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A natural gemstone is a mineral, stone, or organic matter, which is desirable for its beauty, valuable in its rarity and durable enough to be enjoyed for generations whereas a semiprecious gemstone has only one or two of these qualities. It can be cut and polished or otherwise treated for use as jew elry or other ornament A gem is a gemstone that has been cut and polished. Diamond, corundum (ruby and sapphire), beryl (emerald and aquamarine), topaz, and opal are generally classed as precious stones. All other gemstones are usually classed as semiprecious.
There are more than 30 popular gem varieties and many more rare collector gemstones. Although some gemstone varieties have been treasured since before history began and others were only discovered recently, they are all nature's gifts to us.
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