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Gem

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xTATTEREDx  · +FINE+  · *SUPERIOR*  · ≡EXCEPTIONAL≡  · ☼MASTERWORK☼
v50.14 · v0.47.05
This article is about the current version of DF.
Note that some content may still need to be updated.
Gem sprite preview.png

Small clusters of rough gems can be found almost anywhere while mining. After they have been mined by a miner and cut by a gem cutter, a gem setter can use them to encrust furniture, crafts, and ammunition. In addition, raw rock crystals are required to make crystal glass goods. Cut gems can also be used to create windows and are often required as a source material for legendary artifacts. Gem-encrusted weapons and armor can be found in-game, but cannot be made in fortress mode. Stones, except the various types of clay, can also be cut into gems.

There are a total of 130 different kinds of gems, 127 excluding the three kinds of glass. Of these, 57 are ornamental, 58 semi-precious, 4 precious and 8 rare.

A large variety of cut gems can be brought by and requested from the dwarven caravan. You cannot import rough gems with the exception of raw glass, which human and dwarven caravans can bring.

Exactly 5% of all rough gems will be cut into a single craft or large gem (with 1 craft for every 8 large gems), and the same occurs with raw glass (but with different ratios - 33% of all jobs, producing 11 crafts for every 16 large gems). Note that these will replace a cut gem and cannot be used to encrust goods. The value of such crafts can easily reach hundreds, even several thousand in the case of valuable gems and good craftsdwarfship. A dwarf in the throes of a strange mood can take a single gem and cut it into a legendary artifact known as a "perfect gem" - this is simply a special name for an artifact large gem.
Large gem production is bugged as of v50.07, and large gems can only be produced when specifying a gem type.

If you have any bags of sand, you can also manufacture raw glass, which is the same as a lower-value, uncut gem.

Gizzard stones are found as a by-product when butchering some animals, and can be used like cut gems. Only a few animal species give gizzard stones, but each member of such a species butchered will yield one, which can lead to a decent supply when you manage to set up an ostrich or elk bird farm.

A killed amethyst man will, logically, drop a rough amethyst, but amethyst men are fairly rare. Forgotten beasts made of gem will leave a corpse, in some cases weighing thousands of Urists, but the corpse cannot be cut into gems or used in any other way.

You can also direct your dwarves to cut stone, shell, horn and ivory into a large gem which can be done at a craftsdwarf's workshop.

Value

Gems have a base value of 6 in rough form, which is multiplied by the appropriate value modifier from the table below. They gain value after they are cut in a jeweler's workshop. Cut gems have a base value of 20. Items can be decorated (encrusted) with cut gems; all such decorations have a value of 20 times the gem type's value multiplier - see gem cutting and gem setting. Large gems have a base value of 10, and can also have a quality modifier which increases value.

To give an example, a rough green zircon will be worth (6×20=) 120☼, a cut green zircon (20×20=) 400☼ and a masterwork large green zircon (10×20×2+30=) 430☼.

Dwarves who have preferences for certain gems and colors will have a higher-value perception of the items and walls encrusted with, or painted in, them.


In the premium version of the game, you can also quickly identify low-value uncut gems from the higher-value counterparts by the way they appear in-game - lower-value gems are smaller and do not have as many spikes.

High value and low value gems

Varieties

Gems come in many varieties, with their own color and value multipliers:

