What is the Difference Between Gem and Diamond

Gem and diamond are two words we often use when choosing precious jewelry. Therefore, it’s important to know the difference between gem and diamond.

What is the difference between gem and diamond? A gem is a broad term for any precious or semi-precious stone that is cut and polished for decoration, while a diamond is a specific type of gem made almost entirely of carbon.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Gem  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Diamond 
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Gem and Diamond
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Gem and Diamond
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Gem and Diamond
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Gem, Diamond, Gemstones

What is a Gem

Gems are stones or pieces of minerals that have been cut and polished and made into a piece of jewelry or accessory. In their natural state, gemstones may look like ordinary rocks, but cutting and polishing reveal their luster and vibrant colors. Many people prefer gemstones with clear, intense, and deeply saturated hues.

These stones form underground through natural geological processes, and often contain inclusions, which are tiny traces of other minerals or imperfections. In addition to natural gemstones, laboratories can also create synthetic stones that closely resemble their natural counterparts.

Traditionally, Western cultures classified gemstones as precious or semi-precious. Today, only four stones are officially considered precious: diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. All others, such as garnet, turquoise, opal, and aquamarine, are considered semi-precious.

However, this difference is somewhat outdated, as some semi-precious stones can be more valuable than lower-quality precious stones. For example, a vivid green tsavorite garnet may cost more than a mid-grade emerald.

What is a Diamond

A diamond is a solid form of the element carbon, where its atoms are arranged in a special crystal structure called a diamond cubic. It is usually colorless and is a strong but brittle solid. Diamonds are also one of the most popular types of precious gemstones in the world.
Diamonds form deep beneath the Earth’s surface, about 100 miles underground, where there are extremely high temperatures and pressures.

This unique environment causes the carbon atoms to bond tightly in all directions, which makes diamond the hardest natural material on Earth. In fact, the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Furthermore, carbon can also form another mineral called graphite, which has a completely different structure.

A diamond is made of almost pure carbon, about 99.95%. The remaining tiny fraction is made up of trace elements. These trace elements can affect the diamond’s color and shape. This creates natural variations that make each diamond unique.

Similarities Between Gem and Diamond

1. Gems and diamonds are used in jewelry for their beauty and sparkle.
2. Both are cut and polished to improve their appearance.
3. They are natural minerals, although some gems can also be lab-created.
4. Basically, a diamond is a type of gem.

Difference Between Gem and Diamond

Definition

• A gem is any natural or artificial mineral that is cut and polished for use in jewelry or decoration. Meanwhile, a diamond is a specific type of gem made almost entirely of carbon.

Variety

• Gems include many different stones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and opals. A diamond is only one kind of gem with unique properties.

Composition

• Gems can be made of various elements and minerals, depending on the type, whereas diamonds are made of 99.95% carbon, with a tiny amount of trace elements.

Hardness

• Many gems vary in hardness; some are soft while others are very hard. Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth and can only be scratched by another diamond.

FAQ: Gem and Diamond

1. Which is more expensive, a gem or a diamond?

Diamonds are usually more expensive than most gems because of their rarity, brilliance, and high demand, but some rare gems, like emeralds or rubies, can cost even more than diamonds.

2. How can you tell if a gem is a diamond?

You can tell if a gem is a diamond by checking its hardness and sparkle. Diamonds can scratch glass easily and reflect light with a sharp, rainbow-like brilliance.

3. What are the 4 types of gems?

There are only four gemstones traditionally classified as precious because of their rarity and value. These are diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire.

4. Is a ruby a diamond?

No, a ruby is not a diamond. A ruby is a type of precious gemstone known for its deep red color, while a diamond is made of pure carbon and is usually clear or white.

Reference:

1. “What is a Gem?” IGS – International Gem Society.

2. “Diamond Description.” GIA.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Colorful Gem Collection” (CC0) via StockCake

2. “Close Up Photo of Diamond Stud Silver-colored Eternity Ring” (CC0) via Pexels