What is a gem stone?
It is a stone which can be cut and set as a jewel.
There are 3,500 mineral species in existence and only one hundred or so can be considered gems.
Of these four have traditionally been called precious stones, and the rest have been labeled semi-precious stones.
The precious stones are typically considered to be, diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires.
The remainder have for a long time been considered semi-precious, and of very little value.
This distinction between precious and semi-precious has over recent times faded away.
This distinction between gems has changed due to the technological advances in the gem enhancement process.
Better gem enhancement methods has created the ability to bring out better coloring and lighting effects in gems.
This means that these gems, formerly known as semi-precious stones may now be very precious.
While admitting that the distinction is fading between the precious and semi-precious stones, diamonds, rubies,
emeralds, and sapphires still account for a large percentage of the gems found in the jewelry markets today.
Other gems that are making in roads into the jewelry markets include, garnets, topaz, cubic zirconia, opals and pearls.
Basic Gem Concepts :-
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