

As mentioned above, amethyst jewelry featuring faceted stones is a prime example of a crystal structure that became a gemstone. Some – but not all – gemstones are made from crystals. However, it can also be a gem if it's faceted or polished for use in jewelry or similar ornamental purposes. In its natural state, amethyst is generally considered a crystal. Another notable difference between gemstone and crystal is that gemstones are usually prepared for use in jewelry, such as by faceting a stone. At the same time, gems are limited to precious and semi-precious stones and may or may not possess the regular geometric patterning. Instead, each of those terms refers to specific stones.Ī key difference between crystals and gemstones is crystals have their inherent regular geometric pattern. In the world of crystals vs gems, the two aren't the same thing. Frequently Asked Questions About Crystals and Gemstones So, Are Crystals and Gemstones the Same Thing? Rocks are naturally occurring solid materials and typically contain multiple minerals that were mixed up during various geological processes. The term "stones" is another broad reference that can refer to gemstones, crystals, minerals, and rocks. Typically, gems are limited to precious and semi-precious stones based on factors like a stone's chemical composition, colour, translucence, and hardness.

Gems – also referred to as gemstones – is a broad term that refers to rarer minerals, rocks, or organic materials that are commonly transformed from their raw form to a jewelry-quality state, like a faceted stone or cabochon. Additionally, it's easier to understand how they can crossover. crystals stand apart from one another from a technical perspective. If you want to answer the question, "What's the difference between gems and crystals?" the easiest place to start is by defining the two terms. If you're wondering, "Are crystals and gemstones the same thing?" or "What is the difference between a crystal and a gem?" here's a look at the difference between crystal and gemstone. Understanding how the two stand apart is beneficial when looking at gemstones vs crystals. Additionally, there isn't just one difference between gemstones and crystals there are several. While that may seem harmless, it's important to understand that the genuine meanings of those terms are different. Many people use the terms "gemstone" and "crystal" interchangeably.
