| Gemstones are mineral crystals or organic | | | | by how well it resists scratching. The specific |
| materials that have been cut and polished into | | | | gravity or density of a gemstone is derived by |
| beautiful items by skilled craftsmen. The minerals | | | | assessing its weight base on the weight of an |
| are naturally formed, solid, inorganic chemical | | | | equal volume of water. Gemstones can break in |
| compounds found in rocks. Each mineral has a | | | | two ways, either by cleaving or fracture. The |
| fixed chemical composition and regular atomic | | | | way they break depends on the atomic structure |
| structure, which gives it the specific hardness and | | | | of the stone. Gemstones that cleave will break |
| color it possesses. Many natural crystals are | | | | along the planes of weak atomic bonding. Those |
| attractive enough to be displayed. However, most | | | | that fracture will break along a surface which has |
| of these crystals are faceted and polished to | | | | no relation to its atomic structure. |
| enhance their appearance. | | | | Gem cutting is a form of art which is done to |
| Few gems, which are called organics, come from | | | | produce finely cut faceted gems. This art |
| plants and animals. These gems include ivory, | | | | contributes to the beauty of the gemstone and |
| amber and pearl. There is a category of | | | | its value. There has been much progress made in |
| gemstones known as synthetics. They do not | | | | gem cutting and polishing methods. These |
| have any natural origin and are produce in | | | | improved methods, coupled with an increased |
| laboratories. These artificial gems are cut to | | | | knowledge of the way gemstones responds to |
| resemble the real ones. They have the same | | | | light, have resulted in marked improvements |
| physical properties and chemical composition with | | | | made on the appearance of gemstones. |
| natural gemstones. Gemstones are, typically, | | | | Gemologists are fascinated by gemstones. They |
| measured by their weight in carats. | | | | study each gemstone in-depth, both in its natural |
| To be considered a gemstone, it has to be rare, | | | | state and after it has been cut and polished. |
| beautiful and durable. Gemstones, in its natural | | | | Gemologists are able identify every individual |
| crystalline form, are rare, which means that they | | | | gemstone, as well as distinguish between a natural |
| could only be found in certain parts of the world. | | | | stone and a fake one. |
| Their scarcity makes them valuable in the market. | | | | Since early times, gemstones are considered |
| The color of the minerals must be attractive, so | | | | precious and are well sought after. In the past, |
| that the gemstones will appear beautiful. | | | | gemstones are known to represent wealth and |
| Gemstones must be durable, which means that | | | | power. They are used not only as jewels to |
| they should be hard enough to withstand | | | | decorate crowns and robes but also as amulets, |
| scratches and damage. | | | | talisman and charms. Nowadays, gemstones are |
| The most valuable characteristic of gemstones is | | | | not only for the wealthy, but rather they are |
| the color. Colorful gemstones such as emeralds, | | | | appreciated by anyone who finds them beautiful |
| rubies and sapphires are highly priced. Diamonds, | | | | and charming. |
| though colorless, are made beautiful and brilliant by | | | | Gemstones are commonly used to make creative |
| skillful forms of cutting. White light is made up of | | | | jewelry pieces which are widely worn as |
| a combination of the spectrum of colors. When | | | | accessories for personal adornment. Gemstones |
| white light falls on a gemstone, some of the | | | | are highly treasured by people from all walks of |
| colors are absorbed while the rest are reflected | | | | life because of their unfading beauty with time. |
| back. Those colors that are reflected are what | | | | Being captivated by the timeless beauty of |
| we see as color of the gemstone. As each | | | | gemstones, most people desire to possess them. |
| mineral interacts with light differently, a wide | | | | Hence, some people buy gemstones for collection |
| variety of colors of gemstones is produced. | | | | purposes, while others buy gemstone jewelry for |
| The physical properties of gemstones are their | | | | personal adornment or as gifts for friends. Gems |
| hardness, their specific gravity, and the way they | | | | that represent birthstones are commonly used as |
| break. These properties depend largely on the | | | | birthday presents. Due to the wide variety of |
| atomic structure and the chemical bonding of the | | | | gemstone jewelry items available in the market, |
| stone. The hardness of a gemstone is measured | | | | there are plenty of gift ideas to choose from. |