Diamonds are formed by pure carbon in crystalline form. Diamonds do come in other colors, for example; red and blue. Plus, diamonds are very hard. It could scratch off another diamond and another. Most diamonds are very valuable, too.
Minerals have a typical crystal shapes. The best crystals are found in cavities of rocks. Large crystals only grow if they have enough time, right temperature, and the right minerals are rare. Twinned crystals grow out of another crystal.
Pearls are produced by living things. A pearl is mostly formed in an oyster. First, the sand gets in the oyster. Next, oyster covers sand with nacre. Then, layers of nacre build up. Finally, a pearl is formed. There are other kinds of gemstones like emeralds and sapphire. Some gemstones have a date which are called birthstones. January is garnet, February is amethyst, March is aquamarine, June is pearl, July is ruby, August is peridot, September is sapphire, October is opal, November is topaz, and December is turquoise.
Uses for Gems
Gems are valued for beauty and cutting. Most often, gems are used for jewelry. It’s very valuable like gold. Gemstones are used for cutting. For example, a geode (a rock) was sliced in half by a diamond-bladed saw. Another thing is clothing, accessories, and shoes. Some people could use it for arts and crafts, too. And they also can use it for furniture, too.
Rocks and Minerals for Kids 