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What are Biogenic Precious Gems?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Biogenic precious gems are gemstones of biological origin, created through natural biological processes rather than geologic processes. Depending on the stone in question, some biogenic precious gems are totally biogenic, while others involve a mixing of natural and geological processes: gem-quality fossils, for example, are biogenic but also mineral in nature. The value of biogenic precious gems varies considerably, depending on the gem and the quality.

Some well-known examples of biogenic precious gems include: pearl, coral, mother of pearl, and ivory. These precious materials are formed by a variety of organisms for a variety of purposes. Mother of pearl, for example, forms as a result of deposition of layers of material called nacre, used to expand the shells of some marine mollusks, while ivory is a type of tooth present in elephants and rhinoceroses, among others.

Buttons made of mother of pearl, a biogenic precious gem.
Buttons made of mother of pearl, a biogenic precious gem.

Other biogenic precious gems like amber and ammolite consist of fossilized remains of natural materials. In the case of amber, the material is sap, which may also trap insects and other inclusions which make the resulting gem more biologically interesting. Ammolite is made from the remains of fossilized ammonites, marine mollusks which swam the oceans millions of years ago. Some people refer to fossilized gems as minerals rather than biogenic gems, since geologic processes are involved in their formation.

Coral is a biogenic precious gem.
Coral is a biogenic precious gem.

The appearance of biogenic precious gems varies widely, as you can see from the above examples. Some biogenic precious gems are translucent with flecks and inclusions, like amber, while others are solid, as is the case with ivory. Colors may vary significantly, and so does hardness. Some biogenic precious gems are extremely fragile, and they must be handled with care and set carefully to ensure that they will not crack, cloud, or break, while others are sturdy enough to be used as pool balls.

Biogenic precious gems, such as pearls, have biological origins.
Biogenic precious gems, such as pearls, have biological origins.

When evaluating the quality of biogenic precious gems, people should look at things like clarity, cut, and color, just like with diamonds, and they should also check for obvious cracks, flaking, or other signs of damage. In the case of set gems, the setting should be firm and stable, and in the case of fragile gems, it should be protected or the gems should be capped in hard crystal to reduce the risk of loss or damage. There are also some ethical issues involved in biogenic gems, with ivory for example being particularly ethically challenging due to widespread poaching of elephants for their ivory. There are no certification programs to confirm the origins of biogenic precious gems for concerned consumers, which can make it difficult to buy ethically, and some people avoid controversial gems like coral and ivory altogether for this reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are biogenic precious gems?

Biogenic precious gems are rare and valuable stones that are created by living organisms. Unlike minerals that form in the earth's crust, these gems originate from biological processes. For example, pearls are produced by mollusks as a defense against irritants, while amber is fossilized tree resin with a history dating back millions of years.

How are pearls formed and why are they considered precious?

Pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mussels when an irritant, often a grain of sand, enters their shell. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, creating a pearl over time. Pearls are considered precious due to their lustrous beauty, rarity, and the time it takes for them to form naturally.

What is amber and what makes it unique among biogenic gems?

Amber is the fossilized resin of ancient trees, which has hardened and aged over millions of years. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to preserve organic material, such as insects or plant matter, which can be over 40 million years old. This window into the past, combined with its warm golden hues, makes amber a fascinating and sought-after gem.

Can coral be classified as a biogenic precious gem, and if so, why?

Yes, coral can be classified as a biogenic precious gem. It is formed by the skeletal deposits of marine polyps, tiny sea creatures that live in colonies. Coral is valued for its vibrant colors and intricate structures. However, it's important to note that coral harvesting is often restricted to protect delicate marine ecosystems.

What is the significance of jet in the context of biogenic gems?

Jet is a type of lignite, a precursor to coal, and is formed from the fossilized wood of ancient trees under high pressure over millions of years. It became popular during the Victorian era for mourning jewelry due to its somber black color and matte finish. Jet's historical and cultural significance adds to its value as a biogenic gem.

Are there any ethical considerations when purchasing biogenic precious gems?

Yes, ethical considerations are paramount when purchasing biogenic precious gems. Overharvesting can damage ecosystems, particularly in the case of coral and pearls. Responsible sourcing is crucial, and buyers should look for certifications that ensure the gems are harvested sustainably. Additionally, the preservation of biodiversity and support for local communities are important factors to consider.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Buttons made of mother of pearl, a biogenic precious gem.
      By: elen_studio
      Buttons made of mother of pearl, a biogenic precious gem.
    • Coral is a biogenic precious gem.
      By: yang yu
      Coral is a biogenic precious gem.
    • Biogenic precious gems, such as pearls, have biological origins.
      By: valeriy555
      Biogenic precious gems, such as pearls, have biological origins.