source
A gem-producing country or area, or a particular mine in that area.
Click play button for pronunciation.
Click play button for pronunciation.
inorganic
Composed of, or arising from, non-living matter.
organic
Produced by, or derived from, a living organism.
natural gems
Gems produced by natural processes, without human help.
atoms
The basic structural unit of all matter.
chemical element
A substance that consists of atoms of only one kind.
chemical composition
Kinds and relative quantities of atoms that make up a material.
Click play button for pronunciation.
Click play button for pronunciation.
Click play button for pronunciation.
Click play button for pronunciation.
facets
A flat, polished surface on a finished gem.
minerals
A natural, inorganic substance with a characteristic chemical composition and usually
characteristic structure.
rocks
A natural material composed of masses of mineral crystals of one or more kinds.
silicates
A mineral that contains the elements silicon and oxygen.
Click play button for pronunciation.
crystal structure
Regular, repeating internal arrangement of atoms in a material.
amorphous
Lacking a regular crystal structure.
gem species
A broad gem category based on chemical composition and crystal structure.
variety
A subcategory of species, based on color, transparency, or phenomenon.
phenomenon
An unusual optical effect displayed by a gem.
group
A family of gems from several closely related mineral species.
Click play button for pronunciation.
Click play button for pronunciation.
Click play button for pronunciation.
disclosure
Clearly and accurately informing customers about the nature of the goods they buy.
Click play button for pronunciation.
Click play button for pronunciation.
Click play button for pronunciation.