What Makes a Mineral a Gemstone
 There
exists in nature over three thousand crystals, minerals and biogenic
materials, yet only a very small percentage have the characteristics
necessary to be classified as a gemstone. In order for a material
to be considered a true gemstone, it must possess beauty, (color,
luster, perfection of cutting and polishing, etc.) durability, rarity,
and portability.
A. Beauty
Unless a gem material is beautiful, it cannot be considered a gemstone.
Beauty may be the sleepy blue fire of a beautifully cut sapphire,
the kaleidoscopic "play of color" of the opal, or the mesmerizing
green of the emerald.
B. Durability
Another essential quality of a gemstone is durability. This does
not mean a gemstone must be
indestructible; no such material exists in nature. However, a gemstone
must wear well enough to retain its beauty for a reasonable length
of time.
Hardness - Hardness may be defined as a material's resistance to
scratching. The diamond is the hardest gemstone and the hardest
substance known in nature. Nothing can scratch a diamond except
another diamond. However, diamonds and many other "hard"
gemstones can chip.
Toughness - Toughness may be defined as the ability of a gemstone
to resist chipping. Jade is the toughest gemstone in nature. Although
jade may be cut and fashioned into figures, statues and even axe
heads with ease, its resistance to chipping is extremely high.
C. Rarity.
The third factor contributing to the value of a gemstone is rarity.
Generally the rarer a material, the
higher its value. However, some materials are quite common in nature
but are sufficiently beautiful to be in demand as a gem. One such
gemstone is amethyst: in its finest quality, it is very beautiful,
yet its price rarely exceeds $200 per carat. Conversely, a fine
quality ruby is very rare and may easily exceed $10,000 per carat.
D. Portability.
A sometimes overlooked factor contributing to the importance of
gems is portability. This applies to any fine gemstone because it
represents a high concentration of value in a small object, permitting
the owner to transport great wealth on his person. This gives gemstones
a "universal security value," greater than any other known commodity.
Over the centuries, this factor has influenced royalty and wealthy
families to invest a percentage of their funds in fine gemstones.
When all else fails and governments collapse, gemstones could realize
a quick and healthy return, for its owner, paving the escape for
the unlucky refugee.
Other Gemstone Learning
Birthstones
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