How are gems different from regular minerals?

They are all minerals. Some highly desirable gemstones may not be suitable for jewelry, yet be very collectible, like sphene. Others, like those in the corundum family, are prized for color and hardness, like emeralds and diamonds. read more

The first major difference between the regular mineral versions of these gem materials is that the examples are opaque. This property of opacity runs on a spectrum and the clearer and cleaner a potential stone is the higher the quality. read more

While developed nations industrialized during the Industrial Revolution, most developing nations did not industrialize until after World War II. Most developing nations were left out of many of the early free trade discussions in the post World War II era. read more

A : Gems are softer than regular minerals. B : Regular minerals are more beautiful than gems. C : Gems are rarer than regular minerals. D : Regular minerals are less malleable than gems. read more

Gems are softer than regular minerals. Regular minerals are more beautiful than gems. Gems are rarer than regular minerals. Regular minerals are less malleable than gems. read more