Organic gemstones

Most gems  are  formed  from  minerals,  however, a handful of gems such as Amber, Jet,  Coral and Pearls are derived from animals or  plant life.

Each of these is formed from different organic  matter: Amber  is  formed  from  fossilised  tree  resin; Coral is formed from the skeletal remains  of sea-life; Jet is formed from the remains of  wood; Mother of Pearl is derived from shells; and Pearls are formed inside molluscs. For more details, please see their individual entries.