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A degree of rarity is also required in gemstones, though there are deposits of
minerals in the world which would be called gem quality except for the fact that
they are simply too rare to create a market.
Rough minerals are mined from the Earth and tend to be full of obstructing
inclusions. From these rocks, the gemologist must cut the flawless, clear
"gemmy" pieces which will be faceted or cut into cabochons. These procedures
bring out the brilliance of a jewel because of the way they refract or reflect
light.
Many gemstones are actually different varieties of the same single mineral.
Ruby and Sapphire both come from the mineral Corundum. Emerald and Aquamarine
are both Beryls. The Quartz family offers an astonishing variety of gems,
including Amethyst, Citrine, and Tigereye.
Gems are mined all over the world, each variety being the magnificent result
of geological activity. For hundreds of years, man has uncovered these ancient
secrets from deep within the Earth and brought them to light to beautify life.
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