Is a gem a highly prized mineral?

Answer 1

A Mineral is a naturally occurring solid formed through geological processes that has a characteristic chemical composition, a highly ordered atomic structure, and specific physical properties. A rock, by comparison, is an aggregate of minerals and/or mineraloids, and need not have a specific chemical composition. Minerals range in composition from pure elements and simple salts to very complex silicates with thousands of known forms. The study of minerals is called mineralogy.

A mineral is an element or chemical compound that is normally crystalline and that has been formed as a result of geological processes.To be classified as a true mineral, a substance must be a solid and have a crystalline structure. It must also be a naturally occurring, homogeneous substance with a defined chemical composition.

Gem generally refers to a gemstone, a cut rock or mineral Gem. A gemstone or gem (also called a precious or semi-precious stone) is a piece of attractive mineral, which-when cut and polished-is used to make jewelry or other adornments. However certain rocks, (such as lapis-lazuli) and organic materials (such as amber or jet) are not minerals, but are still used for jewelry, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their lustre or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone.

Gemstones are identified by gemologists, who describe gems and their characteristics using technical terminologyspecific to the field of gemology. The first characteristic a gemologist uses to identify a gemstone is its chemical composition. For example, diamonds are made of carbon (C) and rubies of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Next, many gems are crystals which are classified by their crystal system such as cubicor trigonal or monoclinic. Another term used is habit, the form the gem is usually found in. For example diamonds, which have a cubic crystal system, are often found as octahedrons.

Gemstones are classified into different groups, species, and varieties. For example, ruby is the red variety of the species corundum, while any other color of corundum is considered sapphire. Emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), bixbite (red), goshenite(colorless), heliodor (yellow), and morganite (pink) are all varieties of the mineral species beryl.

Gems are characterized in terms of refractive index, dispersion, specific gravity, hardness, cleavage, fracture, and luster. They may exhibit pleochroism or double refraction. They may have luminescence and a distinctive absorption spectrum.

Material or flaws within a stone may be present as inclusions.

Gemstone have been broken down in terms of Precious and Semi-Precious. Stone like Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Opal and Pearls are classified as Precious stone. Whereas, others as a Semi-precious stones... Some Semi-precious stones are more expensive than the precious stones. Example: Tanzanite. (It is only found in the mines of Tanzania, Africa)

Gemstone's value is calculated by the 4 C's: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat (carat or ct. is the weight of Gemtone). It is measured in mm.

Answer 2

Yes! a gem is a highly prized mineral which is prized for it beauty.