Gems

Gems (Gemstones)

Minerals which are especially pretty and desired by the peoples of Arda. Many are crystalline and transparent, though some varieties are opaque. Most can be worked to accent their beauty.

Types of Gemstones Referenced in Tolkien's Work

 * Sapphires - A blue crystalline gem mounted on the Elf-Ring 'Vilya'.
 * Rubies - A red variant of the same mineral (corundum) as sapphire. 'Narya' the Elf-ring of Fire, had a Ruby.
 * Diamonds - Highly compressed crystalline carbon. 'Nenya' was set with "adament," and old word meaning diamond.
 * Emerald - A crystalline green gem, also known as beryl. A favorite amongst Elves in Middle-Earth.
 * Crystal - Probably a kind of transparent quartz. The Mithril mail Thorin gave to Bilbo came with a belt studded with crystal.
 * Silmarils - artificial gemstones, perhaps, filled magically with the light of the Two Tress of Valinor.