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gem

gem, commonly, a mineral or organic substance, cut and polished and used as an ornament. Gems also are used as seals (items of assurance) and as talismans (good-luck charms). For birthstones, see month.

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The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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More on ornamental mineral or organic substance gem from Fact Monster:

gem, ornamental mineral or organic substance: Gem Cutting - Gem Cutting Gems are generally cut to bring out their natural color and brilliancy and to remove ...

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Mineralogy and Crystallography

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