What is another word for precious stone?
Pronunciation: [pɹˈɛʃəs stˈə͡ʊn] (IPA) 
Precious stones are highly valued for their beauty, rarity and durability. There are several synonyms for the term "precious stone", including gemstone, jewel, rock, crystal, mineral and gem. Each of these terms carry a different connotation but all refer to a polished and refined stone of high value. Gemstone is the most commonly used synonym and typically refers to stones such as diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald. Jewel is used to describe a precious stone that has been cut and set into a piece of jewelry. Rock is a more general term and can be used to describe precious and semi-precious stones, while crystal, mineral and gem are used interchangeably to describe any type of precious stone.
