cut. Marquise-cut gemstones : Instantly recognized for their elongated shape, marquise cuts are elliptical with two pointed ends, which can make your finger appear longer and slimmer. Trillion-cut gemstones : Also known as a trilliant cut, trillions are triangular shapes with curved or non-curved sides and many variations. Oval-cut gemstones : Like an elongated round cut, these excel at showing off brilliant, fiery gemstones such as diamonds and moissanite. Pear-cut gemstones : Sometimes referred to as teardrop or pendeloque cut, these blend the top pointed part of a marquise with the circular bottom of a round cut. Emerald-cut gemstones : Not just for emeralds, the emerald cut is rectangular with the corners cut off. Their signature look is complete with chiseled step cuts along the sides for a commanding appearance. Princess-cut gemstones : Square princess cuts maximize brilliance with stunning patterns in a timeless design. Princess cuts are popular for engagement rings and frequently include decorative pavé gemstones. Cushion-cut gemstones : These stunners are also square but have rounded corners for a smoother, romantic feel. Cabochon-cut gemstones : Rather than faceted, cabochon cuts are polished and shaped. Jewelers most often use them with opaque gemstones such as opal and jade.

What are the 12 birthday gemstones?

Rooted mostly in astrology and the zodiac, each birthday month is associated with a traditional and a modern gemstone. Both modern and traditional birthstones have their own meanings . January: Garnet for both modern and traditional February: Amethyst for both modern and traditional March: Traditionally bloodstone and aquamarine for modern April: Diamond for both modern and traditional May: Emerald for both modern and traditional June: Traditionally pearl and alexandrite for modern. July: Ruby for both modern and traditional August: Traditionally sardonyx and either peridot or spinel for modern September: Sapphire for both modern and traditional October: Traditionally opal and tourmaline for modern November: Traditionally topaz and citrine for modern December: Traditionally turquoise or lapis lazuli and zircon, blue topaz, or tanzanite for modern

What are some of the rarest gemstones?

Although there are many rare gemstones—such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies—a few are especially uncommon. These include tanzanite, black opal, red beryl, and alexandrite. Tanzanite and alexandrite are beloved for the way they change color in the light: Tanzanite changes between blue, violet, and burgundy; alexandrite turns green in the light and red in the dark. Opal gemstones by nature are rare, but the black version appears as a cosmic midnight sky found almost exclusively near Australia. Red beryl is a brilliant scarlet born out of specific environmental conditions.

How are gemstones graded?

Gemstones are graded according to rarity using the four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. The higher grades fetch higher prices because they are considered rarer overall—but grades are used more as guidelines for choosing gemstones rather than head-to-head rankings. To better understand grading: Color refers to the gemstone's hue, tone, and saturation, with bold, rich colors often earning higher grades. There are some exceptions, like diamonds and other clear gemstones, which are prized for being nearly colorless. Whether you’re choosing gemstones for jewelry making or finely crafted jewelry , consider what color works best for your skin tone and use color as a guide. Lower-rated gemstone colors like pink rubies and baby-blue sapphires might turn more heads than the rarer, pure red or blue versions. Clarity refers to the number of inclusions in the gemstone, with fewer inclusions receiving higher grades. Inclusions are anything from hollow areas or fractures to other mineral imperfections that affect how light passes through the gemstone. Gems rated high in clarity are likely to have few to no fractures, meaning they are strong and well-suited for rings. Cut combines quality artistry and symmetry, significantly affecting the gemstone's brilliance and fire. Brilliance refers to how much white light is reflected; fire is the reflected colored light. Together, they create pattern and sparkle, which is known as scintillation. Each cut surface is called a facet, which should be smooth and mirror-like. More facets mean many tiny sparkles; fewer facets create more prominent flashes. Carat measures the weight of the gemstone. Weight is not equal across all gemstones because densities vary from stone to stone. For example, rubies are denser than diamonds, so a one-carat diamond looks larger than a one-carat ruby.

