How Gemstones Are Formed

Gemstones are sought after for their beauty and value

Gemstones are minerals, formed from repeating patterns of individual elements or simple molecules. These stones form naturally inside the Earth in a variety of ways, and later come to the surface through mining or natural movement of land.

Pressure

Some gemstones, such as diamonds, form in the Earth's mantle. There, the intense pressure and heat cause carbon atoms to compact into a pattern that gives them their distinctive appearance and makes them the hardest mineral in the world.

Hydrothermal

Other gemstones form from rapidly cooling magma. When the magma is exposed to water via cracks in the Earth, it crystallizes into solid minerals, including gemstones like emeralds and tourmalines.

Evaporation

Gems can also form when underwater mineral deposits dissolve and evaporate. Just as salt forms when sea water evaporates, other combinations of dissolved elements can form gemstones. Dissolved silica can form the gemstone amethyst, while copper helps make turquoise.

References

• Nature.Berkeley.edu: Where Do Gems Form? & Where Are They Found?
• National Geographic: Minerals and Gems

Resources

• Enchanted Learning: Rocks and Minerals Dictionary