Gemstones are minerals that are cut and polished into various shapes and sizes. Some of the most precious gemstones are emeralds, rubies, diamonds, black pearls, and topaz. Gemstones are formed either near the bottom of volcanoes from cooling magma, or in underground caves rich in mineral water. Gems are evaluated based on their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, and can fall into price categories like traditional gems, new classics, connoisseur gems, or affordable gems depending on these qualities.

1. My kids dig is

2. Precious gem stonesBy Bronwyn Lowe 6N

3. What are they?

4. What are they?Gem stones are minerals cut and polished and come in many shapes and sizes. Below are some of the types.

5. Who found out about themThe first gem stone was found by a soldier in war in Africa.Though the soldier had other things on his mind when he saw the bright red glow he could not resist.The gem stone turned out as a ruby which is one of todays most precious gems.Though people do not know anything about the man they say he was German or English.

6. What are the most precious stones?EmeraldsRubyDiamondBlack PearlTopazSapphireAnd many more.

7. Where does the word gem originate fromThe word gem stone originates from old English gimm and the old Latin Gemma.Gemma in Latin meant bud which today is a symbol of gem stones or jewellery.Over the years they have come to call precious stones gems.

8. Gems are usually found near the bottom of volcanoes or in under ground caves (mining).here are the reasons.The volcanoes cooling magma and molten rock as the minerals come together.In under ground caves becauseall under ground caves is rich mineral water there comes the gem stone from the mineral. how are gems formed

9. Random factsAmethys,agate,crystals,Lapis , lazuli, pearls,rubies and emeralds were the first to be found. gem stones when not cut and polished look like normal rocks.There are two classes for gems precious gem stones and semi precious gem stones.Amethyst was considered a precious gem stone until large amounts were found in africa and because there was so much it lost its value.Diamonds are the hardest natural substanse found on earth.

10. More factsGemstones are also known as birthstones. If you look at certain charts you will see depending on where you are born you will have a certain gemstone representing when you were born.If a gemstone is scratched it looses its value immediately. There is a new star sign that has just been added in and the new gem stone sign is still being decided!!!

11. How is a gem stone rated.gems are evaluated by the 4 c’s : colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.We break the price ranges down to five categories.The five categories are traditional gems, new classics, connoisseur gems, collector gems and affordable gems.Traditional gems can cost from £250 to £10,000.New classics can cost from £50 to £3,000Connoisseur gems can cost from £250 to £10,000Collector gems can not be ranged because they are very differentAffordable gems can cost from £50 to £100.

12. The Koh I Noor Diamond

13. quizWhat are gemstones ?Gems are minerals cut and polished.What are the four c’sColour clarity cut and carat weight. Name one of the price categoriesAffordable, collectors, new classics, traditional and connoisseur

14. I hope you enjoyed itThe endBy Bronwyn Lowe