Gemstones

(1,475,110 Results)

Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

(11,760)

$29.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

(11,760)

$49.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping

Bestseller
OPAL Raw Crystals - AA Grade, Large - Bulk Raw Opal, Rough Opal Lot, Welo Opal, E0216

(82,907)

Star Seller

Sale Price $40.00
Original Price $100.00 (60% off)

From shop ThrowinStones

FREE shipping
Rainbow moonstone top grade cut faceted gemstone natural blue moonstone with rainbow multi flash / fire loose moonstone for jewelry ring

(945)

Star Seller

Sale Price $22.50
Original Price $30.00 (25% off)

From shop Kingdomofgems
Loose gemstones natural gemstone 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems. Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

(406)

Star Seller

$24.99

From shop Verzazio

Bestseller
10 Agate Slices Coloured Geode Polished Slabs Brazil Agate Slice Random Selection Mix Colours FREE USA SHIPPING!

(3,290)

$19.99

From shop PhoenixMint

FREE shipping
Purple Copper Turquoise Loose Gemstone, Smooth Calibrated Cabochons, Wholesale Gemstone, Turquoise Oval 10x14mm - 5Pcs

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $20.32
Original Price $40.64 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
Rhodochrosite, Grade AAA High Quality Natural Rhodochrosite Smooth Round Sphere Ball Loose Gemstone Beads - PG03

(14,330)

Star Seller

Sale Price $17.60
Original Price $22.00 (20% off)

From shop PGStones
Natural Loose Diamond Round Rose Cut G H Color VVS1-VS1 Clarity 1.15 To 3.05 MM NQ1

(739)

Sale Price $73.66
Original Price $127.00 (42% off)

From shop NarshihaGemAndJewels

FREE shipping
OPAL Raw Crystals - A Grade, Small - Bulk Raw Opal, Rough Opal Lot, Welo Opal, E0088

(82,907)

Star Seller

Sale Price $8.80
Original Price $22.00 (60% off)

From shop ThrowinStones
4.5-5mm White Rough Diamond, White Raw Diamond, Uncut Diamond, Loose White Diamond, Conflict Free Diamond For Jewelry (5Pc To 10Pc) - DDP171

(10,374)

Star Seller

Sale Price $57.14
Original Price $142.86 (60% off)

From shop gemsforjewels

FREE shipping
Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstone lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

(406)

Star Seller

$28.92

From shop Verzazio

Only 3 left — order soon
AAA Rare Genuine Natural White Selenite Polished Smooth Round Gemston Beads - PG17

(14,330)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.80
Original Price $21.00 (20% off)

From shop PGStones
20 pieces 3mm Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon Round Gemstone, NATURAL Rainbow moonstone round AAA quality Cabochon gemstone, moonstone Cabochon

(5,468)

Star Seller

$24.99

From shop GEMSDEAL
Natural Green Tourmaline Lot 3.00 Carat 6x4 MM Octagon Shape Faceted Gemstone 5 Piece Lot

(666)

$70.00

From shop RehmatGems

FREE shipping
Lapis Loose Gemstone Square 10x10 AAA Grade Wholesale Cabochon- 7 Pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $15.94
Original Price $31.88 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
Freshwater pearl A grade white off-round beads wholesale, 5-6mm lustrous pearl jewelry, genuine natural pearl, FR250-WS

(10,178)

Star Seller

$28.99

From shop YouPearl
Mix Gemstone, 100% Natural Faceted Loose Gems, Wholesale Gemstones, 6-12mm, GemMartUSA (MX-60001)

(70,242)

Star Seller

Sale Price $9.55
Original Price $11.94 (20% off)

From shop GemMartUSA
4mm Natural Blue Diamond Round SI Clarity

(11,760)

$125.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping
Natural Moonstone Beads, Rainbow Moonstone Faceted Round Ball Sphere Loose Beads Natural Gemstone - PG41

(14,330)

Star Seller

Sale Price $14.40
Original Price $18.00 (20% off)

From shop PGStones
Amazing Quality Lemon Chrysoprase Gemstone Natural Lemon Chrysoprase Cabochons Handmade Lemon Chrysoprase 39 Cts. (39 X 25 mm)

(182)

Sale Price $7.80
Original Price $26.00 (70% off)

