Bright Gem Minerals
Gemstones are beautiful, rare and durable. In the past, they were only for the very wealthy and powerful. Today, women especially love to possess them. In this modern area of flourishing economies, living standards have greatly increased. Gemstones with their mysterious colors and captivating legends, have become products that can be easily obtained during a weekend shopping trip.
Gem minerals are formed from crystals. The process of crystal growth and formation requires a long period of time. They are the most exquisite products of Earth and the most valued treasures of Nature. Some of the best quality gemstones are hidden in underground caverns, some lie within river gorges and yet others are concealed within lofty mountains. These valuable treasures rely on the incomparable courage and hard work of miners to appear in front of our eyes. Moreover, rough stones must be cut and polished by an expert for their brilliance to be revealed.
To complement the planning of the museum's online minerals collection the "Bright Gem Minerals" theme was developed in February of 2016. Under this theme, the four most valuable gemstones, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, are on display in addition to topaz, aquamarine, heliodor, tourmaline, garnet, olivine and spodumene. Through the Internet, it is possible to admire the beauty of these minerals in rough and polished forms, as well as to learn about where they were produced, their associated minerals and the interdependent relationships among them. Begin your exploration of the mysteries contained within gemstones.
