Gemstone Lore & Legend

Rubies, Emerald, Amethyst: so many stories!, Image Credit: Joan Stoker

(See more about this image below)

Because they are so rare and beautiful, gemstones and precious metals have always fascinated people. We give them as gifts to mark special occasions, like a diamond ring for an engagement, or birthstone and anniversary stone jewelry to make us feel special. This badge covers all those, as well as the Crown Jewels, gemstones in religion and more!

Badge 13 - Gemstone Lore and Legend.pdf

Who doesn't like gemstones? This is a fun badge that Juniors of all ages will remember as a favorite.

It can usually be completed in one 60-90 minute session.

<--Click on upper right to open the manual page and see the Requirement options (Activities) offered.

Once opened, you will see the option to print or download this section on your screen.

About the image on this page

Yes, the rubies are real...but the gems on this strand are Indian rubies, a low-grade gem form of ruby corundum without the transparency that makes a gem expensive. Emerald is a form of the mineral beryl. This gem is pale green. Value increases with the depth of color. This amethyst specimen, a form of quartz, could be gem quality because of color, transparency and area without fractures.

But what really makes gems valuable? It's people who assign the cultural and historical value, from birthstones to the Crown Jewels.

Image Credit: Joan Stoker