From shop GratitudeGemsHub
Gemstone Loose Beads Amazing Copper Purple Turquoise Wholesale Gemstone Beads Beautiful Pear 14x20 mm, Supplies Loose Beads for Make Jewelry

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $12.75
Original Price $25.51 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
30 Pieces 4mm Rainbow Moonstone Faceted Round Shaped Loose Gemstones SKU-MS23

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $30.80
Original Price $77.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA
5 pcs Bullet Cabochons Green Chalcedony 8x16mm Smooth Semiprecious Loose Gemstone Top Grade

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $27.60
Original Price $55.20 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
Natural Opal Beads, Green Opal Flat Flower Shape Natural Gemstone Beads - PG205

(14,330)

Star Seller

Sale Price $12.00
Original Price $15.00 (20% off)

From shop PGStones
Cornflake Pearls, 10-12mm White Petal Keishi Pearls, Center Drilled Keshi Pearls, Genuine Loose Freshwater Pearl Beads For Wedding, FK720-WS

(10,178)

Star Seller

$113.99

From shop YouPearl

FREE shipping
Eye Clean Rainbow Moonstone Unbelievable Awesome 8A+ Quality Pear Shape Yellow Flash Fire Rare collection Height-6 Size 9X13MM 4.65 Ct.

$1,140.00

From shop Rarerainbowmoonstone

FREE shipping
Genuine Red Ruby, AAA Red Ruby Natural Faceted Rondelle Loose Beads Gemstone - PG70

(14,330)

Star Seller

Sale Price $15.20
Original Price $19.00 (20% off)

From shop PGStones
5 Strands Rainbow Moonstone Beads, 6mm Round Beads, Natural Moonstone Beads, Gemstone Beads, 13 Inch Strand, SKU-SS127

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $48.80
Original Price $122.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

FREE shipping
50 Pieces Wholesale 5mm Each Rainbow Moonstone Flashy Blue/White Faceted Round Shaped Loose Gemstone SKU-MS22

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $38.40
Original Price $96.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

FREE shipping
AAA Quality Azurite Cabochon, 100% Natural Azurite Gemstone Wholesale Lot, Azurite Crystal, Pendant Wire Wrapping Jewelry Making

(290)

Sale Price $19.20
Original Price $32.00 (40% off)

From shop 4hgemsShop
1 lb Large Mixed Tumbled Stones, VIBRANT COLOR ,Reiki Stones,Crystal Mineral Gemstones,Polished Stones,Chakra,40% off Retail

(7,575)

Star Seller

Sale Price $9.56
Original Price $11.95 (20% off)

From shop HeavenlyHollowDist
Larimar Cabochon 23.5x18.2x6mm Natural Gemstone Cabochon

(5,315)

Star Seller

$39.40

From shop reogemz

FREE shipping
Mix Gemstone, 100% Natural Faceted Loose Gems, Wholesale Gemstones, 6-12mm, 500 Carats, GemMartUSA (MX-60001)

(70,242)

Star Seller

Sale Price $82.16
Original Price $102.70 (20% off)

From shop GemMartUSA

FREE shipping
Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

(406)

Star Seller

$39.44

From shop Verzazio

FREE shipping
Boxed Set of 16 x 16mm Handmade Glass Art Marbles - Unique Art Jewellery Pendant Stones

(1,040)

$45.45

From shop WestEndCollectables

Only 1 left — order soon
1 Piece 5mm Natural Pink Color Raw Rough Diamond Loose, Pink Natural Uncut Diamonds SKU-D22P

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $51.20
Original Price $128.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

FREE shipping
Natural Rainbow Moonstone Crescent Moon Shape Gemstone Cabochon Smooth Polished Good Quality Loose Gemstone 8x8mmTO 30X30mm

(374)

Sale Price $22.50
Original Price $30.00 (25% off)

From shop Johreez
RHODOCHROSITE Crystal Chips - Small Crystals, Gemstones, Jewelry Making, Tumbled Crystals, E0086

(82,907)

Star Seller

Sale Price $8.00
Original Price $20.00 (60% off)

