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What are gemstones?

When we speak of gemstones, we usually mean minerals that have been cut and polished.

Treating, cutting and valuing gemstones

Gemstones are valuable because they are a rare and desirable commodity. They can be treated to improve their appearance and saleability and faceted gemstones reveal the inherent qualities of a mineral.

Origin of gemstones

Gemstones are a product of the earth and gem deposits are classified according to the geological environment in which they formed.

Gemstones in the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum Mineral collection covers 1290 different mineral species. There is a large collection of cut gemstones and the best are displayed in the Gem Vault in the Planet of Minerals exhibition.

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Dinosaur Exhibition
Dinosaurs

18 Mar 08

See, hear, touch and even smell the world of dinosaurs.

Level 2, Dinosaurs Exhibition

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