Blog Post Title: Gems of the Earth: 33 Nature-Inspired Gemstone Names
Gems have always been a symbol of beauty and luxury. These precious stones are formed deep within the Earth’s crust and come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes. But did you know that many gemstones are also named after elements of nature? From animals and plants to landscapes and celestial objects, nature has been a great source of inspiration for the names of these stunning gems. In this blog post, we will explore 33 nature-inspired gemstone names and the stories behind them.
1. Amber
Amber is a fossilized tree resin that has been prized for its warm, golden color and unique patterns. Its name comes from the Arabic word “anbar” meaning “ambergris”, a substance produced by sperm whales.
2. Amethyst
The name amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not drunk”. According to Greek mythology, the god Dionysus was angered by a mortal and vowed to unleash his tigers on the next person he encountered. A young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana when she crossed paths with Dionysus. As the tigers pounced, Diana turned Amethyst into a quartz crystal to protect her. Dionysus, overcome with remorse, poured wine over the crystal, giving it its purple color.
3. Aquamarine
As its name suggests, aquamarine is a gemstone that ranges in color from pale blue to turquoise, reminiscent of the ocean. Its name is derived from the Latin word “aqua marina” meaning “water of the sea”.
4. Beryl
Beryl is a mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including green, blue, yellow, and pink. Its name comes from the Greek word “beryllos” meaning “precious blue-green color of sea water”.
5. Carnelian
Carnelian is a red-orange gemstone that gets its name from the Latin word “carneus” meaning “flesh”. This name likely refers to the gemstone’s warm, flesh-like color.
6. Citrine
Citrine is a yellow-orange gemstone that is often associated with happiness, joy, and abundance. Its name comes from the French word “citron” meaning “lemon”, due to its vibrant yellow color.
7. Coral
Coral is not technically a gemstone, but its beautiful colors and patterns make it a popular choice for jewelry. The name coral comes from the Greek word “korallion” meaning “hard coral”, referring to the durable nature of this underwater organism.
8. Diamond
The word diamond comes from the ancient Greek word “adamas” meaning “unbreakable” or “invincible”. This name reflects the hardness and durability of this precious stone.
9. Emerald
The name emerald comes from the Greek word “smaragdos” meaning “green gem”. Emerald is known for its vivid green color, which is often associated with spring and rebirth.
10. Garnet
Garnet is a deep red gemstone that was named after the pomegranate fruit, whose deep red seeds resemble the stone. The word garnet comes from the Latin word “granatum” meaning “seed”.
11. Jade
Jade is a green gemstone that has been highly prized in Chinese culture for thousands of years. Its name comes from the Spanish phrase “piedra de ijada” meaning “stone of the side”, as it was believed to cure kidney diseases.
12. Jasper
Jasper is a multicolored gemstone that is often associated with grounding and stability. Its name comes from the Greek word “iaspis” meaning “spotted or speckled stone”.
13. Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a deep blue gemstone that has been used in jewelry and art for thousands of years. Its name comes from the Latin word “lapis” meaning “stone” and the Persian word “lazhuward” meaning “blue”.
14. Malachite
Malachite is a green gemstone with bands and swirls of different shades. Its name comes from the Greek word “malakos” meaning “soft”, referring to the stone’s softness and ease of carving.
15. Moonstone
Moonstone is a pearly white gemstone that is named after the moon due to its ethereal glow. In ancient Rome, it was believed that moonstone was formed from solidified moonbeams.
16. Onyx
Onyx is a black gemstone that is often used as a protective stone. Its name comes from the Greek word “onyx” meaning “claw” or “fingernail”, as the bands of black and white resemble a fingernail.
Gems of the Earth: 33 Nature-Inspired Gemstone Names
17. Opal
Opal is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, but is most prized for its iridescent play of colors. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word “upala” meaning “precious stone” or “jewel”.
18. Pearl
Pearls are not technically gemstones, but their beauty and rarity make them highly sought after in jewelry. The word pearl comes from the Latin word “perna” meaning “leg”, as the shape of a pearl resembles a small leg.
19. Peridot
Peridot is a yellow-green gemstone that is associated with love, truth, and loyalty. Its name comes from the Arabic word “faridat” meaning “gem”, and the French word “peritot” meaning “unclear”.
20. Quartz
Quartz is a crystal that comes in a variety of colors and is known for its healing properties. Its name comes from the Greek word “krustallos” meaning “ice”, as the ancient Greeks believed quartz was water that had frozen so deeply it could never thaw.
21. Ruby
Ruby is a deep red gemstone that is associated with passion, love, and courage. Its name comes from the Latin word “ruber” meaning “red”.
22. Sapphire
Sapphire is a gemstone that comes in a range of colors, but is most commonly associated with a deep blue hue. Its name comes from the Greek word “sappheiros” meaning “blue stone”.
23. Sunstone
Sunstone is a golden-orange gemstone that has a shimmering effect known as “aventurescence”. Its name comes from its warm, sunny color and appearance.
24. Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a blue-purple gemstone that was discovered in Tanzania in 1967. Its name comes from its country of origin and is a combination of the words “Tanzania” and “night”.
25. Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s eye is a golden-brown gemstone with a unique, banded pattern. Its name comes from its resemblance to a tiger’s eye, with its golden color and reflective bands.
26. Topaz
Topaz is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, but is most prized for its golden-yellow hue. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word “tapas” meaning “fire”, reflecting the stone’s warm color.
27. Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a gemstone that comes in a range of colors, including pink, green, blue, and black. Its name comes from the Sinhalese word “toramalli” meaning “stone with mixed colors”.
28. Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue-green gemstone that has been used in jewelry and art for centuries. Its name comes from the French word “turquois” meaning “Turkish”, as the stone was originally brought to Europe from Turkey.
29. Amazonite
Amazonite is a green-blue gemstone that is named after the Amazon River in Brazil, where it was first discovered. Its name also reflects the lush greenery and vibrant blue waters of the Amazon.
30. Larimar
Larimar is a blue gemstone that is found exclusively in the Dominican Republic. Its name comes from the Spanish word “mar” meaning “sea”, and the name of the explorer who discovered it, Miguel Méndez.
31. Rhodonite
Rhodonite is a pink gemstone with black or brown veins running through it. Its name comes from the Greek word “rhodon” meaning “rose”, reflecting its beautiful pink color.
32. Serpentine
Serpentine is a green gemstone that gets its name from the Latin word “serpens” meaning “snake”. Its name comes from its resemblance to the skin of a snake.
33. Zircon
Zircon is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, but is most prized for its colorless form that resembles a diamond. Its name comes from the Persian word “zargun” meaning “gold-colored”, reflecting its golden luster.
In conclusion, nature has provided us with an endless source of inspiration for gemstone names. From the deep blue of the ocean to the vibrant colors of the rainforest, these 33 nature-inspired gemstones not only hold beauty and value, but also tell stories of history, mythology, and culture.