RESOURCES: MINERALS AND GEMSTONES
MINERALS are substances found in nature. Most minerals are solid, and non-organic, have a crystal structure and are formed by geological processes.
A mineral can consist of a single chemical element or a combination of chemical elements. There are thousands of types of known minerals, of which two of the most common are mineral quarts and feldspars.
A gemstone or semi-precious stone is a piece of mineral crystal that’s been cut and polished to make jewellery and other accessories.
Traditionally, rarer stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are regarded as precious, while all
