What are gemstones?

Gemstones can be broken down into three categories of gemstone; natural, synthetic and simulant.

(1) Natural Gemstones

The majority of natural gemstones are rare minerals which have crystallised in the Earth’s Crust over many, many years. These minerals are called gemstones on account of their exquisite beauty and durability. Such mineral gemstones include rubies, emeralds and sapphires.

Other natural gemstones are of animal origin (such as coral and pearls) and of vegetable origin (such as amber and jet).

(2) Synthetic Gemstones

Synthetic gemstones are grown in laboratories. These gemstones look the same as the gemstones they represent and have the same optical, physical and chemical properties. Synthetic gemstones include; coral, diamonds, emeralds, lapis lazuli, rubies, sapphires and turquoise.

(3) Simulant Gemstones

Simulant gemstones appear similar to the gemstones they represent but have different optical, physical and chemical properties. They include: cubic zirconia, lapis lazuli, malachite and turquoise. These gemstones are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people realise they are beautiful gemstones in their own right.

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