From shop ThrowinStones
Dendritic Agate Natural Gemstone Loose Cabochon Round 12x12 AAA Grade - 5 Pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $20.72
Original Price $41.45 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
Wholesale Gemstone Awesome Genuine Copper Calcite Semiprecious Loose Beads Gemstone Beautiful Pear 14x20 mm, Making for Beads Jewelry

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $11.87
Original Price $23.75 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
Petrified Wood Slabs, Five (5) Natural Freeform Petrified Wood Flat Slabs, Wood Beads, Wood Slab Beads, Designer Quality, Item 881gss

(8,647)

Star Seller

$16.99

From shop SleepingSpirit
5 carats of Yogo sapphires from Montana - rough natural sapphire crystals - randomly picked from lot

(1,094)

$25.00

From shop OldWorldGems
Loose Gemstone Cabochon Copper White Calcite Round 12x12 AAA Grade - 6 Pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $31.88
Original Price $63.76 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
16" Strand, 5-5.5mm, 15% off sale, Lustrous Genuine Round Fresh Water Pearls, Creamy White Freshwater Pearl

(44,318)

Star Seller

$73.73

From shop TerraFinds

Only 1 left — order soon
Natural Rainbow Moonstone Round Cabochon Gemstone 3x3mm To 20X20mm Flat Back Loose Gemstone

(374)

Sale Price $6.74
Original Price $8.99 (25% off)

From shop Johreez
Natural Aquamarine, Aquamarine Faceted Flat Round Coin Natural Loose Gemstone Beads (6mm, 8mm, 10mm) - PG82

(14,330)

Star Seller

Sale Price $21.60
Original Price $27.00 (20% off)

From shop PGStones
Bullet Shape Gemstone Labradorite Bullet Stone Loose Smooth Gemstone Cabochons AAA Grade - 5pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $28.75
Original Price $57.50 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones

There's so much more for you to discover

Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Gemstones

Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

OPAL Raw Crystals - AA Grade, Large - Bulk Raw Opal, Rough Opal Lot, Welo Opal, E0216

Rainbow moonstone top grade cut faceted gemstone natural blue moonstone with rainbow multi flash / fire loose moonstone for jewelry ring

Loose gemstones natural gemstone 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems. Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

10 Agate Slices Coloured Geode Polished Slabs Brazil Agate Slice Random Selection Mix Colours FREE USA SHIPPING!

Purple Copper Turquoise Loose Gemstone, Smooth Calibrated Cabochons, Wholesale Gemstone, Turquoise Oval 10x14mm - 5Pcs

Rhodochrosite, Grade AAA High Quality Natural Rhodochrosite Smooth Round Sphere Ball Loose Gemstone Beads - PG03

Natural Loose Diamond Round Rose Cut G H Color VVS1-VS1 Clarity 1.15 To 3.05 MM NQ1

OPAL Raw Crystals - A Grade, Small - Bulk Raw Opal, Rough Opal Lot, Welo Opal, E0088

4.5-5mm White Rough Diamond, White Raw Diamond, Uncut Diamond, Loose White Diamond, Conflict Free Diamond For Jewelry (5Pc To 10Pc) - DDP171

Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstone lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

AAA Rare Genuine Natural White Selenite Polished Smooth Round Gemston Beads - PG17

20 pieces 3mm Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon Round Gemstone, NATURAL Rainbow moonstone round AAA quality Cabochon gemstone, moonstone Cabochon

Natural Green Tourmaline Lot 3.00 Carat 6x4 MM Octagon Shape Faceted Gemstone 5 Piece Lot

Lapis Loose Gemstone Square 10x10 AAA Grade Wholesale Cabochon- 7 Pcs.

