Gemstones can be classified as either precious or semi-precious. Precious gemstones are typically more rare and valuable, and include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Semi-precious gemstones are more common and less valuable, but can still be quite beautiful and are often used in jewelry and other decorative objects. Gemstones come in a wide variety, each with its own unique qualities based on their mineral composition, color, clarity, and other characteristics. Here are some common types of gemstones and their qualities:
1. Ruby:
* Color: Red to purplish-red.
* Quality Factors: Intensity of color, clarity, and lack of treatment.
* Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for jewelery.
* Origin: Valued rubies often come from Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
2. Sapphire:
* Color: Typically blue, but can also be found in various colors like pink (padparadscha), yellow, green, etc.
* Quality Factors: Color intensity, clarity, and lack of treatment.
* Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale.
* Origin: Important sources include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
3. Emerald:
* Color: Green to bluish-green.
* Quality Factors: Intensity of green color, clarity, and lack of treatment.
* Hardness: 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, softer compared to ruby and sapphire.
* Origin: Significant emerald deposits are found in Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil.
4. Pearl:
* Type: Organic gemstone formed within mollusks like oysters.
* Color: White is classic, but pearls come in various colors including black, pink, and golden.
* Quality Factors: Luster, surface quality, shape, size, and origin.
* Origin: Major sources include Japan, China, Australia, and the Persian Gulf.