Rarity Gem name Value (×) Color Graphic Found where Found how
Synthetic green glass 2 ☼♦ dark green2:0 Green glass sprite.png Cut green glass sprite.png Glass furnace Manufactured
Synthetic clear glass 5 ☼♦ clear3:0 Clear crystal glass.png Cut clear glass sprite.png Glass furnace Manufactured
Synthetic crystal glass 10 ☼♦ clear7:1 Clear crystal glass.png Cut crystal glass sprite.png Glass furnace Manufactured
Ornamental amber opal 10 ☼♦ amber6:0 Rough amber opal sprite.png Cut amber opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental aventurine 3 ☼♦ mint green2:0 Rough aventurine sprite.png Cut aventurine sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental banded agate 2 ☼♦ maroon4:0 Rough banded agate sprite.png Cut banded agate sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental bloodstone 2 ☼♦ sea green4:0 Rough bloodstone sprite.png Cut bloodstone sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental blue jade 2 ☼♦ blue1:1 Rough blue jade sprite.png Cut blue jade sprite.png Alluvial Small clusters
Ornamental bone opal 10 ☼♦ beige7:0 Rough bone opal sprite.png Cut bone opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental brown jasper 2 ☼♦ brown6:0 Rough brown jasper sprite.png Cut brown jasper sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental carnelian 2 ☼♦ rust4:0 Rough carnelian sprite.png Cut carnelian sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental cherry opal 10 ☼♦ chestnut4:1 Rough cherry opal sprite.png Cut cherry opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental chrysocolla 2 ☼♦ turquoise3:1 Rough chrysocolla sprite.png Cut chrysocolla sprite.png Malachite Small clusters
Ornamental chrysoprase 2 ☼♦ jade2:1 Rough chrysoprase sprite.png Cut chrysoprase sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental citrine 2 ☼♦ cream6:1 Rough citrine sprite.png Cut citrine sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental clear tourmaline 10 ☼♦ clear7:0 Rough clear tourmaline sprite.png Cut clear tourmaline sprite.png Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Granite Small clusters
Ornamental dendritic agate 2 ☼♦ ivory7:0 Rough dendritic agate sprite.png Cut dendritic agate sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental fire agate 2 ☼♦ lemon6:0 Rough fire agate sprite.png Cut fire agate sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental fortification agate 2 ☼♦ cardinal7:1 Rough fortification agate sprite.png Cut fortification agate sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental gold opal 10 ☼♦ golden yellow6:1 Rough gold opal sprite.png Cut gold opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental gray chalcedony 2 ☼♦ gray7:0 Rough gray chalcedony sprite.png Cut gray chalcedony sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental jasper opal 10 ☼♦ maroon7:1 Rough jasper opal sprite.png Cut jasper opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental lace agate 2 ☼♦ light blue1:1 Rough lace agate sprite.png Cut lace agate sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental lapis lazuli 2 ☼♦ azure1:1 Rough lapis lazuli sprite.png Cut lapis lazuli sprite.png Igneous intrusive, Marble Small clusters
Ornamental lavender jade 2 ☼♦ heliotrope5:0 Rough lavender jade sprite.png Cut lavender jade sprite.png Alluvial Small clusters
Ornamental milk opal 10 ☼♦ cream7:1 Rough milk opal sprite.png Cut milk opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental milk quartz 2 ☼♦ cream7:1 Rough milk quartz sprite.png Cut milk quartz sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental moonstone 2 ☼♦ ivory7:1 Rough moonstone sprite.png Cut moonstone sprite.png Metamorphic Small clusters
Ornamental morion 2 ☼♦ black0:1 Rough morion sprite.png Cut morion sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental moss agate 2 ☼♦ white2:0 Rough moss agate sprite.png Cut moss agate sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental moss opal 10 ☼♦ moss green2:0 Rough moss opal sprite.png Cut moss opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental onyx opal 10 ☼♦ ivory7:1 Rough onyx opal sprite.png Cut onyx opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental onyx 2 ☼♦ black0:1 Rough onyx sprite.png Cut onyx sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental picture jasper 3 ☼♦ golden yellow6:0 Rough picture jasper sprite.png Cut picture jasper sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental pineapple opal 10 ☼♦ beige7:1 Rough pineapple opal sprite.png Cut pineapple opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental pink jade 2 ☼♦ pink5:1 Rough pink jade sprite.png Cut pink jade sprite.png Alluvial Small clusters
Ornamental pipe opal 10 ☼♦ ivory7:1 Rough pipe opal sprite.png Cut pipe opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental plume agate 2 ☼♦ cream6:0 Rough plume agate sprite.png Cut plume agate sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental prase opal 10 ☼♦ mint green2:0 Rough prase opal sprite.png Cut prase opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental prase 2 ☼♦ spring green2:0 Rough prase sprite.png Cut prase sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental pyrite 2 ☼♦ silver6:1 Rough pyrite sprite.png Cut pyrite sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental resin opal 10 ☼♦ yellow6:1 Rough resin opal sprite.png Cut resin opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental rock crystal 2 ☼♦ clear7:1 Rough rock crystal sprite.png Cut rock crystal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental rose quartz 3 ☼♦ pink4:1 Rough rose quartz sprite.png Cut rose quartz sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental sardonyx 2 ☼♦ scarlet4:0 Rough sardonyx sprite.png Cut sardonyx sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental sard 2 ☼♦ mahogany4:0 Rough sard sprite.png Cut sard sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental schorl 2 ☼♦ taupe dark0:1 Rough schorl sprite.png Cut schorl sprite.png Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Granite Small clusters
