Mine To Market

The following definition covers the vast majority of the stones we regard as gems Minerals that have been chosen for their beauty and durability, then cut and polished for use as human adornment.Still, every defining feature in that definition has exceptions. This creates problems.

Minerals vs. Organics

Most gems are minerals, but some, notably pearl and amber, are organics. Living organisms create these materials. By definition, a mineral must be created inside the earth. (To add some confusion, a pearl's coating is a mineral though it's created in a mollusk). Hence, pearls fall into a different category. Likewise, amber began life as tree sap. After millions of years, it transformed into a polymer, a natural plastic. People have regarded amber as a gem for thousands of years, although it's definitely not a mineral.

Beauty

Some people would consider gems colored Pepto Bismol pink and olive green (like unakite) unattractive. Some find them beautiful. Brown gems enjoy some popularity in "earth tone" jewelry pieces. Of course, others have different tastes. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but do all who choose gems choose beauty? Do all gem enthusiasts select gemstones because they find them beautiful?

Not Quite Scientific, But...

Gemology was only first recognized as a science in the 1930s. Until that time, people considered all transparent, red gems rubies, blue ones sapphires, and green ones emeralds. Today, as a professional, I can only call a crystallized beryllium-aluminum silicate with trace amounts of chromium an emerald. Other beautiful green gems could be tsavorite, tourmaline, and diopside. The allure of gemstones lies in their fantasy of color and light. Beautifully colored stones have intrigued people since time immemorial. The love of gems hasn't changed. However, we now have to contend with a very scientific element. As much as I love the science of gemology, it has the unfortunate side effect of taking much of the mystique and romance out of our stones.To heck with the definitions. If it makes your eyes light up, it's a true gem!