Jewellery, Books, Gemstones, & Crystals in Birsbane

Temporla In Bloom provides a wide selection of gemstones, crystals, and more for Brisbane and its surrounding areas, including Red Hill and West End. 

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Natural gemstones are formed in the Earth over thousands to millions of years without human intervention. Synthetic gemstones, also called lab-grown or created stones, have the same chemical composition and structure as natural stones but are produced in controlled environments. Imitation gemstones, on the other hand, are materials designed to look like natural stones but do not share their properties. For example, cubic zirconia is an imitation of diamonds, while synthetic sapphires have the same properties as natural ones but are man-made.

The terms "precious" and "semi-precious" were traditionally used to classify gemstones based on their rarity and value. Precious gemstones include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which have historically been the most sought-after and expensive stones. Semi-precious gemstones refer to all other gemstones, including amethyst, citrine, garnet, and topaz. However, this classification is outdated, as many so-called semi-precious stones can be rarer and more valuable than some precious ones. For example, high-quality alexandrite or paraiba tourmaline can be more expensive than lower-grade sapphires. Today, gemstones are more commonly classified based on their mineral composition, rarity, and market demand rather than rigid labels.

Inclusions are natural imperfections found within gemstones, such as tiny fractures, gas bubbles, or mineral deposits. They form during the crystallisation process when foreign materials become trapped inside the growing crystal structure. While inclusions can sometimes lower a gemstone’s clarity and value, they can also be used as identifying markers, helping distinguish natural stones from synthetic or treated ones. Some gemstones, such as emeralds, almost always contain inclusions, and their presence can add to the stone’s character. In contrast, diamonds with fewer inclusions are considered more valuable, as clarity affects their brilliance and light reflection. In some cases, inclusions create unique visual effects, such as star sapphires or rutilated quartz.