Throughout history man has sought stones and minerals for personal
adornment and ornamentation. Stones and minerals that are sufficiently
beautiful, durable, and rare are known as gemstones. A gemstone with
only one of these qualities is less desirable than one with all three.
For example, a stone with rich color but not sufficiently durable to
withstand daily wear in rings finds little favor as a gemstone except in
brooches or pins where the stone is relatively safe from abrasion.
Likewise, a stone that is beautiful and durable may be of little
interest as a gemstone because it is commonly found in great quantities.
To be valued highly, gemstones must be beautiful to the eye, durable
enough to withstand wear, and rare enough so that they are not easily
obtained.