What Is A Gemstone?

Most simply stated, the majority of gemstones are minerals. Important exceptions are pearl and coral, which are of animal origin, and jet and amber which are vegetable.

These minerals have been crystallized as a result of the high temperatures and pressures exerted by natural forces on the elements that form the earth's crust.

Of the more than 3000 minerals found on earth, only a small percentage qualify as "gemstones" due to their beauty, durability, colour and rarity. The most sought after are transparent gems, drops of pure colour cut from single crystals.

These gems were once divided into precious and semi-precious categories, but this is no longer true today.

Gem discoveries have added new varieties to the traditional selection of ruby, emerald and sapphire.

Some of these more unusual gemstones command higher prices than more well known gemstones due to their beauty and rarity.

For example, fine jade and fine opal, Tsavorite or alexandrite would be more valuable than lesser quality diamonds or emeralds.

The selection of fine-quality gemstones includes such stones as alexandrite, amber, amethyst, aquamarine, chrysoberyl, citrine, garnet, iolite, jade, kunzite, lapis lazuli, moonstone, opal, peridot, sugilite, spinel, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, tsavorite, turquoise and zircon.

Each of these gemstones has a particular charm and colour.