Gisella Salerno
Mr. Mullins
RPC 6th grade grammar
2 April 2025
Gems and Rocks are very valued and important objects to humans, not just shiny gems or tokens. I will be reviewing Sedimentary rocks, Metamorphic rocks, and Igneous rocks. Then we will talk about jewelry, and the quality of gemstones with a few of my favorite gems/rocks.
Sedimentary rocks are rocks that are weathered and eroded. They break down into boulders, pebbles, smaller rock fragments, and finally to sands or muds. During this process, the gemstones they contain may be released and carried by water downstream to be deposited in rivers and the ocean. The gemstones may become concentrated in gravels, cemented or compressed to form sedimentary rocks. With sufficient time and the right conditions of temperature and pressure, water can dissolve rocks. These rocks are also very useful to humans as concrete for roads and slabs for landscaping. (Guide to Gems pp.8)
All rocks, including sedimentary and igneous rocks, may be altered by pressure and or temperature to form metamorphic rock (meta means changed, morph means shape). Metamorphic rocks are often associated with large, mountain-building episodes, and enormous temperature and pressures which fold and fault large masses of rock. The mineral composition of the rock alters as the temperature and pressure changes, and new metamorphic minerals form. These rocks can also be used for building bridges, sometimes dinosaur bones are found there too, which helps us understand more about these amazing animals. (Guide to Gems pp.9)
Igneous rocks are those that are formed as a result of volcanic or magmatic activity. Beneath the surface of the Earth, molten rock (magma) rises and falls. As molten rock rises, there are changes in pressure and temperature that affect mineral formation. If the molten rock reaches the surface, it may be erupted as lava and other volcanic rocks. These rocks have also preserved historical articles which has helped us to understand our past better. (Guide to Gems pp.7) For example, the bodies found at Pompeii were preserved by the lava that spewed from the volcanic eruption.
Gems can also be used for jewelry. They are very popular as rings and are placed on jewelry pieces. Rocks are made of minerals, but not all minerals form crystals that are large enough or in a good enough condition to be used as gemstones. Crystals may also not be clear enough of cracks and unattractive inclusions to be used as gemstones. The vast majority of crystals are too small to be seen even with a hand lens (or loupe). The vast majority of gemstones are used as jewelry. Materials, however, can be improved by the creative and practical skills of the artist and scientist. As techniques have developed, the range of possibilities for the sculptor, carver, or the lapidary have grown. These gems have been the symbol of wealth and began as a form of currency. (Guide to Gems pp.7)
Gem materials have been fashioned and polished for millions of years. If they have been left in their rough state, it may be because they look just fine as they are, and their natural beauty and desirability is worth retaining. For others, there may be a belief that the strength, soul, or energy of the gemstone may be released, or in someway detrimentally affected by intervention. Some people even believe that crystals have healing powers, as well as different types of energies. For example, rose quartz has the power to amplify joy, peace, or playfulness. Gems are beautiful but also powerful. (Guide to Gems pp.24)
Three of my favorite crystals are quartz, topaz, and beryl. Quartz: Easily cut and polished, quartz is one of our most common minerals and a popular source of gemstones. It occurs in a very wide range of colors. In the last hundred years quartz has replaced watch-springs. (Rocks and Minerals of North America pp.72)
Topaz: Although topaz comes in many colors, the red or purplish-red stones are artificially created by treating a raw brownish-yellow topaz specimen with heat. The name comes from the Greek topazos, meaning ‘’a precious stone.’’ (Rocks and Minerals of North America pp. 74)
Beryl: This one mineral is the source of several gemstones, including emeralds and aquamarine. It is also the principal source of beryllium, an element used as a hardening agent in certain alloys. (Rocks and Minerals of North America pp. 98)
I think crystals play a very important part in our every day life from minerals in our gardens to elegant jewelry on our fingers. They are useful but beautiful, which I think is a virtue that makes them the gems that they are.
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