Jewels

Jewels or gemstones are minerals or organic materials that are cut and polished to be used as jewelry. Many gemstones are called precious or semi-precious stones based on their value and rarity. Many stones travel between the categories including diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, pearl and opal, topping the precious gem list. Amethyst has also been classified as a precious gem, but with greater quantities being discovered, it is no longer a rare find.

Most stones are commonly shaped in dome shaped cabochons or cut with facets to show their clarity and refractive light qualities. The stones that are opaque like turquoise and opal are usually formed into a cabochon to show surface color changes. Gemstones are graded using the naked eye except the white or colorless diamond. The diamond uses the four C method of cut, clarity, color and carat to determine its value.

There are many famous gemstones throughout the world with individual specimens weighing in over one hundred carats. The Gachala Emerald is located at the Smithsonian Institute and weighs over 858 carats. The Logan sapphire is also at the same location weighing in at 423 carats, the second largest sapphire known in the world. Both gems were donated to the Smithsonian.

Many gemstones can be mined by everyday treasure hunters throughout the world. In the United States, there are places to find raw emeralds, rubies and opals. In North Carolina, people can pay by the bucket for gem dirt that they sift through themselves in hopes of finding gemstones. Many places may charge an admission fee for use of the facility. In Nevada, visitors can dig for gemstones on free sites or pay to use private land. Many visitors have found valuable gemstones by sifting through the dirt from these mines.