Ornamental shell opal 10 ☼♦ ivory7:0 Rough shell opal sprite.png Rough shell opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental smoky quartz 2 ☼♦ olive6:0 Rough smoky quartz sprite.png Cut smoky quartz sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental sunstone 2 ☼♦ pumpkin6:1 Rough sunstone sprite.png Cut sunstone sprite.png Basalt, Gneiss Small clusters
Ornamental tiger iron 2 ☼♦ golden yellow6:1 Rough tiger iron sprite.png Cut tiger iron sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental tigereye 2 ☼♦ lemon6:1 Rough tigereye sprite.png Cut tigereye sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental tube agate 2 ☼♦ amber6:0 Rough tube agate sprite.png Cut tube agate sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental turquoise 2 ☼♦ turquoise3:1 Rough turquoise sprite.png Cut turquoise sprite.png Igneous extrusive, Kaolinite, Granite Small clusters
Ornamental variscite 2 ☼♦ jade2:0 Rough variscite sprite.png Cut variscite sprite.png Bauxite Small clusters
Ornamental wax opal 10 ☼♦ flax6:0 Rough wax opal sprite.png Cut wax opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental white chalcedony 2 ☼♦ white7:1 Rough white chalcedony sprite.png Cut white chalcedony sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Ornamental white jade 2 ☼♦ white7:1 Rough white jade sprite.png Cut white jade sprite.png Alluvial Small clusters
Ornamental wood opal 10 ☼♦ dark brown6:0 Rough wood opal sprite.png Cut wood opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Ornamental yellow jasper 2 ☼♦ yellow6:1 Rough yellow jasper sprite.png Cut yellow jasper sprite.png Sedimentary Small clusters
Semi-Precious alexandrite 20 ☼♦ violet5:1 Rough alexandrite sprite.png Cut alexandrite sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious almandine 20 ☼♦ maroon4:0 Rough almandine sprite.png Cut almandine sprite.png Metamorphic, Diorite, Gabbro Small clusters
Semi-Precious amethyst 20 ☼♦ amethyst5:1 Rough amethyst sprite.png Cut amethyst sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious aquamarine 20 ☼♦ aquamarine3:1 Rough aquamarine sprite.png Cut aquamarine sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious bandfire opal 20 ☼♦ pearl7:1 Rough bandfire opal sprite.png Cut bandfire opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious black opal 30 ☼♦ black0:1 Rough black opal sprite.png Cut black opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious black pyrope 20 ☼♦ black0:1 Rough black pyrope sprite.png Cut black pyrope sprite.png Metamorphic, Kimberlite Small clusters
Semi-Precious black zircon 20 ☼♦ black0:1 Rough black zircon sprite.png Cut black zircon sprite.png All igneous, Metamorphic Small clusters
Semi-Precious blue garnet 30 ☼♦ blue1:0 Rough blue garnet sprite.png Cut blue garnet sprite.png Metamorphic, Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious brown zircon 20 ☼♦ light brown6:0 Rough brown zircon sprite.png Cut brown zircon sprite.png All igneous, Metamorphic Small clusters
Semi-Precious cat's eye 20 ☼♦ cream7:1 Rough cats eye sprite.png Cut cats eye sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious chrysoberyl 20 ☼♦ chartreuse2:1 Rough chrysoberyl sprite.png Cut chrysoberyl sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious cinnamon grossular 20 ☼♦ cinnamon6:0 Rough cinnamon grossular sprite.png Cut cinnamon grossular sprite.png Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious claro opal 20 ☼♦ light blue1:1 Rough claro opal sprite.png Cut claro opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious clear garnet 20 ☼♦ clear7:0 Rough clear garnet sprite.png Cut clear garnet sprite.png Metamorphic, Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious clear zircon 25 ☼♦ clear7:1 Rough clear zircon sprite.png Cut clear zircon sprite.png All igneous, Metamorphic Small clusters
Semi-Precious crystal opal 20 ☼♦ clear7:1 Rough crystal opal sprite.png Cut crystal opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious demantoid 30 ☼♦ green-yellow2:0 Rough demantoid sprite.png Cut demantoid sprite.png Chromite Small clusters
Semi-Precious fire opal 15 ☼♦ scarlet4:1 Rough fire opal sprite.png Cut fire opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious golden beryl 20 ☼♦ golden yellow6:1 Rough golden beryl sprite.png Cut golden beryl sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious goshenite 20 ☼♦ clear7:1 Rough goshenite sprite.png Cut goshenite sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious green jade 20 ☼♦ jade2:1 Rough green jade sprite.png Cut green jade sprite.png Alluvial Small clusters
Semi-Precious green tourmaline 20 ☼♦ green2:0 Rough green tourmaline sprite.png Cut green tourmaline sprite.png Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious green zircon 20 ☼♦ green2:0 Rough green zircon sprite.png Cut green zircon sprite.png All igneous, Metamorphic Small clusters
