Gemstones have intrigued humans for at least 10,000 years. The first known, used for making jewellery, include amethyst, rock crystal, amber, garnet, jade, jasper, coral, lapis lazuli, pearl, serpentine, emerald, and turquoise. These stones were reserved for the wealth as status symbols. Rulers sealed documents with their jewel-encrusted seals.
Today, gems are worn not so much to demonstrate wealth, but rather, for pleasure, in appreciation of its beauty. Here, you can learn about many more. Learn fascinating facts about gemology, specific specimens of a stone, discover interesting physical properties it may display and gain knowledge of how to care for a gemstone.