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What
Are Gems?
Tones are minerals, the fundamental building blocks
of the earth. A -mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic
chemical element or com¬pound with a definite crystal
structure and a composition that varies within defined
limits.Not all minerals are useful as gems.
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Since
gems must be visually attractive, only minerals with
ornamental qualities are suitable. This criterion reduces
the total available catalog of about 2,400 mineral species
to approximately 100 that have been cut into gemstones. |
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Some
materials of biological origin are also used as gems. These
include amber, coral, pearl, shells, and jet, a hard variety
of coal. Organic gems lack the durability and hardness of
many minerals, but 11 are minerals, usually brightly colored
species, such have been highly valued because of their beauty
and scarcity.
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DIAMONDS,
GEMSTONES & CRYSTALS
FACTS & FIGURES |
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this in mind we may define some basic and often
confusing terms. Gemstones are minerals with high
ornamental value. Gems are the beautiful objects
cut from such materials. A jewel is either a gem
or an artistic creation incorporating precious
metals in which gems may be set. A fine pearl
is considered a gem. Other organic substances
could be called gem materials.
In the past the terms "precious" and
"semi-precious" have been widely used.
Today their use creates confusion, because a poor
diamond can be worth less than a very fine and
rare variety of garnet.
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Since
there is no particular advantage in their use,
both terms should be 12 completely abandoned.range
as it seems, the history of our civilization is
intimately Linked to the existence of pretty bits
of mineral and organic material. Gems have been
used as symbols of wealth, as talismans, as objects
of wor¬ship money, and as medicine. |
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They
have been made into jewelry, as personal adornment, and have
served as investments and storehouses of wealth. Wars have
been waged over gems. Violent I have been committed in their
pursuit. Kingdoms have been -own and part of the globe explored
and mapped to obtain them. Few commodities have achieved the
level of importance in world affairs -d for gems.
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