Natural gemstones are precious or semi-precious stones formed naturally beneath the Earth's surface, valued for their beauty and rarity. They are distinguished from lab-created or synthetic gemstones by their origin and formation process. Popular examples include diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Natural Formation: Natural gemstones are created through geological processes over millions of years, without human interference. This process involves the crystallization of minerals under specific conditions of pressure and temperature deep within the Earth. Rarity and Value: Their rarity, due to the specific conditions required for their formation, often contributes to their higher value compared to lab-created stones. Types of Natural Gemstones: Gemstones are broadly categorized into precious and semi-precious. Precious gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are typically rarer and more valuable. The rest are generally classified as semi-precious. Examples: Some of the most popular natural gemstones include: Diamonds: Known for their brilliance and hardness, diamonds are composed of pure carbon. Rubies: A red variety of corundum, rubies are highly prized for their vibrant color. Sapphires: Also a variety of corundum, sapphires come in various colors, with blue being the most popular. Emeralds: A green variety of beryl, emeralds are known for their rich, verdant hue. Other Popular Gemstones: Other popular natural gemstones include pearls, topaz, garnet, and jade. Distinguishing Natural from Synthetic: Visual examination, including color, clarity, and inclusions, can help identify natural gemstones. Specialized tools like loupes or microscopes can be used to examine for unique characteristics and potential flaws.