WHAT IS A GEMSTONE ?

There are over 3000 different minerals... To be regarded as a gemstone, a mineral must be beautiful, most importantly in its color. A gemstone must also be durable, hard enough to survive constant use or handling without being scratched or damaged. Only about 50 minerals are commonly used as gemstones. Others are cut for collectors of the unusual but are not suitable for wear because they are too soft and easily scratched. The number of minerals commonly used as gemstones constantly changes as new varieties are found.

GEMSTONES

The mysterious appeal of gemstones, their exquisite colors and the play of light within their transparencies sometime, would alone have made them doubly valuable. The natural beauty, strength, and resilience of gems have inspired beliefs in their supernatural origins and magical powers.