Gemstones are the most precious known substance to mankind. Their appeal, magic and mystery have lured mankind since ages. Natural gemstones are more in vogue these days, though the mystical symbol remains.

What are natural gemstones?

Gemstones are mineral crystals or organic materials that have been finely refined and cut into shape beautifully by skilled craftsmen. It is a mineral that is rare and precious.

Minerals were forged beneath the surface of the earth over millions of years through the forces of heat and pressure, resulting in a distinct crystal form with an orderly pattern of atoms. This internal arrangement determines a mineral’s chemical and physical properties, including its color. Crystals are not necessarily formed only in rocks or beneath the surface of the earth; they are also formed within plants and animals. Such gemstones are called Organic gemstones (coral, amber etc.). Every mineral originates as a small crystal and “grows” as more atoms are added. A particular gem or mineral can be a variety of different colors, depending on impurities, also known as inclusions, in its atomic structure. Quartz, for example, is normally colorless, but occurs in a range of colors from pink to brown to the deep purple of amethyst, depending on the amount and type of impurities in its structure.

The gemstones are highly valued because the extreme climat

ic conditions and the nurturing inside earth’s womb for millions of years, are not just rare conditions but almost impossible to occur again. And this is the reason that the importance of gemstones is much beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal.

There are almost 4,000 different types of minerals found on earth, but only a few of them are considered beauteous or durable enough to be used as gemstones. Of those, only around 20 are commonly used in jewelry. The traditionally included category of most valuable gemstones is pearl, ruby, sapphire and emerald. Finest quality emeralds and rubies can sometimes be more valuable than diamonds of comparable size.

Gemstones are prized especially for great beauty or perfection that makes appearance one of the most important attribute of the gemstones. To maintain the beauty of the gemstone, it needs to be regularly treated to maintain its luster, color and fire.

Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their aesthetic appeal or durability, or even change their color. Almost all gemstones are treated in some or the other way. Most of these treatments are permanent in nature and an accepted norm in the industry. Treatments do not affect a gemstone’s value.

The pride in possessing a rare and beautiful gemstone is great and ever increasing. The online jewelry websites are a great help to find the jewelry of your choice.