Gemstones are classified as minerals. Crystals are a type of gemstones (mineral), which are a formation from deep in the earth’s crust, resulting from a
solidification of rock, water and gases. This solidification occurs in extremely high temperatures. The higher the temperature, the harder the crystal will be. For example, diamonds (which are
extremely hard) are formed at extremely high temperatures, while calcite (which is very soft) is formed at lower temperatures. Gemstones may remain the same for million of years or become
formed with other minerals to become new crystals.1 Crystals, by their formation, have flat surfaces, while other minerals may not. They are the most stable and organized matter in the Universe. They may form in all parts of the Earth.
Gemstones are types of rock/crystal, which are defined as such because they are extremely beautiful (rich in color and reflect well in light); they are hard, and are durable. Only about 100 minerals are Crystal Healing for Beginners classified as gem stones. They are often divided into three categories: precious; semi-precious and ornamental.
Precious gemstones are hard and are often faceted into jewelry. They have a high value because they are of their scarcity, hardness, transparency; color and brilliance. Examples are the diamond, emerald, pearl, ruby and sapphire.
Semi-precious gemstones are more common and less expensive. Examples are agate, aquamarine, amethyst, garnet, opal, topaz and tourmaline).2
Ornamental gemstones are usually extremely hard but not rare. They are used for their ornamental value (e.g. as statuettes). Examples of these are quartz, jade, lapis lazuli and malachite.