貴石(きせき)

きせき
noun
precious stone; gemstone
colloquialnaturemoney
1. precious stone; gemstone
A mineral or organic material valued for its beauty, durability, and rarity, suitable for use in jewelry. Specifically refers to the highest-value category of stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
ダイヤモンドは代表的(だいひょうてき)な貴石(きせき)だ。
Diamond is a typical precious stone.
この指輪(ゆびわ)には貴石(きせき)が三(みっ)つ使(つか)われている。
Three precious stones are used in this ring.
貴石(きせき)と半貴石(はんきせき)の違(ちが)いは、主(おも)に硬度(こうど)と希少性(きしょうせい)によって決(き)まる。
The difference between precious stones and semi-precious stones is mainly determined by hardness and rarity.

Composed of 貴(き) (precious, noble) + 石(せき) (stone). A technical term in gemology and the jewelry trade. The traditional classification separates 貴石(きせき) (precious stones: diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald) from 半貴石(はんきせき) (semi-precious stones: amethyst, topaz, etc.).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 宝石(ほうせき): jewel, gem — the most common general term for gemstones
  • 半貴石(はんきせき): semi-precious stone — the lower category of gemstones
  • 原石(げんせき): rough stone, raw gem — an uncut gemstone

Related Words

Compare: 宝石(ほうせき) (jewel, gem)
general
Added 2026.4.20 22:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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