Difference between revisions of "Gemstone"
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[[File:gempebbles.jpg|thumb|Polished gemstones]] | [[File:gempebbles.jpg|thumb|Polished gemstones]] | ||
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An ornamental, often valuable, mineral used for decoration in jewelry, small objects and clothing. Gemstones are normally transparent, crystalline stones such as [[amethyst]], [[diamond|diamonds]], [[ruby|rubies]], [[sapphire|sapphires]], [[emerald|emeralds]], [[topaz]], and [[garnet|garnets]]. Non-transparent gems include [[agate]], [[lapis lazuli]], [[cat's eye]] chrysoberyl. Non-stone materials that have sometimes been used as gems are [[ivory]], [[amber]], [[jet]], and [[coral]]. Gems are found in alluvial deposits and dug from veins. Major mining locations include Sri Lanka, southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia, Russia, Brazil and Colombia. Gemstones are characterized based on their color, clarity, cut and weight. Stones of exceptional size, beauty or rarity are highly valued. Techniques for cutting and polishing gemstones were developed in India in the 14th century. | An ornamental, often valuable, mineral used for decoration in jewelry, small objects and clothing. Gemstones are normally transparent, crystalline stones such as [[amethyst]], [[diamond|diamonds]], [[ruby|rubies]], [[sapphire|sapphires]], [[emerald|emeralds]], [[topaz]], and [[garnet|garnets]]. Non-transparent gems include [[agate]], [[lapis lazuli]], [[cat's eye]] chrysoberyl. Non-stone materials that have sometimes been used as gems are [[ivory]], [[amber]], [[jet]], and [[coral]]. Gems are found in alluvial deposits and dug from veins. Major mining locations include Sri Lanka, southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia, Russia, Brazil and Colombia. Gemstones are characterized based on their color, clarity, cut and weight. Stones of exceptional size, beauty or rarity are highly valued. Techniques for cutting and polishing gemstones were developed in India in the 14th century. | ||
Revision as of 11:41, 27 August 2022
Description
An ornamental, often valuable, mineral used for decoration in jewelry, small objects and clothing. Gemstones are normally transparent, crystalline stones such as Amethyst, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, Topaz, and garnets. Non-transparent gems include Agate, Lapis lazuli, Cat's eye chrysoberyl. Non-stone materials that have sometimes been used as gems are Ivory, Amber, Jet, and Coral. Gems are found in alluvial deposits and dug from veins. Major mining locations include Sri Lanka, southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia, Russia, Brazil and Colombia. Gemstones are characterized based on their color, clarity, cut and weight. Stones of exceptional size, beauty or rarity are highly valued. Techniques for cutting and polishing gemstones were developed in India in the 14th century.
Synonyms and Related Terms
gemstones; gem; gem; ædelsten (Dan.); Schmucksteine (Deut.); gema (Esp.); gemme (Fr.); edelsteen (Ned.); gema (Port.); Ädelsten (Sven.)
Comparisons
Properties of Common Gemstones
Natural and Simulated Diamonds
Resources and Citations
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "gemstone." Accessed 10 Nov. 2004 .
- C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979
- The Dictionary of Art, Grove's Dictionaries Inc., New York, 1996 Comment: Gems: cutting. by Ken Scaratt
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemstone (Accessed Nov. 2, 2005)