Is Tirquoise considered a precious gem?

Answer 1

It is interesting that the term "semi-precious" is no longer accepted for use by the international jewellery trade organizations with good reason. For example under the old system alexandrite is semi-precious and yet prices can reach $50,000 per carat and more, the same with tourmaline where Paraiba material can reach $20,000 per carat and so on with a whole list of other examples, hardly what one would call SEMI-precious. To answer your question, yes turquoise is a precious stone.

Answer 2

All gemstones are precious.

Gemologists do not differentiate gemstones along the "precious" "semi-precious" line because it is grossly inaccurate. For instance, tourmalines are usually considered "semi-precious". However, a fine Paraiba tourmaline is more expensive than many rubies and sapphires. In this day and age, the "precious" "semi-precious" classification is meaningless.

To answer your question: A commercial quality Turquoise may just cost 50cents, but a fine quality Turquoise could command hundreds of dollars. That kind of price makes it pretty "precious" doesn't it?

Answer 3

Turquoise is generally considered to be a semi-precious stone; as will all gems, there are different levels of quality among the stones.

Answer 4

Semi-precious stone.

Answer 5

Turquoise is a very valuable semi-precious ornamental stone.

Answer 6

No, but turquoise is considered a semi-precious mineral.

Answer 7

Hi!

Answer 8

semi

Answer 9

no