Gemstones 101 Quiz: Master Key Concepts with Flashcards

What are the three main characteristics of a gem?

What is the primary reason for giving a gem a pleasing name?

What is the most valuable colored stone imported into the US?

What is the term for a family of gems from several closely related mineral species?

What is the term for clearly and accurately informing customers about the nature of the goods they buy?

What is the basic structural unit of all matter?

What is the term for a natural, inorganic substance with a characteristic chemical composition and usually characteristic structure?

What is the term for gems produced by natural processes, without human help?

What is the term for a substance that consists of atoms of only one kind?

Key Concepts of Gems

Most gems are minerals, but a mineral must be beautiful, durable, and rare to be considered a gem.
Many colored stones are mined by independent miners using small-scale mining methods.
An appealing name can increase the marketability of a gem.
Treatments improve the marketability and availability of many gems.
Emerald is the number one colored stone by value imported into the US, despite sometimes extensive treatment.
Most consumers accept gem treatments if they are ethically disclosed and explained in a positive way.
Changes in a gem's source country can affect its availability and price.

Key Terms

Amorphous: a mineral lacking a regular crystal structure.
Group: a family of gems from several closely related mineral species.
Atom: the basic structural unit of all matter.
Inorganic: composed of, or arising from, non-living matter.
Chemical composition: the kinds and relative quantities of atoms that make up a material.
Chemical element: a substance that consists of atoms of only one kind.
Crystal structure: the regular, repeating internal arrangement of atoms in a material.
Disclosure: clearly and accurately informing customers about the nature of the goods they buy.
Mineral: a natural, inorganic substance with a characteristic chemical composition and usually characteristic structure.
Natural gems: gems produced by natural processes, without human help.
Organic: produced by, or derived from, a living organism.

Test your knowledge of gemstones, from what makes a mineral a gem to the importance of treatments and appealing names. Learn about the mining methods, marketability, and availability of these precious stones.