User:Ceciliagemstone

What are Gemstones? Any pretty stone or attractive mineral, which when cut (faceted) and polished is called a gemstone, a precious or semi-precious stone, or jewel. These “processed”, as opposed to “raw” stones are s used to make jewelry or other adornments. However certain rocks, (such as lapis-lazuli) and organic materials (such as amber or jet) are not minerals, but are still used for jewelry, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well. Most gemstones are hard, but some gemstones/minerals are soft, e.g. rubies, calcium carbonate and  howlite. Gemstones are a main ingredient of jewellery making and design because of their colour, luster, durability and aesthetic value. They are a joy to behold! Gemstones from around the world run into the thousands. Given here below are a few some of the more popular and well-loved gemstones available around the world:

•	'''Agate •	Aquamarine •	Amazonite •	Amber •	Amethyst •	Emerald •	Citrine •	Carnelian(Red Agate) •	Coral •	Cubic Zircon •	Garnet •	Jade •	Jasper •	Labradorite •	Lapis lazuli •	Moonstone •	Obsidian •	Onyx •	Pearl •	Peridot •	Ruby •	Sapphire •	Turquoise