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gemstone
(redirected from Gemstones)

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gemstone

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Several traditional gemstone cuts
(credit: © Merriam-Webster Inc.)
Any of various minerals prized for beauty, durability, and rarity. A few noncrystalline materials of organic origin (e.g., pearl, red coral, and amber) also are classified as gemstones. Of the more than 3,500 identified natural minerals, fewer than 100 are used as gemstones and only 16 have achieved importance: beryl, chrysoberyl, corundum, diamond, feldspar, garnet, jade, lazurite, olivine, opal, quartz, spinel, topaz, tourmaline, turquoise, and zircon. Some of these (e.g., beryl and corundum) provide more than one type of gem. In virtually all cases, the minerals have to be cut and polished for use in jewelry.

gemstone [′jem‚stōn]
(geology)
A mineral or petrified organic matter suitable for use in jewelry.


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As a concise compendium practical information for finding and recovering prized gemstones and minerals, A Field Guide To Gold, Gemstone, And Mineral Sites Of British Columbia combines the author's years of experience and "know-how" with practical mapping and discovery methods.
A Field Guide to Gold, Gemstone, and Mineral Sites of British ... by Small Press Bookwatch
Visitors touring the gemstone-rich location can learn the history of the mine site and the gemstones found within, while traveling with a tour to the bottom of the quarry.
Amethyst mine makes exclusive guidebook list by Louiseize, Kelly / Northern Ontario Business
The mission of the magazine is to "promote the understanding, appreciation and sale of colored gemstones throughout the world," ICA said.
The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA; New York) ... by Business Publisher
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