Gemstones

The term gem or gemstone can be attributed to any number of solidified mineral compositions, organic materials, synthetic stones or imitations, and other materials that can be used as jewelry and other ornamental adornments.

Gemstones may be unset, meaning that they are not set in any precious metal such as gold or silver.

There are literally hundreds of different gemstones and they come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.

Rock based gemstones are generally thought of as mineral compositions that crystallize under great heat and pressure deep within the earth and brought to or near the earth's surface by volcanic events or they form near the surface through interaction with living organisms and or chemical reactions.

Organic gems are derived from living organisms (plants or animals) and or from fossilized plants and animals that lived, some recently, and some, millions of years ago.

It can be said that gemstones are precious and simi precious minerals, organic materials, or rocks that can be cut, chiseled, or sanded down and polished to make jewelry.

• The best known of mineral gemstones are diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, aquamarine, garnet, and topaz.
• Well known organic gemstones include pearls, coral, amber, operculum, petrified wood, jet, and ivory.
• Imitation gemstones included cubic zirconium, fabulite, moissanite, and glass.

The value of a gemstone is normally determined by it's hardness and durability and or it's rarity. Size, shape, and color has a defining effect on value, too.

Though not as rare as some gemstones, diamonds have unsurpassed luster and beauty and a super hard disposition that makes them the most valuable of gemstones.

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