Question

Which if the following statements about gemstones is FALSE?

A. In order to be considered precious or semiprecious, a gemstone must be transparent
B. Many gemstones come from pegmatites, which are particularly coarse-grained igneous rocks
C. A gemstone is a mineral that has value because of its rarity and beauty
D. Ruby is a gemstone variety of the common mineral conundrum

Answer 1

The false statement about gemstones is that they must be transparent to be considered precious or semiprecious; some, like opals and jade, can be opaque or translucent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The false statement about gemstones is: "A. In order to be considered precious or semiprecious, a gemstone must be transparent." This statement is not correct because not all precious or semiprecious gemstones have to be transparent. Some valuable gemstones can be opaque or translucent, such as opals and some varieties of jade. The other statements are true: gemstones do often come from pegmatites, a gemstone is considered valuable due to its rarity and beauty, and ruby is indeed a variety of the mineral corundum with chromium impurities giving it a red color.