Gems and minerals have been admired by humans for millenia because of their beauty, value, and longevity. Color, shape, luster, size, and scarcity all play a role in the value of gems and minerals to people. Some mineral samples can grow to amazing sizes. There are enormous gypsum crystals in the Naica cave in Mexico that are tall as trees.
The special designs exhibited by some minerals also add to their desirability. Liddicoatite, for example, is a rare species of tourmaline that shows triangular design, often with bands of color. These bands are like the rings of a tree. They tell the story of how the gem formed. Each color is caused by a different element.
For more information on the Beauty of Minerals and Gems, visit the Resources page.