Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubies.
How does a mineral become a gemstone? Due to many internal earth processes minerals are formed and crystallized at different rates in the crust of the earth. A gemstone is simply a mineral that possesses special qualities that make it highly desirable among many people all over the world. They are cut and polished to a highly resilient shine and are set in beautiful pieces of jewelry. People spend thousands of dollars adorning their bodies with beautiful gems that hold their monetary value over time. Gemstones are found all over the world and range greatly in price depending on the rarity of the gemstone. Gems are formed from the crystallization of magma underneath the earth's surface. It takes great amounts of heat and pressure as well as time to form the most prized gemstones. They are mostly found in igneous rocks and in gravel that has been deposited by alluvial fans at the bases of mountains or mouths of waterways(Watson, 1997). Gemstones are quite durable and range on the higher end of the Mohs scale. Some of the most prized gemstones are diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies. .
"Diamonds are a girl's best friend." What makes this saying true? It is composed of almost completely carbon that has been crystallized under extreme heat and pressure within the earth's surface. The one main flaw that diamonds have is being perfect- having perfect cleavage, I mean. That means that if it is struck with enough force in any of four directions, it will cleave, or break. A diamond has very few weaknesses and many strengths when it comes to comparing it to other gemstones. Diamonds are the hardest natural mineral known to man. The only thing that can scratch diamond is another diamond. Diamonds also conduct heat the best out of any element. It conducts heat five times better than the next best element, silver. Because it conducts heat so well it has the highest melting point of any element, as well, at 3280 degrees.