gemstone

noun

gem·​stone ˈjem-ˌstōn 

: a mineral or petrified material that when cut and polished can be used in jewelry

Synonyms of gemstone

• jewel
• gem
• rock
• jewelry

Examples of gemstone in a Sentence

traditionally, the gemstone for someone born in May is an emerald

Recent Examples on the Web

Built in 541, its highlights include the white gemstone statues of Amitabha Buddha and the enormous incense burners in the pagoda’s red-roofed Upper House. —Tamara Hinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

Shiny chrome made her nails look like literal gemstones. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026

Catch everyone’s eye with stunning gemstone earrings featuring fun vibrant colors, brilliant sparkle and elegant designs from Amelia Rose. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026

Unlike diamonds, the stone's inclusions — or the minerals trapped inside during formation — provide character and enhance the value of a colored gemstone. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gemstone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

gemstone

noun

gem·​stone ˈjem-ˌstōn 

: a mineral that when cut and polished can be used in jewelry