Definitions
Gemology (or gemmology) is the science covering natural and artificial gemstones. It is considered to be both a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy.
Gemologist
A person who is qualified to identify and evaluate precious or Semi-Precious stones.
Gemstones
The term gemstones can cover all precious and semi-precious stones. The special qualities which make something a gemstone rather than an ordinary rock or mineral is usually its beauty, rarity or value.
The metal pieces you use to make your jewellery from your Polished Stones. Examples of these are ring shanks which you can stick to your stone or bell caps to turn your beach pebble into a pendant
Lapidary
The word Lapidary is derived from the Latin word "lapis" meaning stone. It refers to the either the person who cuts and polishes stones or to the craft of cutting and polishing gems themselves.
Stone Tumbling grits
These are the powders you put into the barrels of your rock poloisher to facilitate the polishing of the stones.
Semi-Precious stones
Stones which are attractive or colourful but of low commercial value.