Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in India at least 2,500 years ago.

There are over 130 species of minerals that have been cut into gems with 50 species in common use. These include:

Chrysocolla , Chrysoprase, Diamond, Emerald, Feldspar (moonstone), Garnet, Hematite, Jade - jadeite and nephrite, Jasper, Kunzite, Lapis lazuli, Malachite, Obsidian, Olivine (Peridot), Opal (Girasol), Pyrite.