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Minerals, Rocks and Gems

What is the difference between a mineral, a rock and a gemstone? Are all minerals rocks? Can a rock be a gemstone?

These are hard questions, but some of them at least have scientific answers. Since there is a science of minerals, called mineralogy, there needs to be a fairly precise definition of what constitutes a mineral. A mineral is defined as a naturally occurring substance that is formed through geological processes and has a characteristic chemical and physical composition, particularly a highly ordered atomic structure that is normally crystalline.

A rock, by comparison, is an aggregate of minerals 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. In general, rocks are of three types; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Even though rocks do not have a specific physical composition like minerals, there is a science of rocks as well, called petrology. The study of rocks is essential for understanding the formation of the earth.

Gemstones have their own science as well, called gemology, which is a branch of mineralogy. But the concept of a gemstone is based on human value judgements. A gemstone is usually defined as a highly attractive and valuable piece of cut and polished mineral that is used in jewelry or other decorations. The science of gemology studies the special physical and optical properties of this subset of the mineral world.

However, this definition of a gemstone is not particularly scientific since it does not make much reference to the physical properties of gemstones. Attempts to remedy this shortcoming by referring to the unusual hardness and rarity of gemstones have not been very successful. Some gemstones, such as fluorite, are not especially hard. Also, rarity depends on what is being mined at any given time. Amethyst, the violet variety of quartz, was once quite rare; but today it is fairly abundant.

To further complicate matters, certain rocks, such as lapis lazuli, are classified as gemstones, since lapis has a long history of use in decoration. Lapis lazuli is composed of several minerals, including sodalite, calcite and pyrite. Certain organic materials, such as amber and coral, are also classified as gemstones, although they have no crystal structure at all, and would not even be described as organic minerals. Actually amber is classified as a mineraloid ('somewhat mineral-like') along with amorphous materials like opal and mercury.

So we can say, by way of an answer, that minerals are crystalline; that rocks are made up of aggregates of minerals; and that gemstones are minerals that humans find especially attractive and valuable (plus a few rocks and organic materials that have found favor). There is a system to it, but the concept of a gemstone, it is fair to say, is a purely human invention.

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Overall Rating -> 10

I am very happy with Gem Select I have Bought very many Gemstones from Gem Select and IT IS ALL VERY GOOD !!! Thank you, HV

Posted By Hondo in March, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Always a good experience.

Posted By Jess in February, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

this is my first experience with GemSelect so I can’t really comment on much more than the website & purchasing experience, which was great. there were a few stones I went to look at that didn’t really have descriptions about them (their properties or spiritual benefits for example) like some of the other stones & I thought that was interesting & I wondered why they didn’t. but all in all, the purchasing experience was easeful & I can’t wait to receive my gems & see if the quality is as beautyfull as they seem to be in the pictures.

Posted By Dove Love in January, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I will and have recommended Gem Select to others

Posted By Skippy in February, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 8

I believe this market could grow very large in the wake of cryptocurrencies as gold and silver become less popular. I believe birthstones will begin to increase in popularity for jewelry and meaningful trinkets. I think this website should consider another metric that gauges how "raw" the mineral/gem/stone/etc. is-- how processed it has been. Some people may want to get the raw material from a specific location, know its history, and contract someone to refine it into a personal keepsake.

Posted By JohnD in August, 2021

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 9

I make wire wrapped pendants for birthday presents, and always feature a birthstone as the base for the project. GemSelect has a wide variety of shape/size pieces to fit any budget. A detailed description of each individual stone is perfect for those searching for particular stones for their application, and information on stone treatments and the like are phenomenal.

Posted By AbysmalHippo7 in June, 2021

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

🧐🧐🧐.. Very professional, easy purchases, easily navigated website, great pricing!

Posted By QuinKess919 in March, 2022

Source: Bizrate

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