Gems

Gems are minerals with special value, either a beautiful color, spectacular interaction with light, or have a high refractive index. What makes a gem special will vary with culture and time.

Mineral resources

A mineral resource is a mineral that has some sort of manufacturing application. Developed societies depend on mineral resources.

• Metals – Iron, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, aluminum, etc.
• Non-metals – Gypsum, limestone, aggregate, clay.

Mineral resources are often economically important and can drive world economies. They are also historically important – Dictated human history.

• Iron.
• Copper.
• Gold.
• Diamonds.
• Gems.

Reserves are already identified deposits. Ores are useful metallic minerals that can be mined at a profit. Many economic factors may change and influence a resource.