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The word gemstone could mean a variety of things. I have seen fossilized marine life called gemstone. A simple rock of copper and iron with pretty colors could also be considered a gemstone. As we can see, it is difficult to have an objective consensus of what exactly a gemstone is.
In this article, I will try to give the reader an objective identity of what a gemstone is.
Again the question, how do you identify a gemstone? Definitions may vary as I have already mentioned. But most real gemstones have very strict guidelines about what qualities a stone must have to qualify within the “gemstone” meaning. For example, most gemstones require a hardness factor of at least 7 on the “Mohs Scale”. They should be somewhat transparent. The greater the refraction of light, the better. The stone must have shine. It must be a mineral. Finally, it must be rare enough to have a high monetary value. Sometimes this can include limited organic material. An example would be, “amber”.
Another way of asking the question, “What are gems?” Some have defined a gem as a mineral that has been enhanced in some way, which generally includes cutting, polishing, and/or altering its original shape. As I mentioned earlier, most natural gemstones are rare minerals that have crystallized deep within the earth’s crust over millions of years. When these minerals are cut and polished they have a unique beauty and durability and then qualify for the term “gemstone”. An example of mineral gemstones would most commonly include rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.
Gemstones have been around since ancient times. Humans have been gathering materials, both natural and man-made, and placing what would commonly be called “rocks” into jewelry and other precious objects. But over the centuries, the term “gemstone” has become universally recognized as a naturally occurring mineral that by altering its shape, cutting and polishing makes it highly desirable for its beauty, value in its rarity, and tough enough to provide lasting pleasure.
But to answer the question, “What is a gemstone?” we must remember that they are minerals that formed in a variety of environments deep within the earth. They have a defined chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement that makes their physical and optical properties constant. These properties, such as density and refraction, must be able to be accurately measured to be used as a way to identify a mineral as a gemstone.
This article would not be complete without mentioning the queen of gems, the “Diamond”. It is unique among gems in being composed of a single chemical element “carbon”, and like all gemstones it comes from deep within the earth, formed over millions of years by heat and pressure. If it weren’t for volcanic eruptions, these rare gemstones would never have been brought to the surface of the earth.
Basically to answer our question, “What are gemstones?”. It has been said that a gemstone involves the study of mineralogical foundations such as formations, physical properties of genesis, structural, chemical and physical crystallographic characteristics. In plain language, most of us would agree that a gemstone is prized for its great beauty and perfection. Appearance is almost the most important attribute of gemstones. When we look at a gemstone, we are drawn to brilliance, brilliance, fire, and clarity or depth of color in our determination of a gemstone’s beauty.
As you read this article, you can see that the exact definition of a gemstone can be quite a challenge, but in the end, a gemstone is any precious or semi-precious stone that is used for jewelry or adornment.