Organic Gemstones

Question: What are organic gemstones?

Answer: Organic gemstones are gems that are derived from animals, plants, or other organisms while they are living or after they die and the usually do not have cleavage as do rock gemstones.

The dead animals or plants may have died naturally or killed intentionally to retrieve calcium based structures such as teeth or tusks.

Many organic gemstones are the results of animals and plants that died in ancient times and were preserved through fossilization.

Some precious stones are made from biological materials that are secreted from the organisms or formed within the organism itself as a defensive agent against irritants.

Beautiful pieces of jewelry are made from organic gemstones including necklaces, rings, bracelets, pendants, brooches, and other precious heirlooms.

Organic gemstones:

• coral
• pearls
• petrified wood
• petrified animal fossils
• ivory
• teeth
• cannel coal
• amber
• vegetable ivory

Organic gemstones have been gathered and used since the time of early humans for decorative and personal adornments and for religious rites and ceremonies.

The value of organic gemstones and carvings depends on how rare they are and what collectors, antique dealers, and buyers, are willing to pay for any particular object.

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