Home >> Science & Nature >> Rocks & Minerals

Gems vs. Precious Stones

A mineral, organic matter or stone that can be cut and polished and used as jewelry or other ornaments is considered a natural gemstone. For a gemstone to be classified as "precious" it must possess rarity, beauty and durability. A gem is a gemstone that has been cut and polished.

Determining Preciousness
- Gemstones need the attention of an expert jeweler before they become your favorite necklace or earrings.
  
  Diamonds are rare, durable and infinitely beautiful. Yet, there is more to this precious gem than ornamental beauty: They are a determinate of the preciousness of other gems as well.
Identification
- Gems are cut and polished to become precious stones.
  
  Diamonds are one of a few natural gemstones that are considered precious. Corundum (ruby and sapphire), topaz, opal and beryl (emerald and aquamarine), to name a few, also lie in this class; whereas gemstones such as pearl, jet and coral are considered semiprecious. For a gem to be a precious gemstone (mineral derived) it has to own beauty, durability and rarity; whereas a semiprecious gemstone (organically derived) only has one or two of those qualities.
Environment
- Gemstones can be found in your backyard or remote places.
  
  While gemstones can occur in most major geologic environments, each environment holds a certain characteristic suite of gem materials. In addition, though most gemstones are indigenous of igneous rocks, gem material such as garnet, which is seen as crystals in gneiss, can also be found in sedimentary and metamorphic rock.
Categorizing
- Mineral gemstones are categorized by how hard resistance to scratching the stone is and by its specific gravity--how many times heavier (denser) a stone of any volume is than an equal volume of water. Organic gemstones, such as pearl or coral, while still prized for their beauty, are not as durable as the gemstones mined from minerals.
Cost
- Diamonds signify love yet maybe there is more to a diamond than just old cliches. Diamonds are rare, beautiful and durable.
  
  Costs for gems and precious stones vary depending on color, cut, clarity and weight. For example, a one-half carat diamond ring made of 14K white gold may run you up to $1,000, whereas a cultured pearl ring set in 14K white gold will cost you up to $500. Shopping from a reputable dealer will definitely be your wisest choice.

Rocks & Minerals