gemstone

noun

gem·​stone ˈjem-ˌstōn 

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

Synonyms

• brilliant
• gem
• jewel
• rock [slang]

Examples of gemstone in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Choose from more than 80 games to play at the Appalachian Pinball Museum, then wander through the nearby Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County to see fossils, polished gemstones and special exhibits. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2025

Inside the cavern were five vessels containing about 1,800 gemstones and precious metals, dating to around 240 BCE, and small pieces of bone and ash. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 May 2025

The layered jewelry over the open shirt recalled historic portraits of maharajas draped in pearls and gemstones, using ornament as a statement of status and authority. —Manglien Gangte, Vogue, 6 May 2025

Margot McKinney has carried that heritage forward and shaped a brand that’s known for its bold and nature-inspired designs blending opals, pearls and colorful gemstones, sold at retailers including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 May 2025

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