Semi-Precious harlequin opal 20 ☼♦ ivory7:1 Rough harlequin opal sprite.png Cut harlequin opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious heliodor 20 ☼♦ green-yellow2:1 Rough heliodor sprite.png Cut heliodor sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious honey yellow beryl 20 ☼♦ saffron6:0 Rough honey yellow beryl sprite.png Cut honey yellow beryl sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious indigo tourmaline 25 ☼♦ indigo1:0 Rough indigo tourmaline sprite.png Cut indigo tourmaline sprite.png Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious jelly opal 15 ☼♦ clear6:0 Rough jelly opal sprite.png Cut jelly opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious kunzite 20 ☼♦ fuchsia5:1 Rough kunzite sprite.png Cut kunzite sprite.png Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious levin opal 20 ☼♦ flax6:1 Rough levin opal sprite.png Cut levin opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious light yellow diamond 30 ☼♦ cream7:1 Rough light yellow diamond sprite.png Cut light yellow diamond sprite.png Kimberlite Small clusters
Semi-Precious melanite 15 ☼♦ black0:1 Rough melanite sprite.png Cut melanite sprite.png Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious morganite 20 ☼♦ lilac5:1 Rough morganite sprite.png Cut morganite sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious peridot 20 ☼♦ green-yellow2:1 Rough peridot sprite.png Cut peridot sprite.png Gabbro Small clusters
Semi-Precious pinfire opal 20 ☼♦ flax7:1 Rough pinfire opal sprite.png Cut pinfire opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious pink garnet 20 ☼♦ pink5:1 Rough pink garnet sprite.png Cut pink garnet sprite.png Metamorphic, Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious pink tourmaline 15 ☼♦ pink4:1 Rough pink tourmaline sprite.png Cut pink tourmaline sprite.png Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious precious fire opal 20 ☼♦ red4:1 Rough precious fire opal sprite.png Cut precious fire opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious purple spinel 20 ☼♦ purple5:0 Rough purple spinel sprite.png Cut purple spinel sprite.png Metamorphic, Diorite, Gabbro Small clusters
Semi-Precious red beryl 20 ☼♦ red4:1 Rough red beryl sprite.png Cut red beryl sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious red flash opal 20 ☼♦ red4:1 Rough red flash opal sprite.png Cut red flash opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious red grossular 20 ☼♦ red4:0 Rough red grossular sprite.png Cut red grossular sprite.png Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious red pyrope 20 ☼♦ red4:0 Rough red grossular sprite.png Cut red pyrope sprite.png Metamorphic, Kimberlite Small clusters
Semi-Precious red spinel 20 ☼♦ red4:0 Rough red grossular sprite.png Cut red spinel sprite.png Metamorphic, Diorite, Gabbro Small clusters
Semi-Precious red tourmaline 15 ☼♦ chestnut4:0 Rough red tourmaline sprite.png Cut red tourmaline sprite.png Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious red zircon 20 ☼♦ red4:0 Rough red zircon sprite.png Cut red zircon sprite.png All igneous, Metamorphic Small clusters
Semi-Precious rhodolite 20 ☼♦ puce5:0 Rough rhodolite sprite.png Cut rhodolite sprite.png Metamorphic, Kimberlite Small clusters
Semi-Precious rubicelle 20 ☼♦ red6:1 Rough rubicelle sprite.png Cut rubicelle sprite.png Metamorphic, Diorite, Gabbro Small clusters
Semi-Precious tanzanite 20 ☼♦ azure5:1 Rough tanzanite sprite.png Cut tanzanite sprite.png Gabbro Small clusters
Semi-Precious topazolite 20 ☼♦ saffron6:1 Rough topazolite sprite.png Cut topazolite sprite.png Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious topaz 20 ☼♦ goldenrod6:1 Rough topaz sprite.png Cut topaz sprite.png Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious tsavorite 30 ☼♦ green2:0 Rough tsavorite sprite.png Cut tsavorite sprite.png Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious violet spessartine 20 ☼♦ violet5:1 Rough violet spessartine sprite.png Cut violet spessartine sprite.png Metamorphic, Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious white opal 20 ☼♦ white7:1 Rough white opal sprite.png Cut white opal sprite.png All stone Small clusters
Semi-Precious yellow grossular 20 ☼♦ yellow6:1 Rough yellow grossular sprite.png Cut yellow grossular sprite.png Marble Small clusters
Semi-Precious yellow spessartine 20 ☼♦ yellow6:1 Rough yellow spessartine sprite.png Cut yellow spessartine sprite.png Metamorphic, Granite Small clusters
Semi-Precious yellow zircon 20 ☼♦ yellow6:1 Rough yellow zircon sprite.png Cut yellow zircon sprite.png All igneous, Metamorphic Small clusters
Precious emerald 40 ☼♦ emerald2:0 Rough emerald sprite.png Cut emerald sprite.png Granite, Schist, Marble Small clusters
Precious faint yellow diamond 40 ☼♦ beige6:0 Rough faint yellow diamond sprite.png Cut faint yellow diamond sprite.png Kimberlite Small clusters
Precious ruby 40 ☼♦ scarlet4:0 Rough ruby sprite.png Cut ruby sprite.png Bauxite Small clusters
Precious sapphire 40 ☼♦ azure1:0 Rough sapphire sprite.png Cut sapphire sprite.png Bauxite Small clusters
Rare black diamond 60 ☼♦ black0:1 Rough black diamond sprite.png Cut black diamond sprite.png Faint yellow diamond Single gem
Rare blue diamond 60 ☼♦ blue1:0 Rough blue diamond sprite.png Cut blue diamond sprite.png Faint yellow diamond Single gem
Rare clear diamond 60 ☼♦ clear7:1 Rough clear diamond sprite.png Cut clear diamond sprite.png Faint yellow diamond Single gem
Rare green diamond 60 ☼♦ green2:0 Rough green diamond sprite.png Cut green diamond sprite.png Faint yellow diamond Single gem
Rare red diamond 60 ☼♦ scarlet4:0 Rough red diamond sprite.png Cut red diamond sprite.png Faint yellow diamond Single gem
Rare star ruby 60 ☼♦ red4:1 Rough star ruby sprite.png Cut ruby sprite.png Ruby Single gem
Rare star sapphire 60 ☼♦ light blue1:1 Rough star sapphire sprite.png Cut star sapphire sprite.png Sapphire Single gem
Rare yellow diamond 60 ☼♦ yellow6:1 Rough yellow diamond sprite.png Cut yellow diamond sprite.png Faint yellow diamond Single gem

