Some gems are made from the biological processes of animals or plants. Such gems are called organic gemstones. These come from the dead or living parts of a marine organism or tree gum. Some super rare materials like dinosaur bones can also be found in such gems. Some of these gems are obtained by farming nowadays, such as pearls.
After that gemstones are made by cutting them, or decorative items are made from them. Let us know which are those gemstones which come in the organic category.
1. Coral
Coral is an organic gemstone formed as a branch-like calcareous framework by a microscopic marine organism known as the coral polyp. The accretion of colonies of these tiny marine animals forms it. The two main species are Corallium rubrum and Corallium mobile.
2. Pearl
Pearls form inside a pearl oyster due to the concentric deposition of nacreous layers. Pearls are classified into two basic categories: natural and cultured. The term ‘synthetic’ must not be used with respect to pearls. Materials that simulate or look like pearls but do not have composition or structure are known as imitation pearls.
3. Amber
Amber is the gum of a tree that dries and hardens over time. It is so hard and shiny that it is carved and used as a gemstone. Small parts of trees, plants, vegetation, insects, moths, mosquitoes, etc. can be seen very commonly in it.
4. Ivory
Ivory is basically dentine, which is the material that makes up the teeth of all mammals. From a commercial point of view, ivory can be the tusk of an elephant, a walrus, a narwhal, or the teeth of a hippopotamus. It is the elephant tusk that is most valuable.
5. Jet
Jet is a type of coal derived from wood that is transformed into gems due to extreme pressure and heat. It is a dark brown or black-colored gemstone with a metallic sheen. Sometimes it may mix with pyrite gemstones.
6. TORTOISE SHELL
As the name suggests, we get it from the turtles. The shell of certain species of tortoise is used as a gemstone in jewelry. It has yellow and brown spots; sometimes it also has white spots.