在研究巴西生产的宝石的特征之前,对“贵石”(Precious)和“半贵石”(Semi-Precious)术语作简要说明是很有必要的,这两个术语不仅在巴西广泛使用,而且在其他各国也广为使用。事实上,对大多数人来说,贵石仅指金刚石、红宝石和兰宝石(矿物刚玉的变种)及祖母绿(矿物绿柱石的草绿色变种)。所有其他宝石都认为是半贵石。但根据一些人的意见,除了上述四种贵石外,还可以增加六、七种,即加上称为 Before examining the characteristics of gemstones produced in Brazil, it is necessary to give a brief description of the terms “Precious” and “Semi-Precious,” both not only widely used in Brazil, but also It is also widely used in other countries. In fact, for most people, precious stones refer only to diamonds, rubies and sapphires (variants of mineral corundum) and emeralds (turf green varieties of mineral beryl). All other gems are considered semiprecious stones. However, according to some people’s opinions, in addition to the above four types of precious stones, six or seven additional types can be added, that is,