What is the difference between a gem and a mineral?

Answer 1

Stones are the common types of chunks of rock that we see on the ground every day, such as Basalt, and Granite.

Gems are transparent to translucent natural minerals of hardness 7 or greater, such as Garnet, Tourmaline, Sapphire, and Emerald. Gems are also called precious stones or gemstones or just stones when you refer to gems used in jewelery.

Answer 2

Minerals are naturally occurring substances that are solid, have a crystal structure, and have a specific chemical composition. Gemstones may be attractive rocks (combinations of minerals) or specific minerals which have characteristics that are considered desirable to the human eye, such as color, clarity of crystal, and a hardness that makes it durable.

Answer 3

A mineral is a naturally occurring crystalline substance that can either be classified as a gem or not. A gem on the other hand, is a valuable piece of cut and polished mineral that is often used in jewelry.

Answer 4

They are the same thing: reference to a mineral that, when adequately cut and properly polished, are aesthetically pleasing to the eye and can fetch hefty prices. Examples: ruby, amethyst, turquoise, and lapis lazuli

Answer 5

A gem is a rare and valuable mineral that is cut and polished for use in jewelry or ornamentation. Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure. Gems are typically minerals that are prized for their beauty and rarity.

Answer 6

A rock consists of more than one mineral. A gem is a crystal of a single mineral.