See here or here for a sortable, print-friendly spreadsheet with all gems and their values.

See here for a text list of rough gems sorted alphabetically by variety.

Unlike other gems, diamonds can ignite if they come into contact with magma.

Gem cuts

Finished gems have a particular cut, which doesn't affect the gem's value. A gem may appear to have multiple cuts, such as a "square brilliant" or "tapered baguette" cut, but these combinations are actually distinct cuts (judging by the game's raws). Some gem cuts are also known as "cabochons", which have a basic "shape" cut typically as a rounded, polished stone. Gizzard stones do not have cuts.

List of cuts:

  • baguette cut
  • briolette cut
  • cushion ... cabochon
  • cushion cut
  • emerald cut
  • marquise cut
  • octagon cut
  • oval ... cabochon
  • oval cut
  • pear cut
  • point cut
  • radiant cut
  • rectangular ... cabochon
  • rose cut
  • round brilliant cut
  • round ... cabochon
  • single cut
  • square brilliant cut
  • square cut
  • table cut
  • tapered baguette cut
  • trillion cut

Large gems (the finished good) are referred to as a singular version of their material such as "large single cut clear zircon" or "large cushion moonstone cabochon". Cut gems (the most common output of gem cutting which is used for decorating) are referred to as a plural version of their material such as "round brilliant cut peridots" or "cushion green diamond cabochons".

