gemstone

[jem-stohn] /ˈdʒɛmˌstoʊn/

noun

a precious or semiprecious stone that can be cut and polished for use as a gem.

Origin

before 1000; Middle English gimstone, Old English gimstān. See gem, stone

Examples from the web for gemstone

Amber is a semiprecious gemstone formed from fossilized tree sap.
Ruby, the common name for the mineral corundum in its red form, is a precious gemstone.
Your home state may have an official rock, mineral, or gemstone.
Next the bezel is cut and a pyramid-faceted gemstone is set, point side up.
Amber is sometimes considered a gemstone skeleton: noun: bones of a body.
Many of us have given a gift of jade, which is a green gemstone.
While crying about her situation near a cliff, she kicks a rock over the edge and watches as it reveals a gemstone hidden below.
Unique coastal gifts include handmade scrimshaws and jewelry featuring tourmaline, the state gemstone.
Beryl is a gemstone commonly found in the granite rocks abundant in the state.
Tourmaline seems to have a special place in the hearts of mineral collectors as well as in that of gem and gemstone enthusiasts.

British Dictionary definitions for gemstone

/ˈdʒɛmˌstəʊn/

noun

a precious or semiprecious stone, esp one cut and polished for setting in jewellery related adjective lapidary

Word Origin and History for gemstone

Old English gimstan; see gem + stone (n.).