King_Solomons'_Mines | Gemstone_Index | Jewelry_Dept. | Interesting_Groupings

GEMSTONES

"THE FLOWERS OF THE MINERAL KINGDOM"

As colorful as the rainbow, gemstones have captured the desires of men and women for ages. The pursuit of gems have become the subject of legends, fairy tales, and epics poems. Today, fine gemstones are more available to people than at any other time in history.

What makes a gemstone?

Gemstones are naturally occurring minerals.They must have beauty, be rare and durable.Following is a list of stones most often classified as gems.

I include all the stones that are commonly used set in jewelry, for many of the less rare stones have great beauty and durability. These include Agate, Jasper, Bloodstone, onyx and Sardonyx.

DIAMOND

CHRYSOBERYL
ALEXANDRITE
YELLOW-GREEN CHRYSOBERYL
CAT'S EYE

IOLITE

JADE (varieties of Jadeite and Nephrite)
OLIVINE
PERIDOT

SPHENE

TOPAZ

ZIRCON