445-461 Gemstones

Gemstones have been grouped together to demonstrate how well-known materials occur across the range of Dana mineral groups.

A gemstone (also called a gem, precious stone, or semi-precious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewellery or other adornments. (However, certain rocks or organic materials that are not minerals are also used for jewellery and are therefore often considered to be 'gemstones' as well).

Most gemstones are hard, but some softer minerals are used in jewellery because of their lustre, colour or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone.

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