If you do not have a menu bar on the left
Click Here
You may return to this page by selecting --:Metals-- from the menu.
Metals
A gem is a mineral by definition, yet many beautiful minerals fashioned into
objects of art and jewelry do not fall under the classification of gemstones. This section is
for those minerals.
Although ancient societies 25,000 years ago began adorning themselves with
pretty, bright colored pebbles polished through the erosion process in swiftly moving streams,
mining for minerals to use in fashioning jewelry did not start until about 9000 years ago. Lapis
mines in Mesopotamia were perhaps our first venture underground to bring out beautiful stones to
adorn the rich and powerful. Soon turquoise mines followed as did a host of other endeavors to
extract nature's wonders from the ground as the jewelry and mineral trade blossomed.
Links on the menu to the left lead to articles on some of the many minerals
that are cut and polished for both jewelry and home décor.
Copyright © 2005 by Gem And Mineral Info.com.
All descriptions and images, except where noted, are the property of
Gem And Mineral Info.com
Where noted images and descriptions are used with permission of copyright
holder as indicated.