The gems commonly used in jewelry come from mining efforts and are usually classified as non-metallic minerals.
Jewelry uses a wide variety of gems and other valuable elements such as:
- Sapphires
- Emeralds
- Gold
- Silver
- Topaz
and many more. These gems and elements all have distinct properties and therefore classifications.
Gold and silver are considered metallic ore. They are mined and have properties of metals. One of these defining properties is that both gold and silver may be melted and used to produce other substances. However, though they are used in jewelry, they are not considered to be gems.
Gems in jewelry are those that cannot be melted into other substances and have only a dull, submetallic shine, except the diamond. Gems are unique and desired for their colors. Their lack of shine comes from their relatively low refractive index. This is a property common to nonmetallic minerals. Therefore option C is correct.
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