Freshwater pearl A grade white off-round beads wholesale, 5-6mm lustrous pearl jewelry, genuine natural pearl, FR250-WS

Mix Gemstone, 100% Natural Faceted Loose Gems, Wholesale Gemstones, 6-12mm, GemMartUSA (MX-60001)

4mm Natural Blue Diamond Round SI Clarity

Natural Moonstone Beads, Rainbow Moonstone Faceted Round Ball Sphere Loose Beads Natural Gemstone - PG41

Amazing Quality Lemon Chrysoprase Gemstone Natural Lemon Chrysoprase Cabochons Handmade Lemon Chrysoprase 39 Cts. (39 X 25 mm)

Gemstone Loose Beads Amazing Copper Purple Turquoise Wholesale Gemstone Beads Beautiful Pear 14x20 mm, Supplies Loose Beads for Make Jewelry

30 Pieces 4mm Rainbow Moonstone Faceted Round Shaped Loose Gemstones SKU-MS23

5 pcs Bullet Cabochons Green Chalcedony 8x16mm Smooth Semiprecious Loose Gemstone Top Grade

Natural Opal Beads, Green Opal Flat Flower Shape Natural Gemstone Beads - PG205

Cornflake Pearls, 10-12mm White Petal Keishi Pearls, Center Drilled Keshi Pearls, Genuine Loose Freshwater Pearl Beads For Wedding, FK720-WS

Eye Clean Rainbow Moonstone Unbelievable Awesome 8A+ Quality Pear Shape Yellow Flash Fire Rare collection Height-6 Size 9X13MM 4.65 Ct.

Genuine Red Ruby, AAA Red Ruby Natural Faceted Rondelle Loose Beads Gemstone - PG70

5 Strands Rainbow Moonstone Beads, 6mm Round Beads, Natural Moonstone Beads, Gemstone Beads, 13 Inch Strand, SKU-SS127

50 Pieces Wholesale 5mm Each Rainbow Moonstone Flashy Blue/White Faceted Round Shaped Loose Gemstone SKU-MS22

AAA Quality Azurite Cabochon, 100% Natural Azurite Gemstone Wholesale Lot, Azurite Crystal, Pendant Wire Wrapping Jewelry Making

1 lb Large Mixed Tumbled Stones, VIBRANT COLOR ,Reiki Stones,Crystal Mineral Gemstones,Polished Stones,Chakra,40% off Retail

Larimar Cabochon 23.5x18.2x6mm Natural Gemstone Cabochon

Mix Gemstone, 100% Natural Faceted Loose Gems, Wholesale Gemstones, 6-12mm, 500 Carats, GemMartUSA (MX-60001)

Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

Boxed Set of 16 x 16mm Handmade Glass Art Marbles - Unique Art Jewellery Pendant Stones

1 Piece 5mm Natural Pink Color Raw Rough Diamond Loose, Pink Natural Uncut Diamonds SKU-D22P

Natural Rainbow Moonstone Crescent Moon Shape Gemstone Cabochon Smooth Polished Good Quality Loose Gemstone 8x8mmTO 30X30mm

RHODOCHROSITE Crystal Chips - Small Crystals, Gemstones, Jewelry Making, Tumbled Crystals, E0086

Dendritic Agate Natural Gemstone Loose Cabochon Round 12x12 AAA Grade - 5 Pcs.

Wholesale Gemstone Awesome Genuine Copper Calcite Semiprecious Loose Beads Gemstone Beautiful Pear 14x20 mm, Making for Beads Jewelry

Petrified Wood Slabs, Five (5) Natural Freeform Petrified Wood Flat Slabs, Wood Beads, Wood Slab Beads, Designer Quality, Item 881gss

5 carats of Yogo sapphires from Montana - rough natural sapphire crystals - randomly picked from lot

Loose Gemstone Cabochon Copper White Calcite Round 12x12 AAA Grade - 6 Pcs.

16" Strand, 5-5.5mm, 15% off sale, Lustrous Genuine Round Fresh Water Pearls, Creamy White Freshwater Pearl

Natural Rainbow Moonstone Round Cabochon Gemstone 3x3mm To 20X20mm Flat Back Loose Gemstone

Natural Aquamarine, Aquamarine Faceted Flat Round Coin Natural Loose Gemstone Beads (6mm, 8mm, 10mm) - PG82

Bullet Shape Gemstone Labradorite Bullet Stone Loose Smooth Gemstone Cabochons AAA Grade - 5pcs.

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones