Where does the word 'gem' in gemstone originate from , and who coined this term first ?

Question

Rubies , Emeralds , Diamonds , and Saphires are the four precious gemstones.

Answer 1

A pearl or mineral that has been cut and polished for use as an ornament is known as a Gem, it is from Middle English gemme, from Old French, from Latin gemma. The word stems from gembh - in Indo-European roots, for a "bud" on a plant, which was used to signify a 'Jewel'.

A gemstone is a mineral, rock (such in the case of lapis lazuli), or petrified material that when cut or faceted and polished is collectible or can be used in jewelry. Others are organic (such as amber, which is fossilised tree resin, and jet, a form of coal). Some gemstones which may be generally considered precious or beautiful are too soft or too fragile to be used in jewelry (for example, single-crystal rhodochrosite) but are exhibited in museums and are sought by collectors.

Answer 2

The word "gem" derives from Old English "gim", and from Latin "gemma" meaning a precious stone or jewel. As to who coined the word an old Englishman or an old Roman?

Answer 3

Old English "gim", Old High German "gimma", from Latin "gemma" meaning a bud. However, "gim" may have fallen out of use, and have been replaced by gem as a reintroduction from Latin gemma, or gim may have been remodelled on the Latin at some stage.
As to who coined the word, who knows?

Answer 4

It's from the Latin word gemma, which means jewel. It is a very old word, originating in English in the 1200s or 1300s.