The Word Gemstone is derived from the Latin word ‘gemma’ which means Precious. Gemstones are crystal minerals that have specific combinations and are found in a wide variety of colors. These crystal minerals were formed under the earth with high pressure and temperature, and only 200 crystal minerals are categorized into gemstones. Crystal mineral can be considered a gemstone when it has the following qualities: beauty, durability, and rarity.
According to their formation, gemstones can be divided into two categories. Organic gemstones are those produced by living organisms such as pearl, coral, amber, etc., while inorganic gemstones are those produced by natural processes such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, etc.
Inorganic gemstones are the most common and these are formed under the earth that are get out through volcanic eruption, rock uplifting in a natural way. Historically, diamonds have only been found in alluvial deposits, which are sediments deposited by rivers. The majority of diamonds mined today come from kimberlites, which are igneous rocks that sometimes pick up diamonds during their magmatic journeys. These mined rough stones have become beautiful gemstones following perfect cutting and polishing. As a result of their availability and quality, gemstones can be divided into two categories: precious and semi-precious. Diamond, ruby,saphire, and emerald are the only four precious stones. All other gemstones are semiprecious.
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Gemstone formation is a complex process that requires some requirements such as the availability of ingredients, time, pressure, temperature, and space for the formation of minerals. The process of forming gemstones can be divided into four categories, namely;
1. Igneous process
Gemstones are formed during high pressure and temperature conditions within the earth's mantle. Volcanic eruptions, mountain building processes, erosion, and rock uplifting will expose the magma present in this region to the surface. Gemstones will form when the magma cools at a lower temperature. Diamonds and peridots are formed in this way.
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2. Sedimentary Process
When a mixture of water and minerals penetrates the cavities and cracks in the rock, it deposits in layers, which are later composed and segmented together to create sedimentary stones. Minerals such as silica mixed with water are deposited in layers in rock cavities, and cracks, and form opals. The sedimentary process results in the formation of opal and magnate.
3. Metamorphic Process
Already existing minerals get altered by extreme temperature and pressure. By the activity of plate atomics, extreme pressure and temperature will create then minerals in this region to alter into gemstones or minerals. Saphire and ruby were formed through a metamorphic process.
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4. Hydrothermal Process
Hot water containing minerals will pass through rock veins and cavities when the temperature is lower than the minerals deposited in the veins. Emerald is a gemstone formed through a hydrothermal process. The Colombian Emerald was formed by hydrothermal activity.
All gemstones have different structures, colors, and characteristics, and they are all beautiful and valuable. It's amazing and interesting to explore the world of gemstones.
