Gemstones
Gemstones in the Gemstone and fossils Museum on Anglesey.
More than 4,000 naturally occurring minerals—inorganic solids that have a characteristic chemical composition and specific crystal structure—have been found on Earth. Minerals are typically formed when molten rock, or magma, cools, or by separating out of mineral-rich water, such as that in underground caverns. Many minerals form beautiful crystals, but the most prized of all are gemstones. Uncut gems are often fairly ordinary looking. It's only when they are cut and polished that they obtain the brilliance and lustre that makes them so valued. Historically gems have been divided into precious and semiprecious classes. These are from the semiprecious class.
116 pictures in 2016 - Natures Jewels or Natures Miracles
Gemstones
Gemstones in the Gemstone and fossils Museum on Anglesey.
More than 4,000 naturally occurring minerals—inorganic solids that have a characteristic chemical composition and specific crystal structure—have been found on Earth. Minerals are typically formed when molten rock, or magma, cools, or by separating out of mineral-rich water, such as that in underground caverns. Many minerals form beautiful crystals, but the most prized of all are gemstones. Uncut gems are often fairly ordinary looking. It's only when they are cut and polished that they obtain the brilliance and lustre that makes them so valued. Historically gems have been divided into precious and semiprecious classes. These are from the semiprecious class.
116 pictures in 2016 - Natures Jewels or Natures Miracles