Rare gems

Faint yellow diamonds only appear in kimberlite (which, itself, only appears in gabbro layers) and sapphires and rubies only appear in bauxite (which occurs in any sedimentary layers). Colored diamonds only occur in pre-existing clusters of faint yellow diamonds, and in the gem-encrusted walls on the bottom-most cavern layer. Star sapphires and star rubies only occur within clusters of their peers.

Glass

Raw glass is treated as an uncut gem. There are three subtypes of raw glass (and, once cut, of cut glass gems):

Gems

Gem name Value Color Sprite Requires
green glass 2× ☼♦ Green glass sprite.png Cut green glass sprite.png bag full of sand
clear glass 5× ☼♦ Clear crystal glass.png Cut clear glass sprite.png bag full of sand + pearlash
crystal glass 10× ☼♦ Clear crystal glass.png Cut crystal glass sprite.png rough rock crystal + pearlash

Making raw glass requires a dwarf with the glassmaking labor designated, and, just like working metal, it also requires fuel (either coke or charcoal) at a normal glass furnace, or magma at a magma glass furnace. Like all gems, raw glass has no quality modifiers. Note that cut rock crystals can't be used to make crystal glass objects.

Raw gems are only one of the many things your glassmakers can make from glass. See glass and glass industry for more information.

In real life

A gem is a mineral (or a mineral-like material) admired by a culture, often due to their beauty and durability (resistance to scratches), so that they have economic value in and of themselves.

Most gems are made of the same basic minerals found in common rocks; but their atoms are arranged into ordered patterns, called crystals, with drastic consequences to their appearance and material properties. For example, the same mineral quartz that looks so unremarkable in quartzite may form the strikingly geometric, beautifully translucent rock crystals, if it has the space to grow up slowly – in a crack or cavity within granite rock, for example.

  • Quartzite, an unremarkable stone.

  • Rock crystal growing inside a rock cavity. These are made of the same basic stuff as quartzite, only better arranged.

Each particular crystal has a stable angle between its faces, depending on the underlying atomic structure; quartz is hexagonal, while rock salt is cubic.

  • Hexagonal (left) and cubic (right) patterns of ordered mineral growth.

  • Rough rock crystals (quartz).

  • A large rock crystal, cut in an emerald-cut shape. Expert gem cutters will work with the natural planes of the crystal's structure, making them shiny and reflective.

  • Cubic rock salt crystals (click to embiggen).

A more drastic (and famous) example is carbon. The organic content of sedimentary rocks like bituminous coal may be pressured and heated into honeycomb layers, forming the metamorphic stone graphite (which we use in pencils, and dwarves use for long-lasting fires). That very same carbon may be shaped, with more pressure and less heat (when, for example, stricken by a meteorite), into the nested cubes known as diamonds.

Some non-mineral materials that have been sometimes considered "gems" include organic products like amber, coral, and pearl; and rocks (bundles of multiple minerals) like jet, jade and lapis lazuli. Of these, pearl only exists in DF as a placeholder, coral and amber in the most rudimentary of forms; but not as gemstones. Jet counts as a regular stone in DF, while jade (in various colors) and lapis lazuli are gemstones.

"Gem" in other Languages Books-aj.svg aj ashton 01.svg
Dwarven: kadôl
Elven: eruwa
Goblin: straza
Human: ves
V · T · E
Ornamental (2☼-15☼)
Agates
Feldspars
Jades
Jaspers
Opals
Quartzes
Tourmalines
Semi-Precious (20☼-30☼)
Beryls
Chrysoberyls
Garnets
Grossulars
Opals
Zircons
Tourmalines
Spinels
Precious (40☼)
Rare (60☼)
See also: Diamond • Opal • Glass • Pearl • Stone
V · T · E
More: Gems • Metals • Stones
Creature
Blood • Bone • Cartilage • Cheese • Chitin • Egg • Fat • Feather • Hair (Wool • Yarn) • Hoof • Horn • Ichor • Leather • Milk • Meat • Nail • Nervous tissue • Organs • Parchment • Pearl • Scale • Shell • Silk • Skin • Spit • Sweat • Tallow • Tears • Tooth • Wax
Plant
Fiber (Paper • Slurry) • Flower • Fruit • Leaf • Oil • Plant powders (Dye • Flour • Sugar) • Seed (Press cake) • Wood
Creature/Plant
Inorganic
Hardcoded
Amber • Ash • Coral • Filth • Fuel • Glass • Grime • Ice • Lye • Magma • Mud • Pearlash • Potash • Salt • Unknown substance • Vomit • Water
See also: Material science
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