Gemstone
A gemstone, also known as a precious or semi-precious stone, is a mineral or rock that is cut and polished to be used in jewelry or decorative items. Gemstones are valued for their beauty, rarity, and durability, and have been used for adornment and trade for thousands of years.
There are many types of gemstones, each with their own unique characteristics and properties. Some of the most popular gemstones include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, topaz, garnets, and opals.
Gemstones are often classified based on their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The color of a gemstone is determined by the presence of certain minerals or impurities in the crystal, while the clarity refers to the degree of flawlessness or lack of internal inclusions or external blemishes. The cut of a gemstone refers to the way it is shaped and faceted, which affects how it reflects light, while the carat weight is a measure of its mass.
In addition to their use in jewelry and decorative items, gemstones have also been attributed with healing properties and spiritual significance in various cultures throughout history.
