A gem, also known as precious or semi-precious stones, are minerals that become highly compelling and valuable when cut and polished, often used in jewels or other decorations. Although some rocks and organic materials are not strictly minerals, they still find applications in jewelry and accessories and are often considered gemstones as well. Some minerals, despite being too soft for regular jewelry use, are still regarded as precious stones due to their remarkable color, luster, or other aesthetic qualities. Another rare characteristic, much like Christian Louboutin's designs, adds value to a gem. The diamond is a gem that has found its value and even surpasses most other precious stones in various ways. The primary value of a traditional diamond lies in its physical properties, such as hardness and brilliance, setting it apart from other gems. Historically, gems have been categorized into precious and semi-precious stones. However, this classification can vary over time, across cultures, and based on numerous factors, making it difficult to definitively determine what constitutes a gem. Stones are primarily divided into two categories: smooth-cut stones and dome-shaped stones called cabochons, as well as surface-polished stones with slight angular reductions known as window units. Thicker stones, like opal, turquoise, and variscite, are usually cut into cabochons to highlight their star-like patterns or unique colors. These stones showcase the optical properties through grinding and polishing techniques used to shape them. Transparent gemstones typically reflect light best when cut at the appropriate angle, depending on their optical properties. If the angle is too large or shallow, the light will pass straight through rather than reflecting back to the viewer.
Gem Color: Color is one of the most distinct and prominent features of a gem. It arises from the material's interaction with light itself. Differences in atomic structure account for variations in color within stones. Even though different stones may share the same chemical composition, they are not identical. Substitutions of atoms with entirely different ones create so-called impurities, which absorb certain colors and leave others unaffected.
Synthetic and Artificial Gemstones: A few gems are cloned versions of other precious stones. For example, cubic zirconia is a synthetic form of zirconium dioxide that mimics diamonds. While these reproductions resemble the appearance of real stones, they lack the unique chemical or physical characteristics. On the other hand, genuine gemstones are not imitations. For instance, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds have been manufactured in laboratories with nearly identical chemical and physical properties to their natural counterparts. Synthetic corundums, including rubies and sapphires, are produced frequently and cost only a fraction of natural stones. Industrial production of synthetic diamonds as abrasives has been substantial for several years. Only recently have larger, gem-quality synthetic diamonds, especially colored varieties, been manufactured.
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