what is the defference of a gem and a gemstone if any?
2006-11-14 22:31:28 · 10 answers · asked by hello;) 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Almost all gemstones are minerals apart from pearls, coral, amber and jet which are of organic origin, a number of rocks such as lapis lazuli are also used as precious stones. The word gem can also mean something of great worth or a jewel as well as a precious stone whereas gemstone can only mean a precious stone.
2006-11-14 22:42:25 · answer #1 · answered by U.K.Export 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gems = gemstones. It's a matter of personal choice, really, although the word "gemstones" could be more often referring to cut stones destined for collectors or jewelers.
Additionally, "gemstones" is a word that might mean diamonds and rubies and sapphires...but just as well can mean some of the fine jaspers and agates we have here in the western U.S....or gem-grade turquoise...or other rocks that have seen use in jewelery over time.
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Both rocks and gemstones are made of minerals the way a cake is made of flour and baking powder and milk and eggs and vanilla.
The cake is the rock or gemstone.
The ingredients (flour, eggs, milk, etc) are the minerals that make the gemstones and rocks.
2006-11-14 22:41:34 · answer #2 · answered by Sebille 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes Gems are minerals, as they come from within the earth & are mined. Gemstome is the collective name for various hardened carbonic deposits that are found. A gem is a singular term for a piece of such mineral usually cut & polished in attractive shapes
2006-11-15 00:28:58 · answer #3 · answered by vishnu k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes Gems are minerals, as they come from within the earth & are mined. Gemstome is the collective name for various hardened carbonic deposits that are found. A gem is a singular term for a piece of such mineral usually cut & polished in attractive shapes
2006-11-14 22:41:04 · answer #4 · answered by Vaakshri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most minerals are gems (gemstones) but not all of them ... 4 example Amber can be considered a gem but not mineral coz of its organing origin ..
There are a number of organic materials used as gems, including:
Amber
Bone
Coral
Ivory
Jet (lignite)
Mother of pearl
Ammolite - from fossils formed from the shells of extinct ammonites.
Pearl
2006-11-15 09:12:09 · answer #5 · answered by Geo06 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are minerals, a few I can name off the top of my head are:
carborundum - sapphires and rubies
nephrite - jade
quartz - amethyst
All gems are minerals, however, not all minerals are gems.
2006-11-14 22:43:01 · answer #6 · answered by Sue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes in a way they are. a gem is a polished, refined and cut gemstone
2006-11-14 22:36:24 · answer #7 · answered by curiousguy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is no diffrence between the two
2006-11-14 22:53:31 · answer #8 · answered by my chapel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
complicated matter. query on yahoo. this might help!
2015-04-29 17:46:47 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yup
2006-11-14 23:35:23 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