What Are the Types of Gems?

Precious Stones

• Precious stones are the most costly and sought after of gemstones. These include diamonds, which come in many colors, sapphires, which are different shades of blue, rubies, which are different shades of red, and emeralds, which are different shades of green. These stones are usually clear and sparkle when cut. They are used mostly in jewelry of high standards.

Semiprecious Stones

• Semiprecious stones are less costly and easier to find. Some semiprecious stones are amethyst, which is a purple stone; opal, which is a pearly white stone; garnet, which is a deep red; jade, which comes in many hues of green; turquoise, which is lumpy; agate, which comes in many colors that swirl and mix within the stone; onyx, a black stone; and lapis lazuli, a blue stone with threads of gold and white. These are also used in jewelry or are collected by gemstone lovers.

Organic Gems

• Organic gems have plant or animal components mixed with the minerals. Some of these are amber, an orange-yellow stone that is fossilized tree resin; coral, a pink, orange or white stone that comes from the sea; and pearl, either black or white, which comes from mineral and animal parts inside an oyster.