Colored gemstones, also known as colored stones, are collectively referred to in English as "Colored Gemstone" or "Colored Stone." They represent all colored gemstones within the broader gemstone family—excluding diamonds. Colored gemstones are not a single type of gemstone; rather, they comprise a diverse group made up of dozens, even hundreds, of different gemstone varieties.

Traditionally, the international gemstone industry has categorized colored gemstones into two main groups based on their value: "Precious Stones" and "Semi-precious Stones." The traditionally recognized "Precious Stones" include: ruby, sapphire, emerald, and cat's eye. These four gemstones, together with diamonds, are collectively known as the "Five Great Precious Gems of the World." The gemstones commonly referred to as "Semi-precious Stones" include: amethyst, citrine, topaz, tourmaline, aquamarine, garnet, peridot, obsidian, morganite, tanzanite, zircon, lapis lazuli, vesuvianite, moonstone, coral, opal, jasper, and apatite, among others.
However, in recent years, as market demand has expanded, the prices of traditional “semi-precious stones” have been steadily rising. Meanwhile, the introduction of new treatment technologies has led to the emergence of lower-priced “precious stones”—such as diffusion-treated sapphires and filled rubies—within the category of “precious stones.” As a result, the price boundary between “precious stones” and “semi-precious stones” in the traditional sense has begun to blur somewhat. Moreover, many experts now believe that, regardless of their price, as long as a gemstone is beautiful and natural, it should be properly called a “gemstone” rather than being categorized as a “semi-precious stone”—a label that carries a certain undertone of deprecation. Therefore, drawing on the insights of several experts, we propose a new classification system for colored gemstones for the reference of gemstone enthusiasts:
Traditional classic gemstones—including rubies, blue sapphires, emeralds, and colored diamonds—have been cherished for centuries and continue to be highly favored by high-end clientele. These gems enjoy widespread recognition, yet exceptionally high-quality specimens are exceedingly rare in the market. At the 1-carat level, their prices typically range from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, with exceptional pieces fetching over $100,000.


Gemstone connoisseurs’ favorites—including black opal, alexandrite, chrysoberyl cat’s eye, Paraíba tourmaline, colored sapphires, pink topaz, and demantoid garnet—are relatively unknown and seldom found in the market. However, they are often cherished by discerning collectors with deep expertise and keen eyes. Prices typically range from several hundred to several thousand U.S. dollars per carat, with exceptional specimens fetching over ten thousand U.S. dollars.
New classic gemstones—including tourmaline, aquamarine, tanzanite, imperial topaz, and tsavorite—are gradually gaining popularity, yet their prices are significantly higher than those of trendy gemstones. At the 1-carat level, their prices typically range from tens to thousands of dollars, with exceptional specimens fetching several thousand dollars.
Gemstone collecting: This includes spinel, zircon, moonstone, morganite, and other beryls—gemstones that are relatively obscure and have low market visibility. However, collectors who enjoy rare varieties may find these particularly intriguing. Prices typically range from around a hundred dollars, though high-quality spinel can fetch prices in the thousands of dollars.
Fashionable gemstones include amethyst, citrine, white opal, peridot, grossular garnet, blue topaz, kyanite, chromian diopside, prasiolite, kunzite, andradite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, onyx, green chalcedony, white jade, and amber. Most of these gemstones enjoy high market recognition, ample supply, and affordable prices. Moreover, it’s relatively easy to find individual stones of larger carat weights; typically, a 1-carat stone will cost no more than one hundred US dollars.
Finally, no matter how colored gemstones are specifically categorized, classification is merely a reference point when you’re getting to know these gems. Regardless of which category a natural gemstone belongs to, as long as you personally love it after seeing it—or feel that it’s especially well-suited to you—you should cherish it and seize this special connection between yourself and nature. Turn this gemstone into a cherished piece of jewelry or a treasured collectible.