A gemstone is a mineral or rock, which can be used in jewelry after cutting or faceting and polishing. But are all minerals gemstones? Can a rock be a gemstone?
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement. Minerals are typically formed when molten rock, or magma, cools, or by separating out of mineral-rich water, such as that in underground caverns. Mineralogy is a subject of geology specializing in the scientific study of chemistry, crystal structure, and physical (including optical) properties of minerals. Whereas a rock is an aggregate of minerals and need not have a specific chemical composition. There is a science of rocks as well, called petrology which is essential for understanding the formation of the earth. Many minerals form beautiful crystals which are cut, polished or otherwise modified for decorative purposes. These are known as gemstones. Gemstones have their own science as well, called gemology, which is a branch of mineralogy.
Gemstones are classified into two categories:
* Precious
* Semi-Precious Stones
There are a number of semi-precious gems, many quite beautiful, but diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds continue to qualify as "precious."
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement. Minerals are typically formed when molten rock, or magma, cools, or by separating out of mineral-rich water, such as that in underground caverns. Mineralogy is a subject of geology specializing in the scientific study of chemistry, crystal structure, and physical (including optical) properties of minerals. Whereas a rock is an aggregate of minerals and need not have a specific chemical composition. There is a science of rocks as well, called petrology which is essential for understanding the formation of the earth. Many minerals form beautiful crystals which are cut, polished or otherwise modified for decorative purposes. These are known as gemstones. Gemstones have their own science as well, called gemology, which is a branch of mineralogy.
Gemstones are classified into two categories:
* Precious
* Semi-Precious Stones
There are a number of semi-precious gems, many quite beautiful, but diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds continue to qualify as "precious."