Gemstones are generally a piece of mineral crystal or rock found beneath the earth’s surface. They are often chosen based on their color or rarity. Although they hold a rough look when mined, turkizite gemstones are further cut, polished, and shaped for further use. Gemstones are most commonly used as a part of jewelry, but they also form a part of valuable collectables in museums or for serious collectors.

Gemstones are quite diverse in their shapes, colors, and even components. Here’s a look at the different types we can come across on earth.

  1. Mineral and Non-mineral gemstones: The vast majority that we come across are formed from minerals in the earth’s crust. Minerals are considered to be inorganic substances with chemical and crystalline compositions. One can identify them based on color, hardness, form, and tenacity. Minerals that stand out on these factors become known as gemstones (such as diamond, and ruby). Non-mineral gemstones are a result of natural processes carried out by living beings and plant organisms (such as pearl, amber, and jet).
  2. Natural and Synthetic gemstones: Natural gemstones, as the name suggests, are found amongst rocks and minerals found beneath the earth’s surface, existing naturally. They may be enhanced to bring out color and clarity, but the fundamental form of these gemstones is a part of nature around us. Synthetic gems are formed as a result of human activities such as machines and chemical laboratories. When created, they are nearly identical to naturally formed gemstones. The availability of machinery and chemical resources means that today we can see synthetic versions of almost every kind of gemstone. However, they do not hold the same beauty, value, and rarity as a natural gem.

The top 7 gemstones in existence

  1. Tanzanite: Discovered in 1967, Tanzanite is the blue/violet component of the mineral zoisite. It is found only in Tanzania, making it one of the rarest gemstones to exist. Due to the depleting supply of Tanzanite, its scarce availability also makes it one of the highest-priced gemstones. It was first used in jewelry by American jewelers Tiffany 7 Co. Ever since then, you can find Tanzanite jewelry pieces such as Tanzanite pendants, rings, earrings, etc.
  2. Black Opal: It is one of the most desirable gemstones sourced from the Lighting Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia. The gemstone holds a beautiful dark presence with a wide array of colors. The largest Black Opal to exist, the “Royal One”, is a 306-carat gemstone priced at a whopping $3 million. The gem can be found in jewelry as well as artistic carvings.
  3. Diamond: It is a gemstone formed out of pure carbon and is one of the priciest ones to exist. While white diamonds are the most common ones we see, the red and blue versions are the rarest forms of diamonds. The precious gem is most commonly used as a part of jewelry pieces such as diamond engagement rings, earrings, and necklaces.
  4. Ruby: It is a traditional jewelry gem that holds a blood-red color. The gemstone comprises of the corundum mineral variety, and its value depends on the cut, shape, and color of the stone. Ruby gemstones can be used in several kinds of jewelry pieces, such as necklaces, rings, or earrings.
  5. Jade: It is a stone formed from minerals that often holds a shade of green, but one may also come across yellow or white variations. Jade jewelry is one of the most common uses of the gemstone as it gives ornament pieces a beautiful addition of color.
  6. Emerald: Its exotic green appearance has made the emerald one of the most sought-after gemstones. It is also one of the most valuable gems and is used as a part of jewelries and artistic creations.
  7. Musgravite: One of the rarest gemstones originating from the Musgrave Ranges of Australia. In 2005, only eight gem-quality stones were mined, which shows how rare it is to come across. It is a highly priced gemstone, and is used in jewelry rings or as collectable for serious collectors.

Gemstones are one of the most unique, valuable, and colorful creations to exist. Who would have thought that minerals buried beneath the earth’s surface could turn into such precious gemstones? Each type of stone is a one-of-a-kind creation, and if we find ourselves fortunate enough to own them, they are items we should treasure well. There are several gemstones to exist on our planet, and while these are some of the rarest and most valuable ones, each gem we come across has its own undeniable beauty and appearance.