Semi-precious gemstones, though sometimes overshadowed by their precious counterparts, have held significant value and meaning across different cultures and historical periods. Here’s an exploration of some semi-precious gemstones and their ancient history:

AMETHYST

• Ancient Greece and Rome: Amethyst was highly valued for its rich purple color. The Greeks believed it protected against drunkenness and wore amulets made from amethyst for this reason. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," which means "not intoxicated."
• Christianity: During the Middle Ages, amethyst became a symbol of piety and was often used in the rings of bishops.

GARNET

• Ancient Egypt: Garnet necklaces adorned the pharaohs, and garnet beads were buried with them to provide protection in the afterlife.
• Ancient Rome: Garnet was used in signet rings and carved intaglios, which were used to stamp the wax seals on important documents.

TURQUOISE

• Ancient Egypt: Turquoise was highly prized and used in the burial mask of Tutankhamun. It was believed to bring protection and was often inlaid in jewelry and amulets.
• Native American Cultures: Turquoise held significant spiritual value, symbolizing sky and water. It was used in ritual objects and jewelry, believed to offer protection and healing.

PERIDOT

• Ancient Egypt: Known as the "gem of the sun," peridot was mined on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. It was believed to protect against nightmares and bring happiness and strength.
• Hawaii: Native Hawaiians believed that peridot stones were the tears of the volcano goddess Pele.

LAPIS LAZULI

• Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt: This deep blue stone was highly prized and used in jewelry, amulets, and seals. The famous burial mask of Tutankhamun featured inlays of lapis lazuli. It was associated with royalty and deities.
• Renaissance Europe: Lapis lazuli was ground into ultramarine pigment, the most expensive blue paint, used by artists like Michelangelo.

MOONSTONE

• Ancient Rome: Romans believed moonstone was formed from solidified rays of the moon and associated it with their moon gods and goddesses.
• India: Moonstone has been a sacred stone in Indian culture for centuries, believed to bring good fortune and used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

AMBER

• Ancient Baltic Region: Amber has been used since prehistoric times. The "Amber Road" was a trade route from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of amber for valuable goods.
• Ancient Greece: Known as "electrum," amber was believed to have magical properties and was used in amulets and jewelry.

CARNELIAN

• Ancient Egypt: Carnelian was used extensively in jewelry and amulets, believed to provide protection in the afterlife. It was also associated with the goddess Isis.
• Ancient Rome: Romans used carnelian for intaglios and signet rings, as it was believed to protect against evil and bring good fortune.

ONYX

• Ancient Rome and Greece: Onyx was used to create cameo brooches and intaglios. The stone was associated with courage and strength.
• Middle Ages: Onyx was believed to have protective properties and was used in amulets to ward off negative energy and nightmares.

JADE

• Ancient China: Jade has been valued in China for over 7,000 years, symbolizing purity, moral integrity, and immortality. It was used for both functional and ceremonial objects, including intricate carvings and jewelry.
• Mesoamerica: The Mayans and Aztecs prized jade, associating it with life and death. It was used in religious rituals and as a symbol of status and power.

AGATE

• Ancient Greece: Agate was believed to have the power to protect its wearer from danger and was used in amulets and talismans.
• Ancient Rome: Agate was thought to bring victory in battles and was often set in armor and shields.

CITRINE

• Ancient Greece and Rome: Citrine was used as a decorative gem in jewelry and intaglios. It was believed to have protective properties and was associated with the sun.
• Middle Ages: Citrine was carried as a talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom.

These semi-precious gemstones, with their rich histories and cultural significance, continue to enchant and inspire people around the world. They are not only appreciated for their beauty but also for their storied pasts and the various beliefs associated with them.